In this episode of Proximity, we sit down with Scott Nelson from the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church to talk about The Lost Art of Reaching. Scott has spent years walking alongside churches of every size and style—rural, urban, suburban, multiethnic, and multi-generational—and brings a front-row perspective to how ministry is changing in today’s culture. Together, we explore what it really means to “reach” people in a post-Christian world, where traditional models of church engagement no longer connect the way they once did.

Scott shares how reaching others begins with listening well, loving deeply, and living with a missionary mindset in our own neighborhoods. We discuss how the Evangelical Covenant Church’s B.L.E.S.S. framework—begin with prayer, listen, eat, serve, and share—offers a simple yet powerful way to embody the gospel through everyday relationships. Scott also highlights stories of churches that are finding creative ways to meet people where they are, breaking down barriers between sacred and secular spaces.

This episode reminds us that reaching isn’t about programs or platforms—it’s about presence. It’s the patient, Spirit-led work of showing up, building trust, and letting God open doors of influence and conversation. The Lost Art of Reaching challenges us to rediscover evangelism not as a task to complete but as a lifestyle to live—one that reflects Jesus’ compassion, humility, and hope in every interaction.

Interviewee: Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is the Associate Superintendent of the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, helping pastors, leaders, and churches to actively engage the mission of God, especially in church planting and leadership development. He has a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary, where he did a national research project on pastoral support, which became a book titled Supply Lines. Scott has spoken across the country and planted a church in Modesto, CA (which later planted a church) with his wife Hannah and five kids. He loves the outdoors, photography, and good food with great friends.

www.northwestconference.org

www.amazon.com/Supply-Lines-Supporting-Relationship-Planter/dp/B0C5S7Q4NC

www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

covchurch.org/make-and-deepen-disciples/intentional-evangelism/bless-resources/

Proximity Podcast - Episode 3
The Lost Art of Formation - Sara Richards

In this episode of Proximity, we explore The Lost Art of Formation with Sara Richards, the Campus Pastor of Discipleship at Bethel University. Together, we unpack what spiritual formation truly means in a world driven by achievement, distraction, and instant gratification. Sara shares how young adults today are navigating the tension between performance-based faith and a genuine, abiding relationship with Jesus. We talk about how formation happens best not in isolation but in community—through practices that shape the heart over time, like prayer, reflection, and intentional mentoring relationships.

Sara invites us to see formation as a lifelong journey, one that integrates head, heart, and hands. It's not about checking spiritual boxes but learning to live from a place of surrender and awareness of God's presence in everyday life. We discuss the importance of making space for stillness and the role of discomfort in spiritual growth—how God often does His deepest work when we slow down and let Him lead.

Ultimately, The Lost Art of Formation challenges us to resist shallow spirituality and to rediscover a life rooted in being, not just doing. Whether you're a student, a leader, or simply someone longing to grow deeper in faith, this conversation offers practical wisdom for how to become more like Jesus from the inside out.

Interviewee: Sara Richards

Pastor Sara joins the Bethel University team with a heart for the spiritual formation and direction of college-age students. She has over 20 years of pastoral experience and has earned postgraduate certificates in spiritual formation and spiritual direction. Sara is married to her husband Chad and has three sons, Zach, Caden, and Eli. She holds a B.A. from Bethel University '96.

Book References
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation (Transforming Resources): tinyurl.com/yurdymj8

Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.: tinyurl.com/36n2wnwx

The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives: tinyurl.com/2cxuxfta

Renovation of the Heart: tinyurl.com/552d4tcb

Bible Project: bibleproject.com

Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation: tinyurl.com/2kyz4jch

The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus: tinyurl.com/5bpm6s5r

Proximity Podcast - Episode 2
The Lost Art of Hospitality - Dr. Matthew McBirth

Hospitality is more than a great charcuterie board or a night of laughter with friends. In
many cultures, it’s a rite of passage—a sacred invitation into belonging and
understanding. In this episode of Proximity, we rediscover hospitality as a way of life,
not just an occasional event.

Jesus modeled this kind of radical welcome—sharing tables with the outcast and the
overlooked, turning ordinary meals into moments of transformation. True hospitality isn’t
about presentation; it’s about presence. It’s creating space where people feel seen,
safe, and significant.

Our guest, Dr. Matthew McBirth, shares stories and insights about cultivating authentic
community in everyday life—where sharing meals and opening doors can change
hearts. In a divided world, hospitality may be one of the most powerful ways to love like
Jesus and make room for God to move.

Podcast interviewee: Dr. Matthew McBirth

Matthew serves as Professor of Biblical Studies and the Director of Multicultural Affairs Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary, where he strives to raise up servant leaders who love, honor, embrace, and encourage kingdom diversity for the sake of the Gospel. He is married to his beautiful bride, Allison, whom he met during his student years at OCC. They have two precious children. Apart from talking about the Bible and unity within the church, on campus, and in society, Matthew enjoys playing and hanging with his family. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in New Testament Context (Northern Seminary) where he wrote "Jesus, the Early Church, and Belonging: A Contextual Study of Hospitality in the New Testament World.”

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Proximity is a podcast from Mission Church, a new church serving the northwest region of Minneapolis/St. Paul. It is here that we address the relational, situational, cultural, and spiritual implications through real-life interactions. Each of us experiences moments that require us to step up, forward, back, and out, but how do you discern the best response? We step into a dangerous middle, holding these tensions in love, full of grace and truth.

Connect with Mission Church MSP: missionchurchmsp.org
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