#112: The Harvest and the Few: Nathan Burd on Laborers, the Unreached, and Ordinary Obedience

1024 576 David Joannes

In this episode of Missions Pulse, Nathan Burd, an itinerant speaker at Forge,  joins us for a compelling conversation about God’s heart for the nations, the urgency of reaching the unreached, and the simple power of ordinary obedience. While many people think missions is reserved for a select few, Nathan reminds us that Jesus’ invitation is much broader: the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Throughout the episode, we explore how God is already at work among unreached people groups and why the need for Gospel access remains so urgent. Nathan unpacks the difference between admiring missions from a distance and stepping into a lifestyle of everyday faithfulness—one conversation, one act of obedience, one surrendered “yes” at a time.

This conversation also challenges the idea that only leaders, preachers, or platform voices are useful in God’s mission. Instead, Nathan points to the quiet, faithful work of ordinary believers who choose to live on mission where they are—sharing Christ in relationships, engaging their communities, and making themselves available to God’s purposes.

If you’ve ever felt spiritually stuck, intimidated by evangelism, or unsure of your role in the Great Commission, this episode offers both encouragement and clarity. From the rise of spiritual hunger around the world to the unique opportunity facing Gen Z, Nathan casts a vision for simple, courageous obedience that anyone can walk out.

This episode is a reminder that God’s mission is not built on extraordinary people but on ordinary people who say yes to Jesus.

See also  #83: The Art of Discipling Influencers