Discussion Questions:
- Seth Clark talks about “getting to participate” in something meaningful at the border—how does viewing our work as participation in God’s activity change the way we approach ministry or leadership?
- What do you think Tod means when he says, “the future is here, it’s just on the margins”? How might that apply to your faith community or leadership role?
- Both Markus and Tod highlight the discomfort and unfamiliarity of border ministry. Why do you think stepping into uncomfortable spaces can be a catalyst for growth and change in leadership?
- Tod encourages us to go into new situations as learners and to get curious rather than suspicious. How might curiosity shape our engagement with people who are different from us?
- How can we practically foster a posture of curiosity—asking “what do I wonder about?” and “what do I worry about?”—in our own contexts?
- Tod shares the story of getting to know his barber from Uzbekistan. How can everyday cross-cultural interactions open us up to new understanding, even outside of formal ministry settings?
- The episode discusses external resistance, such as government policies or border patrol, in border ministry. What are some forms of resistance you’ve encountered in your context, and how have you navigated them?
- Tod talks about not pushing back against resistance but instead “coming alongside” people with whom we disagree. What might that look like in your life or ministry right now?
- What does it mean to you to “lean into the discomfort of resistance,” and what spiritual or practical tools help you do this?
- The conversation ends with a reminder that we all “get to participate” in God’s work, wherever we are. How can you reframe challenges in your context as opportunities for participation and transformation?
