Follow Forward

Follow Forward S2 Ep3 | Decolonising Mission 🌍 Harvey Kwiyani

What happens when we reimagine mission without empires?

In this episode of the Follow Forward Podcast, Tim sits down with Harvey Kwiyani, a Malawian-born theologian, author, and Executive Director of Missio Africanus (https://missioafricanus.com/), for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of mission and the global Church.

Harvey's journey from Malawi to Europe has given him a unique perspective on Christianity, migration, culture, and mission. Drawing from his own story and his work in Decolonizing Mission (https://www.amazon.co.za/Decolonizing-Mission-Harvey-C-Kwiyani/dp/0334063191), he challenges us to reconsider who we imagine as missionaries, where God is already at work, and what it means to follow Jesus in an increasingly multicultural world.

Together, Tim and Harvey explore the legacy and complexity of Christian mission, the rise of the global Church, and the growing influence of African and migrant Christians in Europe. They discuss why mission should not be about domination or conquest, but about liberation—and why the Church needs to learn to listen, receive, and recognise the gifts God has placed in different parts of Christ's global body.

The conversation also explores how migration is reshaping Christianity, the importance of contextualising the Gospel, and why effective mission requires vulnerability, humility, mutuality and a willingness to learn from others.

About Dr Harvey Kwiyani
Dr Harvey Kwiyani is a Malawian-born theologian, author and Executive Director of Missio Africanus. His experience across Africa, Europe and North America has shaped his work exploring world Christianity, migration, mission and theology. His writing includes Decolonizing Mission and Multicultural Kingdom (https://amzn.eu/d/04pGZO52), and his ministry focuses on helping the global Church engage in mission through greater diversity, collaboration and mutual learning.

We'd love to hear from you!
What challenged or encouraged you most in this conversation?

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments.
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About the Follow Forward Podcast
Follow Forward explores Real Stories. Global Voices. Christ-centred Servant Leadership.
Hosted by Tim Tucker, each episode features authentic conversations with Christian leaders from around the world who are faithfully serving Jesus in diverse cultures and contexts. Together, we explore leadership, mission, discipleship, justice, evangelism and the practical realities of following Christ today.

At Follow Forward, we believe meaningful conversations can challenge, inspire and help us grow. Every guest speaks from their own convictions and lived experience, creating space for honest dialogue, thoughtful reflection and a deeper walk with Jesus Christ.

#FollowForwardPodcast #HarveyKwiyani #DecolonizingMission #Mission #GlobalChurch #WorldChristianity #AfricanChristianity #MissioAfricanus #ChristianLeadership #ServantLeadership #Migration #CrossCulturalMission #Evangelism #Discipleship #FollowingJesus #TimTucker #MessageGlobal #RealStories #GlobalVoices

Follow Forward S2 Ep2 | Healing the Hurting ❤️‍🩹 Greg Boyle

What if the answer to gang violence isn't tougher policing—but deeper healing?

In this compelling episode of the Follow Forward Podcast, Tim sits down with Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest, bestselling author, and founder of Homeboy Industries—the world's largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry programme—to explore a radically different approach to transformation.

For more than three decades, Greg has walked alongside thousands of formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women in Los Angeles. What began as a small parish response to escalating gang violence has grown into a global movement rooted not in punishment, but in compassion, kinship, and healing.

Together, Tim and Greg explore why violence is always "about something else," how trauma shapes behaviour, why jobs alone don't transform lives, and why healing—not employment—is the true foundation for lasting change. They discuss fatherlessness, hope, belonging, servant leadership, Ubuntu, and the life-changing power of unconditional love.

About Gregory Boyle
Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest, bestselling author, and the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California.

Since 1988, he has dedicated his life to accompanying gang-involved and formerly incarcerated men and women through rehabilitation, healing, education, employment, and community. Under his leadership, Homeboy Industries has become the world's largest gang intervention and re-entry programme, serving thousands of people each year.

Greg is the author of several acclaimed books, including Tattoos on the Heart, Barking to the Choir, and The Whole Language. His message of radical compassion, kinship, and hope has inspired leaders, churches, and communities across the world.

