Post Archives

Reaching Europe Through Liturgy? Melissa Baccarella and Andy Messmer

Europe is more “post-Christian” than ever. So why would a high form of Christian worship be the key to reaching—and discipling—the unchurched in Europe? Melissa Baccarella, ABWE missionary to Italy, rejoins to show along with Andy Messmer to continue our previous conversation about liturgy. Love the show? Want to help more people think and go? SupportContinue reading “Reaching Europe Through Liturgy? Melissa Baccarella and Andy Messmer”

Multiethnic or Homogeneous? A Discussion on Church Planting

Should church planters target a specific people group (the homogeneous unit principle) or begin a multiethnic congregation from day one? The answer isn’t always simple. This week, BJ, a church planter working with diaspora Muslim peoples, weighs in as Scott and Alex have an honest conversation. Learn more about EveryEthne. Love the show? Want toContinue reading “Multiethnic or Homogeneous? A Discussion on Church Planting”

People Group Targeting or Multiethnic Church?

Missions strategists tell us to target specific people groups, but Scripture paints a picture of a multiethnic church. How do we resolve the tension? This week, “BJ,” a church planter working with Muslim diaspora peoples, shares how we can learn from the best of both approaches. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to askContinue reading “People Group Targeting or Multiethnic Church?”

Does Generation Z Care About Missions? Tanner and Amber Callison Respond

The up and coming generation is a source of confusion and controversy. Are Christians among Generation Z missions-minded? And if they are, do they have what it takes? We ask Tanner and Amber Callison, mobilizers with the Traveling Team. Love the show? Want to help more people think and go? Support this podcast. Want to askContinue reading “Does Generation Z Care About Missions? Tanner and Amber Callison Respond”

The Transcultural Gospel: E.D. Burns

Honor and shame. Fear and power. Guilt and innocence. Missiologists are increasingly identifying these cultural value systems as the key to communicating the gospel. But have we gotten them wrong? E.D. Burns, author of The Transcultural Gospel, returns to the show to explain how the biblical gospel message transcends cultures and all our imperfect effortsContinue reading “The Transcultural Gospel: E.D. Burns”

Is Innovation in Ministry Biblical? A Dialogue With Ted Esler

Ted Esler believes there’s a crisis in the Christian world. He believes leaders in ministry and missions aren’t innovating. Is this true—and is innovation itself biblical? Ted joins Scott and Alex this week to discuss his new book, The Innovation Crisis. Ted Esler is the president of Missio Nexus, an association of agencies and churchesContinue reading “Is Innovation in Ministry Biblical? A Dialogue With Ted Esler”

Why Culture Isn’t Sacred

Where is the line between innovation in ministry and accommodation of the world? Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus, shares his perspective this week in a lively interview. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us. The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE’s Global Gospel Fund.

C.S. Lewis and Mission: Dan DeWitt on Recapturing Our Cultural Imagination

What does C.S. Lewis have to do with missions? More than you’d think. This week, Dan DeWitt explains how Lewis’ vision for literature, tradition, and the affections can transform cross-cultural ministry. Before joining the faculty of Cedarville University, Dr. Dan DeWitt served in academic and pastoral roles as Lead Pastor of the Campus Church, aContinue reading “C.S. Lewis and Mission: Dan DeWitt on Recapturing Our Cultural Imagination”

Learning Missions From C.S. Lewis?

Can we learn missions from C.S. Lewis? Dan DeWitt, director of the Center for Biblical Apologetics and Public Christianity at Cedarville University, thinks so. Find out why in this week’s upcoming show. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us. The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE’s GlobalContinue reading “Learning Missions From C.S. Lewis?”

Brian Nester: Legendary Mobilizer

In our final mid-week exclusive from our time at Cedarville University, meet Brian Nester, Cedarville’s director of Global Outreach. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone more passionate about missions—or a more effective mobilizer of students to serve overseas. Hear Brian’s story in this interview. Your gift matters to help us bring you this content.Continue reading “Brian Nester: Legendary Mobilizer”

Responding to the Global Abortion Pandemic: John Ensor of PassionLife

Abortion isn’t just a US issue. It’s a global issue—which makes it a missions issue. This week, we talk to John Ensor, author, pastor, and president of PassionLife, about how missionaries can push against the culture of death through the gospel of life. As president of PassionLife, John trains Christian leaders in biblical bioethics and pregnancyContinue reading “Responding to the Global Abortion Pandemic: John Ensor of PassionLife”

Why Medical Missions Matters: Katie Webb at Cedarville University

Our Cedarville series continues. Healing happens on the mission field—in ordinary ways. In this podcast midweek exclusive, Katie Webb, M.S., RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing, shares why medical missions is vital to reaching the unreached. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us. The Missions Podcast isContinue reading “Why Medical Missions Matters: Katie Webb at Cedarville University”

Sent From Zambia to South Asia: Joshua Bowman Explains

What is it like being sent out from a Zambian church as an American missionary to serve in a Hindu context? Joshua Bowman of Cedarville University shares his unique story. Joshua Bowman holds a Ph.D. in Missiology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University. He served withContinue reading “Sent From Zambia to South Asia: Joshua Bowman Explains”

