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.
Podcast Archives
MEGA Episode: What Is a Nation? Vishal Mangalwadi on the Great Commission
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 usContinue reading “MEGA Episode: What Is a Nation? Vishal Mangalwadi on the Great Commission”
What Genesis Means by ‘Nation’
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.
Poland, Ukraine, and Ministering Amid International Crisis: Pastor Maksym’s Story
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 thisContinue reading “Poland, Ukraine, and Ministering Amid International Crisis: Pastor Maksym’s Story”
Pastoring Through Ethnic Tensions in Eastern Europe
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.
What About My Kids? Cheryl Winget on MK Education and Parenting on the Field
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 specialContinue reading “What About My Kids? Cheryl Winget on MK Education and Parenting on the Field”
What Makes Raising MKs Different
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. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Should We Use the ‘M’ Word?
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,Continue reading “Should We Use the ‘M’ Word?”
Should We Be Using the Word “Missionary”?
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.
Top 10 Missions Books to Read in 2023: Chris Howles Shares
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.Continue reading “Top 10 Missions Books to Read in 2023: Chris Howles Shares”
Required Reading for 2023
In this week’s upcoming episode, Scott and Alex talk to Chris Howles on the must-read missiological resources for the new year. 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.
The Mission of Christmas
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 ABWEContinue reading “The Mission of Christmas”
Advent and Missions
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.
How to Care for Parents of Missionaries
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 DanContinue reading “How to Care for Parents of Missionaries”
What About Parents of Missionaries?
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.
How to Last in Ministry: Josh Zeichik on the Temptations of Leadership
Increasingly, we’re seeing people in ministry disqualify themselves or adopt harmful, abrasive, and even abusive styles of leadership. How can pastors, missionaries, and engaged lay leaders equip themselves to persevere in God’s work? Josh Zeichik, director of church engagement for Focus on the Family, explains why pastors and missionaries must be “focused.” Originally from LosContinue reading “How to Last in Ministry: Josh Zeichik on the Temptations of Leadership”
Good News: God Doesn’t Need You
What’s the key to lasting in ministry—in a world that’s increasingly chewing up and spitting out Christian leaders? Josh Zeichik of Focus on the Family explains why God’s self-sufficiency is good news for those in ministry. Get more content at missionspodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic?Continue reading “Good News: God Doesn’t Need You”
How to Hold the Rope: Ryan Martin on Caring for Missionaries
Sending missionaries is only half the battle. If churches don’t continue to care for missionaries, both the missionary and the church will fail in ministry. In this episode, Ryan Martin shares critical insights from his new book Holding the Rope: How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones. Ryan serves as director ofContinue reading “How to Hold the Rope: Ryan Martin on Caring for Missionaries”
Mobilization Starts in the Church
Where do missionaries come from? The church. This week, Ryan Martin, author of the new book Holding the Rope: How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones, returns to explain how church leaders can call people to step out on mission. Get more content at missionspodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want toContinue reading “Mobilization Starts in the Church”
What’s Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman
Personal productivity isn’t just important to professional success. It’s also important to the cause of global missions. This week, author Matt Perman lays out a theology of work, productivity, and cross-cultural ministry, drawing upon his book What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done. Matt is director of career developmentContinue reading “What’s Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman”
Missionary: Know Your Limits
It’s almost the holiday season. Not a great time for productivity, right? But this week, gospel-centered productivity expert Matt Perman explains why we should be realistic about our limits—and let God’s grace spur us on to greater activity. Get more content at missionspodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggestContinue reading “Missionary: Know Your Limits”
Is the Commission Still Great? Steve Richardson Answers
There’s no shortage of myths about missions. In this interview, Steve Richardson, president of Pioneers and author of Is the Commission Still Great? 8 Myths about Missions and What They Mean for the Church, dispels common misconceptions about the Great Commission and why it still matters. Steve Richardson has served as president of Pioneers-USA sinceContinue reading “Is the Commission Still Great? Steve Richardson Answers”
The Most Important Thing Happening in the World Right Now
Steve Richardson, president of Pioneers and author of Is the Commission Still Great? 8 Myths about Missions and What They Mean for the Church, explains what he sees as the singularly most important global event right now. Get more content at missionspodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest aContinue reading “The Most Important Thing Happening in the World Right Now”
What Is Discipleship?
We’re called to make disciples of all nations. But how? Is discipleship a separate program added to the life of the church, or is it the sum total of the entire ministry of the church? And how do we know if we’re succeeding? Alex and Scott wrestle through these critical questions. Believe in our mission? SupportContinue reading “What Is Discipleship?”
