World Class - Listening. Learning. Living
Welcome to World Class, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the vibrant and diverse voices shaping theological education worldwide. Imagine a global classroom where faith, culture, and wisdom intersect—this is the heart of World Class. In each episode, we engage in rich conversations with educators, leaders, and practitioners from around the globe. Together, we listen to their stories, learn from their insights, and explore how theology connects with real-life challenges and opportunities. Whether you're a student, teacher, or curious seeker, World Class invites you to broaden your perspective, deepen your understanding, and live out your faith in meaningful ways. Join us as we navigate the global landscape of theological education—one conversation at a time. Ready to embark on this journey? Class is in session. Support this ministry (copy url & use browser): https://portal.internationalministries.org/global-servant-support?sfcampaign=7013m0000016yOuAAI
* Logo Concept: Rodney Ragwan
* Logo Design: Renee Peters
* Music: Edwin Ragwan
* Intro Voice: Yeshodha Ragwan
Episodes
22 episodes
Sadhu Sundar Singh: Lessons from a Global Witness to Christ
In this episode, I reflect on the life and witness of Sadhu Sundar Singh, a deeply influential Christian figure whose faith was shaped within the cultural and spiritual world of South Asia.Drawing on biblical reflection, historic...
The Pastor’s Calling: Motivation, Formation, and Mission - Dr. Jeremy Myers
In this episode of World Class, I speak with Rev. Dr. Jeremy Myers, a pastor serving in Indiana, about the heart and challenges of pastoral ministry today. Jeremy reflects on his calling, what continues to motivate him as a shepherd of God’s pe...
Rev. David Newton Nathaniel: A South–South Mission Story by Rodney Ragwan
This episode of World Class tells the powerful and often overlooked story of Rev. David Newton Nathaniel, an Indian missionary who served in South Africa in the early 1950s. His life opens our eyes to a wider mission story—one in which the gosp...
Women and Ministry with Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard shares her remarkable journey as a pastor, educator, and leader in the Church. As President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers’ Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Director of Christian...
George Liele: Pioneer Missionary from the Margins - Rodney Ragwan
In this World Class episode, Rodney Ragwan highlights the remarkable life and legacy of George Liele (1750–1828) — a man born into slavery who became the first Baptist missionary and a pioneer of global mission long before William Carey sailed ...
Gen Z and Digital Discipleship with Rev. Sali Emmanuel Vemarathnam
In this episode of World Class, I sit down with Rev. Sali Emmanuel Vemarathnam for an engaging conversation on Gen Z and Digital Discipleship. Together, we explore how today’s generation is navigating faith in a digital age—where screens, socia...
NextGen Voices: Faith in Action Across the Globe
In this special episode of World Class, I sit down with Gen Z leaders from South Africa, India, Australia, the USA, and the UK to hear their stories of faith, ministry, and making an impact in their communities. These young voices share how the...
Nicene Faith – Towards a Contemporary Reformed Reading - Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian
In this episode of World Class, Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian joins us to reflect on his article “Nicene Faith – Towards a Contemporary Reformed Reading.” Together, we revisit the Council of Nicaea—1700 years ago—and explore why it still matters f...
From Refugee to Missionary: A Journey of Grace and Gritt - Yuree Lembke
Yuree Lembke’s From Refugee to Missionary: A Journey of Grace and Grit traces her remarkable path from childhood in Burma, through the hardships of life as a refugee in Thailand, to becoming a missionary. She shares vivid memories of growing up...
Season 2: Legacy, Law, and Living Faith - Ashalia Rangiah
In this Season 2 premiere of World Class: Listening. Learning. Living., I sit down with Ashalia Rangiah, a dynamic South African attorney, advocate for justice, and great-great-granddaughter of the pioneering Indian Christian leader, Rev. John ...
War, Nonviolence, and Working for Peace - Dr. Peter Sensenig
In this timely and powerful episode, Dr. Peter Sensenig shares a compelling vision of Christian peacemaking grounded in Scripture, theology, and real-world experience. He unpacks the rich biblical concept of shalom and calls the church to embod...
From Northeast India to Silicon Valley – Revs. Drs. Margareth L. and Wungreiso Valui
In this engaging and insightful episode, Pastors Margaret and Wung Valui share their remarkable journey from the hill regions of Northeast India to pastoral leadership in Silicon Valley. Rooted in a deep call to ministry, they reflect on their ...
Theology in Color, Sound, and Form - Rev. Perry Brisbon
In this engaging episode, artist-theologian Perry Brisbon explores how sound—especially through music and vocal performance—can be a sacred medium for doing theology. Brisbon shares how melody, tone, and timing often reveal deep theological tru...
The Power of Storytelling - Rev. Terrance Jacob
In this powerful episode of The Power of Storytelling, Rev. Terrance Jacob—a South African-born Lutheran pastor serving in the USA—shares transformative stories from his life and ministry. He recalls a childhood experience with his father at a ...
Spiritual Disciplines for a Changing World" with Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese
In this profound and timely conversation, Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese, spiritual director, theologian, and trauma-informed educator, explores the vital role of spiritual disciplines in an age of constant change, uncertainty, and distraction. Drawin...
John Rangiah - A Missiological Perspective on His Legacy - Rodney Ragwan
World Class tells the inspiring story of John Rangiah, an often-overlooked Indian missionary who journeyed from Nellore, India, to Natal, South Africa, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This episode explores Rangiah's pivotal role in e...
Missional Renewal in the Age of Globalization – Rev. Dr. D. Elmo Familiaran
In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Elmo, Adjunct Faculty in the Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Leadership program at Palmer Theological Seminary, for a powerful conversation on mission in a globalized world.Together, w...
The Intersection of Faith, Business, and Leadership – Dr. David Bronkema
In this episode, I’m joined by the distinguished Professor and Templeton Chair for Christian Service through Entrepreneurship at Eastern University. Together, we explore how faith and business converge in meaningful ways.We dive into th...
Missiology in Action: The Heart of International Ministries – Rev. Dr. Sharon Koh
Sharon Koh, CEO/Executive Director of International Ministries, explores the core missiological approach of International Ministries (IM) and its integration of proclamation, discipleship, and social justice in mission work. She highlights the ...
Contextual Theology and Intercultural Ministry: Bridging Gospel and Culture - Rev. Dr. Marie Onubuariri
My guest in this episode is the Rev. Dr. Marie Onubuariri, Director of Intercultural Ministries at the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.In this episode, Marie explores the intersection of contextual theology and intercultural min...
Welcoming the Stranger: Faith, Migration, and the Mission of the Church - Rev. Dr. Sam George
Rev. Dr. Sam George is my guest on this podcast. He is the Director of the Global Diaspora Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and a Catalyst for the Lausanne Movement.He explores one of the most urgent and transformativ...
Launching World Class - Rodney Ragwan
In this inaugural episode of World Class, host Rodney Ragwan, a Global Servant with International Ministries, explores the essence of theology and introduces contextual theology—understanding faith within specific cultural contexts. He...