Summary
In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with special guests Karen Rouggly from Azusa Pacific University (APU) and Jared Falkanger from Wheaton College. The episode centers on engaging college students and young adults with God’s global mission, particularly through participation in the Urbana conference.
Mark introduces the podcast’s mission to empower Christian leaders on college campuses with tools and strategies to help students engage with world challenges and expand the gospel’s reach. Phoebe shares her own transformative experience attending Urbana as a freshman and her passion for integrating technology with missions, highlighting community building and the unique impact Urbana had on her college journey.
Moreover, Karen and Jared discuss their respective roles in spiritual formation and ministry, and detail how they’ve mobilized students to attend Urbana. Karen recounts her experiences as both an exhibitor and organizer, emphasizing the value of connecting students with global missions and the importance of resilience and grit in today’s context. Jared reflects on Wheaton’s longstanding Urbana participation, describing the conference as a catalytic experience that energizes students’ spiritual journeys and community involvement.
The conversation explores generational shifts, the impact of COVID-19 on student resilience, and the expanding possibilities for global connectivity and missions within Generation Z. Both guests attest to Urbana’s power in sparking lifelong discipleship and inspiring students to actively engage in God’s redemptive work both locally and globally. The episode concludes with encouragement for leaders to leverage Urbana as a spiritual spark for their student communities. Listen today!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(09:04) Community Mobilization After California’s Wildfires
(18:57) What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ?
(21:46) Urbana’s Impact on Wheaton College’s Staff
(25:37) Exploring Multicultural Worship and Unity
(31:03) Student Engagement in Real-World Opportunities
(38:03) Shifting from a Local to a Digital Society
(43:24) Learning from Past Generations
(44:51) Guiding Future Christian Leaders
(48:57) Finding Renewal in Ministry
(55:09) Fostering Community at Urbana
(58:00) Closing Thoughts
Links