In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with E.D. Burns, author of Karmic Christianity: Finding Peace by Faith Alone, to dissect the pitfalls of blending karma with Christian faith. Burns warns missionaries against the trap of treadmill living, where the focus shifts from God’s grace to human effort, leading to ministry burnout and a distorted gospel message. We delve into the ungodly coping mechanisms Christians often resort to when facing fear and how a proper understanding of the gospel can liberate us from such snares. From America’s pop-culture obsession with karma to the fear-power paradigm in different cultures, this episode is a wake-up call to recenter our faith on the finished work of Christ. Don’t miss this compelling conversation that challenges us to examine our own beliefs and realign our ministries with the true gospel.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Is church planting just a numbers game, or is there a deeper, biblical vision for launching new congregations? In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Knight, author of Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church, to challenge the entrepreneurial mindset that often infiltrates church planting. Knight unpacks the biblical foundation for seeing planters as pastors and churches as flocks to be shepherded. Tune in for a refreshing perspective that shifts the focus from metrics to ministry.
Nathan Knight (M.Div., Southeastern Theological Seminary) is a pastor of Restoration Church and serves on the lead team for the Treasuring Christ Together church planting network. He and his wife, Andi, live in Washington, DC, with their two sons.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Scott Callaham, dean of the Institute of Public Theology, to explore the biblical concept of headship and its far-reaching implications for missions. Dr. Callaham brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a pastor, chaplain, cross-cultural international missionary, conference speaker, Bible translator, and seminary professor. We delve into the biblical foundations supporting male leadership in missions, the role of women in missionary support roles, the theological implications of being male and female, and the critical issue of biblical eldership in missions.
Dr. Callaham graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy in Old Testament from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the lead editor of World Mission: Theology, Strategy, and Current Issues, and the author of Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpreters in both English and Chinese. Dr. Callaham has served in various roles including pastor, chaplain, cross-cultural international missionary, conference speaker, Bible translator, and seminary professor. He hosts the Daily Dose of Aramaic podcast and composes Chinese worship music for congregational singing.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
If we really understand with missionary task requires, then we will understand the critically important function of male headship in the church amid the work of the gospel. Scott Callaham shares in this week’s upcoming episode.
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with David Rogers, a long-time ABWE missionary in Chile, where he has served with his wife Ruth for over 40 years. As the president of Ministerio Cristiano CRECE, a Spanish language Christian publishing house, and the author of the upcoming book Spiritual Gifts: Identify them through the PRIZM of God’s Grace, David shares his profound insights on identifying and utilizing spiritual gifts in the context of missions.
Since 1984, the Rogers have been committed to partnering with Chilean and Latin American leaders to multiply church planting movements. Their focus is to enable evangelization, discipleship, and training using original Spanish resources. Learn more about their ministry and how to support them through ABWE.
Visit their blog to learn more and receive regular email updates, or follow them on the Rogers Facebook page.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
In this episode, Alex Kocman unpacks the essence of Christian mission-mindedness through the lens of Philippians 2:19-30. Drawing from the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, this text demonstrates the way in which we are to be marked by selfless pursuit of Christ’s interests, love for Christ’s people, and the honor and care for Christ’s soldiers. We must move beyond abstractions and to demonstrate love, even though it may be costly and vulnerable. The message serves as a reminder that true Christian virtue is not about self-preservation but about living in humble obedience to Christ’s call, reflecting his cruciform humility, and risking all for the sake of the gospel.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Coming up this week: an exploration of the lives and examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, twin reminders to us of the importance of joyful missionary sacrifice.