We'd love to hear from you!
If this episode encouraged or challenged you, let us know in the comments.
📧 Questions, comments or feedback followforward@messageglobal.org

If this conversation blessed you, please:
👍 Like the video
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share it with someone who needs to hear it
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Connect with Homeboy Industries:
🌍 Website: https://homeboyindustries.org/
📱 Social Media:
Facebook - @homeboyindustries
Twitter - @homeboyind
Instagram - @homeboyindustries
LinkedIn - homeboy-industries
YouTube – Jobs Not Jails

About the Follow Forward Podcast
Follow Forward is a podcast exploring Real Stories. Global Voices. Christ-centred Servant Leadership.

Hosted by Tim Tucker, each episode features authentic conversations with Christian leaders from around the world who are faithfully serving Jesus in diverse cultures and contexts. Together, we explore leadership, mission, discipleship, justice, evangelism, and the practical realities of following Christ today.

Conversation Note
At Follow Forward, we believe meaningful conversations have the power to challenge, inspire, and help us grow. Throughout this season, you'll hear stories and perspectives from guests representing a wide range of cultures, experiences, and theological viewpoints.

While every guest speaks from their own convictions and lived experience, the views expressed in each episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Follow Forward or our team.

Part of following forward is recognising that we can all learn and grow by listening to people who may not share the same convictions we do. Our heart is to create a space for honest dialogue that encourages thoughtful reflection, deeper understanding, and a closer walk with Jesus Christ.

Our aim is not merely to manage conversations—it is to model the way of Jesus in every conversation.

Follow Forward S2 Ep 1 | The Disciple-Making Crisis 🌱Jeremy Koeries (JK)

What if the Church's greatest challenge isn't a lack of programmes but a lack of disciples?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Follow Forward Podcast, Tim sits down with Jeremy Koeries (JK), co-international director of J Life Africa (https://www.jlife.org/), practical theologian, and disciple-making catalyst, to explore one of the biggest questions facing the Church today: Are we making disciples—or simply maintaining church programmes?

Growing up in Ocean View, Cape Town, Jeremy shares how God shaped his life through community, servant leadership, and a personal encounter with Jesus that transformed not only his faith but also his understanding of Christian ministry. From serving children at risk to equipping leaders across Africa, Jeremy's journey reveals how ordinary believers can participate in God's extraordinary mission of multiplying disciples.

Together, Tim and JK unpack the paradigm shifts needed for churches to move beyond attendance and activity towards authentic disciple-making movements. They discuss leadership, multiplication, contextual ministry across Africa, and why every follower of Jesus is called to both follow Him and help others do the same.

In this episode you'll discover:
✔️ Why disciple-making is much bigger than church programmes
✔️ How Jesus' model transforms leadership
✔️ The mindset shifts preventing churches from multiplying disciples
✔️ Stories of disciple-making movements across Africa
✔️ Practical ways leaders can cultivate healthy disciple-making cultures

We'd love to hear from you!
If this episode encouraged or challenged you, let us know in the comments. 📧 Questions, comments or feedback? Email: followforward@messageglobal.org

If this conversation blessed you, please:
👍 Like the video
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share it with someone who needs to hear it
🔔 Subscribe to the Follow Forward Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Connect with J Life Africa
🌍 Website: https://www.jlife.org/)
📱 Social Media:
Instagram: @jlife_africa_official
Give towards their ministry: https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/jlif2642372

About the Follow Forward Podcast
Follow Forward is a podcast exploring Real Stories. Global Voices. Christ-centred Servant Leadership. Hosted by Tim Tucker, each episode features authentic conversations with Christian leaders from around the world who are faithfully serving Jesus in diverse cultures and contexts. Together, we explore leadership, mission, discipleship, justice, evangelism, and the practical realities of following Christ today.

Our Heart
At Follow Forward, we believe meaningful conversations have the power to challenge, inspire, and help us grow. Throughout this season, you'll hear stories and perspectives from guests representing a wide range of cultures, experiences, and theological viewpoints.
Part of following forward is recognising that we can all learn and grow by listening to people who may not share the same convictions we do. Our heart is to create a space for honest dialogue that encourages thoughtful reflection, deeper understanding, and a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Our aim is not merely to manage comments—it is to model the way of Jesus in every conversation.

