Helping Believers Overcome Apathy and Comfort with Scott Hildreth

Do you talk with believers that are apathetic towards world missions? Perhaps you're currently discipling someone who can’t seem to get out of their comfort zone. If so, today’s episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast will equip you with practical ideas as you have these difficult conversations. Our host, Dave Jacob, sat down with Scott Hildreth, the associate professor of missiology and associate dean of the ministry preparation area at Southeastern Seminary. A former missionary himself, Scott is working to educate and mobilize the next generation of missionaries. Here’s what Dave asked:

 

1. What is your story of how the Lord “awakened the missionary within you”?

 

2. In a culture that values exploring the world as an opportunity to see exotic places and experience new things, how do we develop a heart sensitive to the world’s vast lostness and need for the gospel?

 

3. In your book, you write, “Far too many of us live out the words of John Ryland: ‘If God wants to reach them, He can do it without my help.’” Where does this idea come from? What’s wrong with it? What does it reveal about us?

 

4. According to a study from Lifeway Research, more than 2 in 3 U.S. Protestant pastors (67%) believe comfort is an idol that has significant influence on their congregations. How can mobilizers help others overcome this apathy and comfort?

 

5. Throughout the text you break down the Great Commission and note that it is for all believers. Unpack that a little bit for us.

 

6. How can mobilizers use this text as a mobilization tool?

 

7. What do you hope this book does for believers who read it?