The world has been changing rapidly for the last few years. How has missions mobilization been affected? Scott and Alex explore current events and movements ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to rising nationalism, along with a variety of generational trends, and break down the implications for motivating new workers to enter into the Lord’s harvest.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Who was the Scottish evangelist William Chalmers Burns? In this final Radius Conference exclusive, Ian Hamilton, president of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, unfolds the riches of missions history to help us deepen in our devotion today.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
What is a healthy church? How can missionaries overcome the temptation to compromise on their ecclesiology? In this 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Ryan Robertson, president of Reaching and Teaching, discusses what local church centered missions looks like.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Cross-cultural missions and parenting are two of life’s most challenging—and rewarding—undertakings. Rachel, as Radius staff member, shares her wisdom as a parent after seven years of cross-cultural living.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
How is the Lord working in and through ABWE? Jason Phillips, vice president of strategy and operations, shares what most excites him right now within the global family of ministries.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
The Go Fund founder Luke Womack recently asked his leadership: if someday student loan debt is no longer an obstacle to missions, what else do we need to do to mobilize the next generation? Enter Airo Missions and its newest program, The Missions Course. Luke and Barry Brown explain more in this interview.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
How can women—in particular, those called to be wives and mothers—prepare for the stresses and hurdles of long-term missionary life? In this next 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Nina Buser, wife of Radius International President Brooks Buser and former missionary to Papua New Guinea, shares her lessons learned along the way in tribal ministry.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Should Christians in the US leave blue states? In this engaging episode, Alex and Scott tackle the topic of strategic retreat, a concept gaining controversy following Joel Webbon’s comments and his recent book, Fight or Flight: Leaving Godless Places. They dive into the complex issues around mission fields, Christian responsibilities, and the balance between Christ’s kingdom and earthly nations. This episode is a deep dive into controversial Christian perspectives, aiming to foster reflection and discussion among listeners. Buckle up.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
For many churchgoers, the missionaries they support are little more than magnet on a refrigerator. How can we know and train well those whom we send? Brian Murphy, executive director of XL (Excellence in Leadership) Ministries, shares his passion for leadership development.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
How should prospective missionaries think about suffering and the need to endure? In this next 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Brad Buser, veteran missionary and co-founder of Radius International, answers some common questions about what it takes to pioneer on the mission field.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
This Sunday, Scott and Alex reunite in the studio at long last to explore the recent controversy sparked by Pastor Joel Webbon’s writings and comments on leaving godless places. How and when should missional objectives override political priorities? Stay tuned for the full discussion, premiering Sunday at 7 PM.
In missiology, the modern definition of “people groups” depends substantially upon the work of Donald McGavran and his conception of the homogenous unit principle. But did McGavran misunderstand the caste system from which he drew his insights? And how should missionaries today assess McGavran’s work? Aubrey Sequeira, pastor in Abu Dhabi, joins again to discuss in this 2023 Radius Conference exclusive.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Is penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) a necessary, biblical doctrine, or is it an outgrowth of Western legal thinking? Is PSA on equal footing with honor- and shame-based approaches explanations of the cross, or is it a gospel non-negotiable? In this next exclusive from the 2023 Radius Conference, Aubrey Sequeira, pastor of Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi, explains the importance of this doctrine, responding in depth to the work of Brad Vaughn (f.k.a. Jackson Wu).
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
What is the state of the church in Japan, and why is it sometimes regarded as the “graveyard” of missions? In our next installment from the 2023 Radius Conference, ABWE Missionary Joel Diffenderfer explains the island’s strategic significance for the Open Initiative, a program to prioritize often-overlooked unreached people groups.
When we think of the legacy of old Princeton Theological Seminary—producing such towering spiritual giants as the Hodges and Warfields—we rarely think about their contribution to global missions. Yet, far from restricting themselves to ivory towers, these theologians were deeply concerned with the Great Commission. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Seminary, explains why in this exclusive interview from the 2023 Radius Conference.
Learn more about Greenville Seminary’s partnership with Radius International at gbts.edu/radius.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
We speak often about the need to right methods. But missions also depends upon having the right message. In our first exclusive interview from the 2023 Radius Conference, Pastor Chad Vegas joins to discuss the vision behind their conference theme: the clear gospel.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Are you a parent or grandparent grappling with the idea of your child or grandchild pursuing a missionary calling? Do you find yourself filled with questions and concerns about how to support them effectively? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, our host Scott Dunford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tori Haverkamp, founder of Parents of Goers Ministries and author of the new book Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide.