More than a Game 🇺🇸⚽ China Maja

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 22 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by South African football coach, mentor, and academy founder Bethuel "China" Maja for an inspiring conversation about faith, leadership, sport, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Born in Mpumalanga and raised in Polokwane, China grew up in a family where faith and football were deeply intertwined. Influenced by his grandfather's ministry and his father's football career, he developed an early passion for the game and left home at just 12 years old to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

In this episode, Tim and China reflect on their first meeting during a sports ministry outreach in Mali in 2001 and explore how God has used sport as a vehicle for discipleship, leadership development, and mission. China shares his remarkable journey from South African football academies to representing his country, studying and playing soccer in the United States, earning both a business degree and MBA, and eventually building one of the leading youth soccer development programs in South Carolina.

Together, they discuss the life lessons sport teaches beyond the field, including discipline, character, resilience, and servant leadership. China explains how his faith has guided every stage of his journey and how God opened doors that ultimately led him from player to coach, entrepreneur, and mentor.

The conversation also explores the vision behind KOSA (Kick Off Soccer Academy) https://www.kickoffsocceracademy.com/, the academy China founded to provide elite training while developing young people of character and purpose. He shares his excitement about expanding KOSA into South Africa (https://kosaafrica.com/), creating opportunities for young African footballers while emphasizing education, faith, and personal development alongside sporting excellence.

Whether you're a leader, coach, educator, parent, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to faithfully follow God's calling, this episode offers powerful insights into leadership, perseverance, and investing in the next generation.

Enjoy.

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST
Bethuel "China" Maja is a South African football coach, mentor, entrepreneur, and founder of KOSA Soccer Academy. Originally from Mpumalanga and raised in Polokwane, China pursued football opportunities in South Africa before moving to the United States, where he earned degrees in business and finance while continuing his soccer career. Today he leads youth development programs across the United States and South Africa, using sport as a platform to develop character, leadership, faith, and opportunity for young people.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST
Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD
Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 21 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by South African artist Alistair Noah for a thought-provoking conversation about faith, creativity, identity, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world obsessed with influence and recognition.

Growing up in Kimberley, South Africa, Alistair was raised in a faith-filled home where music and worship formed part of everyday life. Yet like many young people, he wrestled with questions about faith, belonging, and authenticity. Although he knew about Jesus from a young age, it wasn't until a powerful encounter with God as a teenager that his faith became personal and transformative.

In this episode, Tim and Alistair explore the intersection of creativity and discipleship, discussing how artists can remain faithful to their calling without being consumed by the pursuit of fame, followers, and validation. Alistair shares how his music serves as an expression of his journey, processing life's joys, struggles, growth, and relationship with Christ.

Together they discuss the challenges of navigating social media, the dangers of selfish ambition, and the importance of accountability, humility, and surrender in a creative calling. Alistair also reflects on his growing passion for creating Afrikaans music that communicates God's heart to a new generation and speaks about the spiritual hunger he sees among young people searching for something MORE.

Whether you're a creative, leader, worshipper, artist, or simply someone seeking to live faithfully in your God-given calling, this conversation will encourage you to pursue impact over influence and obedience over popularity.

Enjoy.

🔑 KEY THEMES
• Following Jesus as a creative and artist
• Growing up in Kimberley, South Africa
• Faith becoming personal through encounter with God
• Creativity as an expression of discipleship
• The tension between influence and obedience
• Navigating social media and selfish ambition
• Authenticity, accountability, and spiritual growth
• Reaching the next generation through music
• The role of Afrikaans music in ministry and mission
• Impacting the one rather than chasing the crowds
• Christ-centred servant leadership
• Finding purpose through surrender and obedience

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST
Alistair Noah is a South African Christian artist, songwriter, and creative communicator based in Cape Town. Originally from Kimberley, he is passionate about using music, storytelling, and creativity to point people towards Jesus and inspire a generation to live with purpose. Through both English and Afrikaans music, Alistair seeks to communicate God's heart with authenticity, artistic excellence, and a deep commitment to discipleship.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST
Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD
Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.

🔔 STAY CONNECTED
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Follow Forward Podcast
📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: Grab a Towel Newsletter
🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: The Message Trust

📢 SHARE THE EPISODE
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