In this episode, Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church and founding board chairman of Radius International, joins us to discuss the extraordinary life and ministry of John G. Paton, a nineteenth-century missionary to the New Hebrides. Drawing from his experience contributing to a docuseries on global missions, Chad reflects on Paton’s unwavering faith, theological convictions, and perseverance in the face of immense challenges, including tribal conflicts and personal loss.

Together, we explore the spiritual and cultural context of the New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu), the lessons Paton’s life offers for modern missionaries, and the role of local churches in supporting mission work today. We also discuss the importance of heavenly-mindedness, the grace of God made perfect in weakness, and practical ways listeners can get involved in the Great Commission.

Whether you’re passionate about missions or looking for inspiration to deepen your faith, this episode offers rich insights into the transformative power of the gospel and its call to every believer.

Links

• Christ the Center episode 850 — Training and Equipping Missionaries with Chad Vegas and Jonathan Master
• John G. Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides, An Autobiography
• The Making of Missionary: John Paton (Vanuatu)
• Camden Bucey, To the Ends of the Earth: The Great Commission and God’s Unfolding Plan for the Nations
• Dan Ragusa, Fullness of Joy: A Biblical Theology of God with Us
• Mark R. Brown, ed., Order in the Offices: Essays Defining the Roles of Church Officers (2nd ed.)
• 2024 Christmas Extravanganza

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Sponsor: Five More Talents
• 00:01:35 Introduction
• 00:03:58 New Books from Reformed Forum
• 00:07:47 Christmas Extravaganza (12/20/2024)
• 00:10:40 Radius International, Missionary, and Resources on Missions
• 00:18:42 Missions and Theology
• 00:20:32 Escaping a Small-Minded Mindset Regarding Missions
• 00:25:55 Missions and the Family
• 00:33:36 John G. Paton’s Story
• 00:39:38 The Testimony of an “Elephant” Church
• 00:41:22 The Islands and the People Paton Served
• 00:46:19 Heavenly-Mindedness and God’s Grace Made Perfect in Weakness
• 00:52:39 Obstacles to Going into the Field
• 00:57:41 Supporting Missions
• 01:05:38 Next Steps for Getting Involved
• 01:11:15 The Work of the Great Commission Is Everywhere
• 01:18:53 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Vegas, Ryan Noha

Christ the Center is on the road as Camden Bucey speaks with two guests from the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Conference. This episode explores Reformed theology and its profound impact on missions. Camden is joined by Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church and founding board chairman of Radius International, along with Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to explore the vital relationship between theological education and missionary work.

The conversation covers a broad spectrum, from the excitement surrounding the seminary’s annual spring conference to the innovative partnership between Greenville Seminary and Radius International, aimed at equipping the next generation for church planting among unreached language groups. Chad Vegas also shares his personal journey from a dispensationalist background to embracing Reformed theology and the inception of Radius International. This episode sheds light on the challenges and strategies of missionary work, emphasizing the necessity of a solid biblical foundation, cultural sensitivity, and the indispensable role of the local church in sending and supporting missionaries. Join us for an engaging discussion that reaffirms the vital role of Reformed theology in advancing the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Chapters

• [00:00:07] Introduction
• [00:06:35] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Focus on Missions
• [00:08:35] Radius International and Church Planting among Unreached Groups
• [00:12:43] Missionary Training and Biblical Foundations
• [00:18:13] Historical and Theological Foundations of Missions
• [00:23:22] A Personal Journey to Reformed Theology
• [00:39:13] Development of Radius International
• [00:48:24] Missionary Work and Cultural Engagement
• [00:58:46] Evolving Role of Reformed Theology in Modern Missions
• [01:10:09] Future Directions for Presbyterian Missions

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Vegas, Jonathan Master