Tori, a mother of a missionary herself, brings her wealth of experience and empathy to the table as she shares insights on how parents and grandparents can send well. With over 30 years of ministry experience and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies, Tori’s wisdom and practical advice will help guide you through the challenging journey of supporting your loved ones in their missionary endeavors. Tune in as Tori shares her personal story, addresses common concerns, and sheds light on the process of sending well. Don’t miss this episode packed with invaluable guidance for those seeking to understand and navigate the “missionary mama” journey.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
In this week’s episode, Tori Haverkamp, author of The Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide, shares why raising missionary kids on the field is not an inconvenience but an immense privilege and blessing.
No new episode this week, but stay tuned for an exciting series of exclusives that we captured while at the Radius Conference at the end of June. See you next week!
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
In this thought-provoking episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott and Alex delve into a critical review of Matt Rhodes’ book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes’ response to the review. While they agree on various key points, such as the importance of deep language learning and solid biblical training, they also raise points of concern. Is slowness a virtue in missions? Should short-term missions focus on evangelism outside the heart language? What is the right balance between relational and cold contact evangelism? Join the conversation as they navigate these questions and encourage listeners to approach discussions with other believers lovingly and to think beyond labels and buzzwords.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
This week, Scott and Alex wrestle with the critical review of Matt Rhodes’ book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes’ response to the review. Be sure to tune in.
How should believers defend their faith in an increasingly hostile culture? And which apologetic methodology is most faithful to the spirit of Scripture? Join Alex Kocman as he explores the controversial topic of apologetics in a supposedly post-Christian context, exploring the Christian’s marching orders in 1 Peter 3:15 and evaluating classical, evidentialist, and presuppositional apologetics in light of God’s Word.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Coming up this Sunday: how can missionaries do apologetics in today’s chaotic cultural landscape? What apologetic methodologies are most faithful to Scripture? Alex Kocman explores.
In this episode of The Missions Podcast, tensions between the United States and China take center stage as Scott and Alex delve into the geopolitical rivalry’s impact on Christian workers in both countries with a world-class expert. With de-globalization and changing trends on the horizon, they explore the challenges missionaries face and offer strategies for effective navigation. From potential implications on religious freedom to long-term outcomes of these tensions, discover how missionaries can contribute to reconciliation and understanding between two cultures and nations. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on adapting strategies, fostering positive relationships, and preparing for potential challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of US-China relations.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Coming up, an expert guest sheds light on the unavoidable risks faced by missionaries in their work, particularly in the context of the rising tensions between the United States and China. Join us as we uncover the challenges, resilience, and unwavering faith required to navigate these risks and fulfill the call of spreading the gospel.
In this episode of the Missions Podcast, hosts Alex and Scott engage in a compelling conversation with ABWE President Paul Davis, delving into the blindspots that pastors often encounter when it comes to missions. Paul shares his observations and experiences from working with global teams and local churches, highlighting recurring areas where mission teams and church leaders tend to overlook important aspects of missionary support and care. From issues of over and under accountability to the impact of leadership transitions and church struggles on missionaries, Paul offers valuable insights to help pastors and church leaders navigate these blindspots and better understand the needs of their missionaries. For more resources and information, visit paulldavis.com.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Coming up: ABWE President Paul Davis joins us to explore a number of blindspots pastors and other church leaders have in dealing with their missionaries, including the complicated web of relationships involved in accountability.
We explore the fascinating and often overlooked connections between the Book of Hebrews and the atonement of Jesus. Hebrews scholar Dr. Tim Bertolet, navigates the relationship between the cross, resurrection, and the ascension, particularly highlighting the significance of Jesus’ ascension for those well-versed in the power of the cross and resurrection but less familiar with the implications of the ascension. Discover how the ascension of Jesus influences missions, including the establishment of his reign over the nations, the transformative power of his intercession, and the outpouring of spiritual gifts on his people.
Engage in a thought-provoking continuation of The Missions Podcast as we delve into the ideas presented by Brad Vaughn in his book The Cross in Context. Join hosts Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford as they explore various perspectives on the relationship between Christianity and Western culture, the diverse metaphors of sin and Christ’s atonement, and the significance of honor, shame, holiness, and purity in relation to the cross. Through engaging dialogue, we critically examine these viewpoints, challenging and offering alternative insights. Gain a deeper understanding of contextualization’s impact on theology and the importance of cross-cultural understanding of atonement. Tune in as we respectfully navigate these discussions.
