Answering Hard Questions About Missions, Theology, and Practice
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.
Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
You can watch the video version of this week’s episode at youtube.com/watch?v=N9qLrpAhfoY.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.
You can also watch this episode on ABWE’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/abweinternational.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.
You can also watch this episode on ABWE’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/abweinternational.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.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.
Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.
You can also watch this episode on ABWE’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/abweinternational.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.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.
Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
How should Christians discuss world events with a missionary mindset? Scott and Alex discuss in this week’s upcoming show.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
You can support Ray and Grace in their ministry at abwe.org/work/missionaries/ray-grace-brandon.
In the episode, we mentioned a previous discussion with Michael Foster. You can hear that interview here.
You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
Read Jonathan’s article on orality, “Orality’s Breadth and Depth,” in TLI’s theological journal.
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.
You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
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.
In this episode, we mentioned:
Watch this episode on YouTube.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Sometimes, those of us in ministry can easily avoid God out of a secret fear that he’s displeased with us. This week, author and pastor Mason King helps us unlearn some common misconceptions about spiritual disciplines.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Have we focused too much on contextualization and not enough on who God is? This week, we talk to J. Chase Davis, author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this episode, we explore how the doctrine of the Trinity can deepen our understanding of discipleship in the current cultural moment, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the missional movement, and explore the need for a common definition of discipleship. Discover the inspiration behind the book and gain practical insights on how churches can shift their focus back to making disciples. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on the heart of discipleship in today’s world.
J. Chase Davis (M.Div, Th.M, Denver Seminary) is Lead Pastor of Ministry of The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado. Chase is married to Kim and they have two sons. He is the author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Spirit (2021). He also hosts the podcast Full Proof Theology. You can find more of Chase’s writing at jchasedavis.com.
Read Chase’s article on Mere Orthodoxy, Colonized by the City, here.
Watch this episode on ABWE’s YouTube channel here.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Have we so emphasized contextualization that we’ve started to adopt a different persona altogether in the name of evangelistic effectiveness? J. Chase Davis, author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, answers in this week’s upcoming show.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean for global missions? In this thought-provoking podcast, Tim Bertolet (Ph.D., University of Pretoria), initiatives strategist with ABWE, dives deep into the importance of the resurrection and its relationship with redemption, evangelism, and our future hope. With insightful analysis of key verses from 1 Corinthians, Romans, and Acts, Bertolet unpacks the theological and practical implications of Jesus’ resurrection, exploring how it establishes his victorious kingship, motivates us to evangelize, and imbues believers with the power of God. Ultimately, Bertolet encourages listeners to incorporate the message of the resurrection into their own evangelism efforts and to find hope and inspiration in the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.
Download Tim’s full lecture series unpacking the resurrection of Christ at abwe.org/resurrection. See more writing and interviews with Tim on ABWE’s blog here.
Tim Bertolet serves with ABWE as Initiatives Strategist. He previously served for sixteen years in pastoral ministry and has experience as an MK. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of Pretoria, a M.A.R. in Biblical Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor’s in Bible from Lancaster Bible College. He and his wife, Erin, have seven children. Tim enjoys reading, writing, theology, and is an avid fan of science fiction.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Coming up on Easter Sunday: New Testament scholar Tim Bertolet, Ph.D., unpacks the powerful implications of Christ’s resurrection on the global missionary mandate.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
This is a special episode of the podcast featuring a sermon preached by Alex Kocman at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA on March 12, 2023. In this episode, Kocman provides insights from Romans 15, challenging us to have a greater passion for reaching the unreached with the gospel. Tune in to this inspiring sermon to learn more about our gospel obligation, the need for holy ambition, and taking action in fulfilling the Great Commission.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What role does desire play in the missionary call? We explore in this week’s upcoming episode.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What is prioritism? What is holism? Is there a middle way? For decades these questions have reverberated throughout the missions community. They aren’t theoretical issues—they affect the daily work of missionaries.
In this special episode, we bring you a dialogue over the relationship between evangelism and social action with Alex Kocman of ABWE, author of Missions by the Book, and Dr. Ray Norman of World Vision, author of Dangerous Love: A True Story of Tragedy, Faith, and Forgiveness in the Muslim World.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Some in the missions world maintain that the Great Commission is simply about serving others—whether or not the gospel is presented. In this week’s upcoming episode, we explain what’s at stake in the long-running missiological debate between prioritism and holism.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What is the church’s mission? Are proclamation and mercy ministry separate tasks, or intertwined? And are we forgetting our foundation—pursuing the glory of God? We explore this week with Justin Schell, US director of Union School of Theology and director of executive projects with Lausanne Movement.
