Episode 64: Will Smith - Resources From The Harvest: Rethinking Church and Mission

Send us a text

What if everything we thought we knew about church and mission was backward? In this eye-opening conversation with veteran missionary Will Smith of E3 Partners, we explore a revolutionary perspective on discipleship that challenges conventional thinking about how churches function and grow.

Will shares powerful stories from his years in South Asia and his current work with migrant populations in Europe that illustrate a fundamental truth: "The client is the lost, not the church." This paradigm shift forces us to reconsider our priorities and methods. Are we building institutions or making disciples? Are we consumers of religious services or participants in God's mission?

The most compelling insight might be Will's assertion that "the resources are in the harvest." Rather than looking exclusively within established Christian communities for ministry partners, Will explains how new believers—those freshly harvested from fields white unto harvest—often become the most effective evangelists and disciple-makers. They haven't learned to compartmentalize their faith or delegate sharing the gospel to "professionals."

We also dive into an incredible case study from the Mexico-US border, where thousands of migrants in a temporary camp in Reynosa encountered the gospel. Within days, baptisms were happening in blue barrels, Bible studies were forming organically, and new believers were immediately sharing their faith. Though the transient nature of the population created unique challenges, the rapid multiplication of disciples demonstrated what's possible when we embrace biblical discipleship principles.

If you're tired of church-as-usual and long to see the kind of movement Jesus started, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you. Whether you're a pastor, missionary, or someone seeking to follow Jesus more authentically, Will's insights from decades on the mission field will equip you to think differently about discipleship in your context. Subscribe now and join the conversation about how we can effectively join God in all He's doing around the world!