Brad Vaughn (f.k.a. Jackson Wu) worked for 15 years in East Asia, first as a church planter, then as a professor for a seminary for Chinese pastors. He serves on the Asian/Asian-American Theology Steering Committee for the Evangelical Theological Society. His books include The Cross in Context, Seeking God’s Face, Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, and Saving God’s Face.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
This week, we’re continuing our discussion with Brad Vaughn. Subscribe now and stay tuned for a hard-hitting sit-down about contextualization, biblical theology, and the nature of the atonement through an honor-shame lens.
Dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Brad Vaughn, previously known as Jackson Wu. With his book Saving God’s Face as the backdrop, we explore the concept of sin as a violation of God’s honor, the overlap between Chinese and biblical culture, and the distinct differences in how Westerners and Asians understand honor and shame. Prepare to be captivated as they unravel the intricacies of honor, shame, and cultural perspectives, shedding new light on the timeless truths of the faith.
Brad Vaughn (f.k.a. Jackson Wu) worked for 15 years in East Asia, first as a church planter, then as a professor for a seminary for Chinese pastors. He serves on the Asian/Asian-American Theology Steering Committee for the Evangelical Theological Society. His books include The Cross in Context, Seeking God’s Face, Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, and Saving God’s Face.
Also in this episode: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Missiologist and author Brad Vaughan, also known under his pseudonym Jackson Wu, shares his perspectives this week on honor, shame, and the nature of Christ’s death—including some opinions that have proven controversial in both missiological and theological circles.
Headlines across the world are telling a single story: spiritual forces of darkness want to dominate the nations. How should Christians read global news with an awareness of Christ as Lord and a missionary heart? Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford navigate some of the top stories and seek to model a Christian response to world events.
Are churches and missions organizations going about developing leaders the wrong way? And how do parents raise their sons to become pastors and missionaries? In this episode of the podcast, Pastor Ray Brandon of North Bridge Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Director of Church Planting with EveryEthne discusses the challenges and joys of raising up men for the church and the mission field. Ray offers practical advice for pastors and fathers who desire to raise their children to love and serve the Lord.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
What role should godly men play in the mission of God? Ray Brandon, director of church planting with EveryEthne, explains in this week’s upcoming conversation on biblical masculinity and leadership development.
As Christians, we hold the Bible in the highest esteem. But what happens when the people we are trying to reach have a primarily oral culture—how do we ensure that the message of Scripture is accurately transmitted and understood in cultures where literacy is not the norm? In this podcast interview with Jonathan Worthington, Ph.D., Director of Research at Training Leaders International, we explore the fascinating topic of orality in missions. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of engaging with oral learners, the role of stories and proverbs in communicating the gospel, and how to strike a balance between contextualization and biblical truth. Whether you’re a seasoned missionary or simply interested in the intersection of orality and Scripture, this conversation is not to be missed.
Jonathan D. Worthington (Ph.D., Durham University) is Director of Research at Training Leaders International. He is the author of Creation in Paul and Philo and articles on creation in Paul and early Judaism, cross-cultural theological education, motivation theory, missions, and empathy. You can reach him at jonathan.worthington@trainingleadersinternational.org.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Christians are people of the Book. Does that mean that we should pursue global literacy? Or can the Word of God thrive in oral cultures too? Joining this week to discuss is Jonathan Worthington, Ph.D., of Training Leaders International.
Are you struggling to deepen your relationship with God and wondering how to become the person He created you to be? Join Scott and Alex on The Missions Podcast as they interview Mason King, author of A Short Guide to Spiritual Disciplines and pastor at The Village Church, on the topic of spiritual disciplines. King offers a holistic approach that expands your thinking beyond basic spiritual practices and focuses on cultivating a full and flourishing life with God. Discover practical steps to consistently offer your attention, emotions, and limits to God and grow into the right kind of tree, bearing fruit in your spiritual life. Don’t miss this episode to learn how to become a vibrant, healthy Christian and deepen your relationship with God.
Mason King serves as a pastor at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. He also serves as the Executive Director of The Village Church Institute, Groups, and Leadership Development. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in Church History from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a D.Min. in Executive Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A native Texan, Mason and his wife Carly have three kids and two labs.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