Justin studied mission and biblical theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and business administration at EDHEC Business School. He is coauthor with Glen Scrivener of Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission as well as the forthcoming The Mission of God in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series by Crossway. He is husband to Megan and daddy to Henry and Evie. They are members at Evergreen Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Is missions about proclaiming the word, deeds of mercy, or both? Justin Schell, US director for Union School of Theology and director of executive projects with Lausanne Movement, answers in our upcoming podcast discussion on his new book Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Many church and missions leaders are concerned that disciple making movements, church planting movements, and other multiplication methodologies are guilty of pragmatism. Conversely, movement practitioners accuse critics of being too tied to tradition. Is there common ground?
In a recent article for Global Missiology, Middle East missionary J.R. Stevenson claims the two sides of the conversation may agree more than previously thought. We interact with these claims in this unique, engaging conversation.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Coming this week: J.R. Stevenson, a missionary in the Middle East, engages us with a different perspective on movements.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What is “revival”? Is it biblical? And if so, should we pursue it in our homes, churches, and across the globe? Scott and Alex wrestle with the timely topic in light of the recent reports from Asbury University.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Revival is in the news. What should we be looking for in terms of biblical revival—in our own lives, our families, our churches, and among the nations? We discuss in this week’s upcoming episode.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Across culture and even within the church, the sufficiency and authority of Scripture are under attack. What is needed is a return to biblical theology, says Dr. Scott Callaham, Ph.D., dean of the Institute for Public Theology. In this conversation, we explore what the whole counsel of Scripture has to say about our mission to the nations.
Scott N. Callaham graduated from the United States Naval Academy (Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy in Old Testament). He is the lead editor of World Mission: Theology, Strategy, and Current Issues, as well as the author of Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpreters in both English and Chinese. Dr. Callaham has served as a pastor, chaplain, cross-cultural international missionary, conference speaker, Bible translator, and seminary professor. He has written book chapters and journal articles spanning Hebrew grammar and syntax, biblical theology, preaching, pastoral ministry, missions, worship, and songwriting. He is the host of the Daily Dose of Aramaic podcast and a composer of Chinese worship music for congregational singing.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Does the Old Testament give us a theology of missions? Or are we reading our modern convictions into the ancient text? Dr. Scott Callaham, Ph.D., dean of the Institute of Public Theology, weighs in.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Modern people are fiercely independent. In America, our churches tightly hold on to their freedom. What biblical basis is there for church associations? Can Baptists partner together on mission while still holding to local church autonomy? Dr. James Renihan, theologian and president of International Reformed Baptist Seminary, answers.
After a ministry of church planting in central Massachusetts, Dr. James Renihan and his family moved to Escondido, CA in 1998 to begin serving as Dean of the newly formed Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies. He led that work for 20 years, and when it became IRBS Theological Seminary in 2018 was appointed the first president. He has served as a pastor of churches in Massachusetts, New York and California. He is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Ph.D.), Seminary of the East (M.Div.), Trinity Ministerial Academy, and Liberty Baptist College (B.S.). His academic work has focused on the Second London Baptist Confession and the broader Puritan theological context from which it arose.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What does associational church membership have to do with the Great Commission? Everything, in fact. Dr. James Renihan of IRBS shares more in this week’s upcoming show.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Is the American evangelical house in order? Or is it in need of a remodel? Or—even worse—should we sell the house altogether and look for another home? Matt Bennett answers these timely questions from the missionary perspective of Lesslie Newbigin.
Dr. Matthew Bennett joined the faculty at Cedarville University in fall 2017 after serving and living in North Africa and the Middle East since 2011. He currently teaches The Bible and the Gospel, Theology I, Urban Missiology, Contemporary World Missions, Global Theology, and World Religions. Hear our previous interviews with Matt here.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The church has the answer for our broken, secular culture. In this week’s upcoming answer, Matt Bennett shares how the missionary identity of the church serves as a beacon to a watching world.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What is the crux of missions? What does Scripture have to say about the plight of the lost, and are churches doing enough about it? This week, Nathan Sloan, executive director of Upstream Sending and previous ABWE missionary, answers with insights from his latest book, You Are Sent: Finding Your Place in God’s Global Mission.