Christian: You’re Called to the Church
What is discipleship? Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore this often-misunderstood concept and its implications for global missions and local church life. 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.
When Helping Hurts With Brian Fikkert
Scripture commands us not only to preach the gospel but to care for the poor and suffering. But affluent North Americans can sometimes do more harm than good. How can we help without hurting? Author and professor Brian Fikkert joins to discuss his landmark missions book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without HurtingContinue reading “When Helping Hurts With Brian Fikkert”
Why Poverty Relief Often Fails
Coming up this week, Brian Fikkert, coauthor of When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself, explains why good intentions aren’t enough when it comes to serving the needy across the world. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic?Continue reading “Why Poverty Relief Often Fails”
How Should Christians Respond When the Foreigner Comes?
By any measure, the number of unreached people groups coming to the US is at an all-time high. How should Christians react—not only politically, but spiritually? Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman wrestle through this question from the text of Scripture and discuss what God is doing through ABWE’s Afghan Initiative. You can hear a recentContinue reading “How Should Christians Respond When the Foreigner Comes?”
God’s Heart for the Nations
Even in the Old Testament, God’s heart isn’t just for Israel but for all the world. How should that affect our view of the globe today? We’ll explore in our next episode. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Missions History and Adoption: Dr. John Mark Yeats – #FTC22
What lessons does history teach us about the intersection of missions and mercy ministry? John Mark Yeats sits down to discuss missions movements in Great Britain, adoption, and more. Yeats serves as Vice President of Student Services, Dean of Students and Student Success, Title IX Coordinator, and Professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist TheologicalContinue reading “Missions History and Adoption: Dr. John Mark Yeats – #FTC22”
Muslims and the Adopting Love of God With Joe Allen – #FTC22
What does the doctrine of adoption have to do with reaching Muslims for Christ? Dr. Joe Allen explains the connection. Joe Allen serves as Assistant Professor of Missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He wrote his dissertation on “Soteriological Adoption for Muslim Evangelism: Engaging Muslims with the Trinitarian Love of God.” Watch the video versionContinue reading “Muslims and the Adopting Love of God With Joe Allen – #FTC22”
Missions in the Old Testament and in the Horn of Africa: Jason DeRouchie Explains – #FTC22
How does God show his heart for the nations in the Old Testament? And how is he still showing it throughout the least-reached parts of the world? Dr. Jason DeRouchie, research professor of Old Testament and biblical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, gives some powerful exhortations. Watch the video version of this episode here.Continue reading “Missions in the Old Testament and in the Horn of Africa: Jason DeRouchie Explains – #FTC22”
Turnaround: Dr. Jason Allen on Transformative Leadership in Ministry – #FTC22
What can Christian leaders do when radical change is needed in a ministry? Dr. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Seminary, shares insights missionaries, pastors, and everyday believers from his new book Turnaround: The Remarkable Story of an Institutional Transformation and the 10 Essential Principles and Practices that Made It Happen. Watch the video version ofContinue reading “Turnaround: Dr. Jason Allen on Transformative Leadership in Ministry – #FTC22”
Charles Spurgeon as a Sending Pastor With Geoff Chang – #FTC22
Charles Spurgeon is beloved as the “prince of preachers.” But what did his church do for global missions? We explore with Geoff Chang, Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology and the Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Seminary. Watch the video version of this episode here. You can access all of ourContinue reading “Charles Spurgeon as a Sending Pastor With Geoff Chang – #FTC22”
The ‘Simple’ Trinity in Missions: Matthew Barrett – #FTC22
Missions exists to spread the knowledge of God. But who is God? And how are evangelicals today getting the Trinity wrong? Dr. Matthew Barrett of Midwestern Seminary gives such much-needed insights at the For the Church conference. Watch the video version of this episode here. Matthew Barrett is Associate Professor of Christian Theology at MidwesternContinue reading “The ‘Simple’ Trinity in Missions: Matthew Barrett – #FTC22”
Is Missions Easier Than You Think? Steven Wendel Explains – #FTC22
Many Christians avoid missions because it’s only for the elite. But ABWE missionary Steven Wendel explains why that isn’t necessarily true. Watch the video version of this episode here. 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 aContinue reading “Is Missions Easier Than You Think? Steven Wendel Explains – #FTC22”
What Is Fusion? Erik Odegard Answers – #FTC22
