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 oppo ...
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Rodney Ragwan Podcasts
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Women and Ministry with Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard
37:37
37:37
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37:37Send us a text 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 Education, and assistant pastor, Dr. Woodard brings decades of wisdom shaped by both schol…
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George Liele: Pioneer Missionary from the Margins - Rodney Ragwan
18:34
18:34
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18:34Send us a text 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 for India. Through this 25-minute reflection, Rodney explores Liele’s theology of freedom, …
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Gen Z and Digital Discipleship with Rev. Sali Emmanuel Vemarathnam
47:06
47:06
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47:06Send us a text 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, social media, and instant connectivity shape identity and community. Rev. Sali brings deep insig…
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NextGen Voices: Faith in Action Across the Globe
1:10:42
1:10:42
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1:10:42Send us a text 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 they navigate challenges and live out their calling in diverse cultural contexts. I also had t…
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Nicene Faith – Towards a Contemporary Reformed Reading - Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian
1:10:01
1:10:01
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1:10:01Send us a text 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 for the church today. From empire and power shaping theology in the 4th century to the ongoi…
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From Refugee to Missionary: A Journey of Grace and Gritt - Yuree Lembke
1:00:30
1:00:30
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1:00:30Send us a text 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 amid political unrest, facing hunger, limited education, and uncertainty as a refugee. Thr…
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Season 2: Legacy, Law, and Living Faith - Ashalia Rangiah
31:25
31:25
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31:25Send us a text 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 Rangiah. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ashalia reflects on the legacy of her forebear,…
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War, Nonviolence, and Working for Peace - Dr. Peter Sensenig
52:28
52:28
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52:28Send us a text 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 embody the peace of Christ in a world marked by violence and division. Through stories of reconc…
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From Northeast India to Silicon Valley – Revs. Drs. Margareth L. and Wungreiso Valui
1:00:11
1:00:11
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1:00:11Send us a text 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 theological formation, cross-cultural experiences, and life as a clergy couple serving in o…
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Theology in Color, Sound, and Form - Rev. Perry Brisbon
1:01:19
1:01:19
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1:01:19Send us a text 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 truths beyond what words alone can convey. Drawing from his experience as a worship leader, he…
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The Power of Storytelling - Rev. Terrance Jacob
1:03:10
1:03:10
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1:03:10Send us a text 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 cultural gathering that sparked early awareness of identity and belonging. He also reflects…
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Spiritual Disciplines for a Changing World" with Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese
52:17
52:17
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52:17Send us a text 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. Drawing from her personal journey and decades of formation work, she redefines spiritual discipli…
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John Rangiah - A Missiological Perspective on His Legacy - Rodney Ragwan
28:12
28:12
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28:12Send us a text 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 establishing the Indian Baptist Church amidst the racial segregation of the time, his cultur…
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Missional Renewal in the Age of Globalization – Rev. Dr. D. Elmo Familiaran
52:54
52:54
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52:54Send us a text 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, we explore how globalization is transforming the way we think about mission, evangelism, culture, r…
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The Intersection of Faith, Business, and Leadership – Dr. David Bronkema
37:42
37:42
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37:42Send us a text 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 the ways spiritual values shape ethical decision-making, leadership styles, and workplace culture. Y…
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Missiology in Action: The Heart of International Ministries – Rev. Dr. Sharon Koh
36:15
36:15
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36:15Send us a text 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 biblical and theological foundations shaping IM’s global engagement and its commitment to c…
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Contextual Theology and Intercultural Ministry: Bridging Gospel and Culture - Rev. Dr. Marie Onubuariri
34:44
34:44
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34:44Send us a text 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 ministry. She shares how understanding the relationship between the Gospel and culture shapes ministr…
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Welcoming the Stranger: Faith, Migration, and the Mission of the Church - Rev. Dr. Sam George
46:29
46:29
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46:29Send us a text 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 transformative realities of our time—migration. As a global expert on migration and diaspora communities, Dr. …
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Send us a text 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 emphasizes that while contextual theology acknowledges diverse perspectives, it remains firmly grou…
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