Before his current role, Nathan led global missions at Sojourn Church in Louisville, Kentucky and served as one of their teaching pastors. Under his leadership, Sojourn sent numerous members out as mid and long-term missionaries, including six church-based teams. Nathan and his wife Sarah were also cross-cultural missionaries in Kathmandu, Nepal, discipling young leaders and working with an unreached people group. Nathan holds a doctorate of missiology (D.Miss.) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Nathan and Sarah have two children.
Hear our previous episodes with Nathan here.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Coming up this Sunday: Upstream Sending Executive Director Nathan Sloan shares what makes missions necessary and why churches can’t afford to lose their zeal for the lost.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Defining the word “nation” is crucial, and not just in missions—in culture and even politics, too. How does Scripture define “nation,” and what does it mean for the Great Commission? Indian philosopher and Christian activist Vishal Mangalwadi returns to the show to explore this multifaceted issue.
What do you think of Mangalwadi’s view? Let us know in the comments.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What defines a “nation” has never been more controverisal. This week, Indian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi returns to the show to unpack this complex issue biblically.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
How has the face of Europe changed since the Russian war against Ukraine reached its current escalation? And what can US churches learn as they try to reach immigrants? Pastor Maksym Sliazin, a Ukrainian refugee himself, shares how God is working through the local church among refugees in Poland despite ethnic tensions. Also in this episode, ABWE Missionary Ron Davis explains the miraculous way God called him to Poland to serve with Pastor Sliazin.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
How do you hold together a church of Ukrainians, Poles, Belarusians, and more in the midst of a tense war? A Ukrainian refugee pastor shares in this week’s compelling conversation.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
How can missionary parents raise children who are godly Christ-followers on the mission field? How should missionaries make education choices for their children—whether to choose home schooling, international school, or public school? And what happens when MKs have special needs? Dr. Cheryl Winget joins to answer these complex and important questions.
Cheryl Winget (D.Ed. in special education/educational psychology, Regent University) is the MK education coordinator for ABWE. She and her husband, Steve, have two adult children and served as missionaries in Budapest, Hungary, for almost 28 years. She taught at the International Christian School of Budapest for 12 years where she directed supplemental services.
You can watch the video version of this episode and more on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Parenting is always hard. Parenting missionary kids is just… different. This week, ABWE’s own Dr. Cheryl Winget (D.Ed. in special education/educational psychology, Regent University) explains why.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
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Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
For some, missionaries are faith-filled heroes—out on the far reaches of society, sharing the good news in faraway lands. For others, “missionary” might be synonymous with words like “colonizer” or “imperialist.” What’s in a word? In this episode, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford wrestle with the implications of the “m” word in terms of language, contextualization, and faithfulness.
You can watch the video version of this episode (and others!) on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
In this week’s upcoming episode, Alex and Scott wrestle with the baggage associated with the word “missionary” in cultures hostile to the culture.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
A new year is upon us. It’s the time to set new goals—including reading goals. To help us count down the top must-read missiology texts for 2023, Chris Howles joins the show.
Chris holds a doctorate in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He’s the founder of From Every Nation, a resource hub for missionaries. He and his family serve as missionaries with Crosslinks in Uganda.
In this episode, we counted down these titles:
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The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
In this week’s upcoming episode, Scott and Alex talk to Chris Howles on the must-read missiological resources for the new year.
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Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The birth of Christ is the exclamation point on all of Scripture’s claims regarding God’s plan for the nations. Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford reflect on the beauty of Advent and Christmas and why it matters for missions in this holiday exclusive.
You can watch the video version of this episode (and others!) on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
In this week’s upcoming episode on Christmas Day, Scott and Alex reflect on the missional implications of the incarnation of Christ.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
It’s easy to underestimate the sacrifice parents make when their children and grandchildren are sent to the nations. But to hold the rope well for cross-cultural missionaries also means caring for the parents and grandparents mourning the loss of relationship with their sent ones. In this special episode, Alex and Scott sit down with Dan and Amy of ABWE’s Member Care program focused on loving parents of missionaries well.
You can watch the video version of this episode (and others!) on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Coming up: Dan and Amy of ABWE’s Member Care team join to explain why parents of missionaries are often overlooked in churches and missions organizations—and what we can do to change that.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