The Fusion program at Spurgeon College and Midwestern Seminary trains students for the mission field in ways a normal classroom can’t. Does it work? Erik Odegard, Fusion director, answers. Watch the video version of this episode here. Mr. Erik Odegard serves Spurgeon College as assistant professor of Intercultural Studies. He is a two-time graduate of Midwestern Seminary,Continue reading “What Is Fusion? Erik Odegard Answers – #FTC22”
Cooperation, Direct Sending, or Both? Paul Davis Answers – #FTC22
How should local churches work together in the cause of missions? Should more churches cooperate? Is direct sending and support raising the best option? We kick off our first feature from For the Church 2022 by talking to Paul Davis, ABWE president. Watch the video version of this episode on the ABWE YouTube channel. Believe inContinue reading “Cooperation, Direct Sending, or Both? Paul Davis Answers – #FTC22”
When Couples Disagree About Their Calling: Scott and Tara Dunford Share
How should a wife respond when she senses a calling to missions but her husband doesn’t? What about when the husband believes he is called but his wife doesn’t? And what role does the husband’s authority play? We dive into a listener’s questions this week with Scott and his wife, Tara. Watch the video versionContinue reading “When Couples Disagree About Their Calling: Scott and Tara Dunford Share”
Give the Holy Spirit Some Credit
What do we do when loved ones disagree with our sense of calling into missions? This week, Tara Dunford talks about her family’s decision-making process with missions, and why we need to trust the Holy Spirit to do the persuading. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic?Continue reading “Give the Holy Spirit Some Credit”
Seeds and Stars: Resting in Christ for Great Commission Service With E.D. Burns
Many modern evangelicals confuse God’s law with God’s grace, mistaking rules and best practices for the gospel itself. How can missionaries understand the difference between law and grace, and what impact can it have on their ministry? E.D. Burns returns to the show this week to discuss his upcoming book with Founders Press, Seeds andContinue reading “Seeds and Stars: Resting in Christ for Great Commission Service With E.D. Burns”
The Power Is in the Seed, Not the Seed Thrower
In missions and in ministry in general, we often think it’s our job to achieve results. But in this week’s upcoming episode, E.D. Burns shares why we’re only responsible to scatter the gospel seed. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
A Pastoral Approach to Theological Training
The world’s pastors need training. But they also need shepherding. This week, Live Global missionary David Prairie shares how we can approach the task of global theological education with a pastoral heart. David Prairie serves on ABWE’s Live Global team doing theological education, pastoral training, and ministry mentoring for students and church leaders internationally. HeContinue reading “A Pastoral Approach to Theological Training”
The Right Type of Training
The world’s pastors need training. But they also need shepherding. This week, Live Global missionary David Prairie shares how we can approach the task of global theological education with a pastoral heart. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Air We Breathe: Glen Scrivener on the Ghost of Christianity in Western Culture
Why does Western society believe in ideals like freedom and equality? Where did we get the notion of human rights or self-sacrifice? What about the idea of “secularism” itself? This week, author and apologist Glen Scrivener explains how the specter of Christianity continues to haunt the Western mind—and how, as missionaries, we can reclaim it.Continue reading “The Air We Breathe: Glen Scrivener on the Ghost of Christianity in Western Culture”
The Shadow of the Cross Over the West
Western culture is haunted by the spectre of Christianity. How did the cross revolutionize the direction of history? Author and director of Speak Life, Glen Scrivener, shares in this week’s upcoming episode. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Beauty of International Churches: Dr. Michael Crane
English-speaking churches in cities like Dubai or Bangkok don’t appear to be the most missiologically strategic—at least on paper. But as with any local church, there’s more to international churches than meets the eye. Dr. Michael Crane returns to the show to share the beauties, challenges, and unique blessings of expat fellowships abroad and multiethnicContinue reading “The Beauty of International Churches: Dr. Michael Crane”
Church: Don’t Be Comfortable With Just Who You Have
In our next episode, missiologist Dr. Michael Crane returns to the show to talk about international churches and the unique intersection of missiological issues they unearth. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
When a Sending Church Un-Sends a Missionary
What should missionaries do when a sending church withdraws their support? If we value submission to the local church as much as we value missions, the answer isn’t always easy. This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman discuss how overseas workers can address rifts with their home church. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a questionContinue reading “When a Sending Church Un-Sends a Missionary”
Christian: Remember Who You Are in Christ
Coming up this week, we’re having a candid conversation about what happens when a missionary’s church withdraws his or her support. Stay tuned. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.