Can Parachurch Ministries Serve the Church? Thomas White and Paul Davis Answer

Coming soon, Generation Z will be taking the mantle of the Great Commission. Are they ready? And what role can Christian colleges and missions agencies play in mobilizing them? Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University, and Paul Davis, president of ABWE, join to discuss in this episode recorded on the campus of Cedarville. PreferContinue reading “Can Parachurch Ministries Serve the Church? Thomas White and Paul Davis Answer”

Afghanistan, Islam, and Missions: Matt Bennett Joins

What’s happening in Afghanistan isn’t just political—it’s spiritual. This week, Matt Bennett of Cedarville University examines the crisis from a missionary perspective. 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. Most recently he wrote 40 Questions About Islam. Hear our previewContinue reading “Afghanistan, Islam, and Missions: Matt Bennett Joins”

North Korea, Persecution, and Insider Movements: James Cha

What is the Korean Pentecost? Is Korea under divine judgment? And what does any of this have to do with Insider movements in the Islamic world? We tackle some massive topics with missionary and author James T. Cha of the Crescent Project, author of Fear Not. Rev. James Cha was born in Pusan, Korea, and immigrated toContinue reading “North Korea, Persecution, and Insider Movements: James Cha”

Translating the Bible Isn’t Enough: Kyle D. on Bible Translation and Church Planting

The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few (Matt. 9:37). Only 713 of the world’s 7,387 languages have a full Bible translation. Yet our work can’t stop with translation. In this interview, Kyle D. of Bible Translation Fellowship asks churches to send more teams of church-planters and Bible translators. Kyle is the founder and executive director of BTF. HeContinue reading “Translating the Bible Isn’t Enough: Kyle D. on Bible Translation and Church Planting”

Why Brick and Mortar Matter: Tim Hunsicker on Construction in Missions

We often say that missions isn’t about building hospitals and schools or digging wells. But sometimes it is, says Tim Hunsicker. In this week’s episode, this architect and ministry leader explains the biblical basis for construction in missions—and how building projects can help make disciples. Visit ABWE to see how to use your construction, engineering,Continue reading “Why Brick and Mortar Matter: Tim Hunsicker on Construction in Missions”

Roman Catholicism, Spain, and Liturgy: Andy Messmer Speaks

How we worship matters. How we worship really matters in missions. In Roman Catholic-dominated Spain, ABWE Missionary Andy Messmer argues that returning to a traditional style can be life-changing. How? Scott and Alex explore with him in this episode. Andy and Lindsey Messmer are serving in Madrid, Spain with their children Sofia, Lucas, Zoe, andContinue reading “Roman Catholicism, Spain, and Liturgy: Andy Messmer Speaks”

Why Worship Matters

Why haven’t missionaries won more of Western Europe? Does it have to do with our worship style? Why does liturgy matter for missiology? ABWE Missionary Andy Messmer answers in this week’s upcoming interview. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.

Some Mocked, But Some Believed: Scott Dunford on Acts 17

The Apostle Paul models missional apologetics in Acts 17. What can we learn? In this episode, Scott Dunford walks through a crucial text and draws application for cross-cultural ministry at home and abroad. This episode features a sermon originally preached at Community Evangelical Free Church of Harrisburg, Pa. on June 13, 2021. Want to askContinue reading “Some Mocked, But Some Believed: Scott Dunford on Acts 17”

When Doors Close: Carol Ghattas on Changing Course in Missions

Sometimes doors close in missions. Visas are revoked, governments change policy, or unrest breaks out and endangers expats. How should missionaries respond to these changes? This week we talk to Carol Ghattas about her latest book When Doors Close: Changing Course in Missions Without Losing Your Way. With over thirty years in missions, Carol GhattasContinue reading “When Doors Close: Carol Ghattas on Changing Course in Missions”

#RMC21 Panel 2: Sending Well With Paul Davis, Chad Vegas, and Barry Brown

Sending missionaries has taught these pastors what to do—and what not to do. Chad Vegas, Paul Davis and Barry Brown join Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman in this panel from the 2021 Radius Missiology Conference. Watch the video version of this episode: youtu.be/NEyXBNj9HTU. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com. The MissionsContinue reading “#RMC21 Panel 2: Sending Well With Paul Davis, Chad Vegas, and Barry Brown”

#RMC21: Wayne Chen on Overcoming Apathy and Suffering Well

Recorded live at the 2021 Radius Missiology Conference: Wayne Chen, director of Radius Asia, was a pastor who wanted to send missionaries. In the end, he ended up mobilizing himself—and repenting of his apathy. But as his ministry among the Biem people group in Papua New Guinea reached its climax, he and his wife Gail receivedContinue reading “#RMC21: Wayne Chen on Overcoming Apathy and Suffering Well”

#RMC21: Rick Davis of Engage Global Explains Hands-On Missions Training

Recorded live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis: Engage Global is more than an educational experience—it takes missions-minded believers to the streets to immerse them into a cross-cultural experience in the US. In this midweek exclusive, Rick Davis shares how their unique approach is helping believers and churches reframe their perspectives on the worldContinue reading “#RMC21: Rick Davis of Engage Global Explains Hands-On Missions Training”

#RMC21: Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman on Their Upcoming Book on Missions

Recorded live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis: In this midweek exclusive, Chad Vegas, pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, California, and board chairman for Radius International, joins to discuss his and Alex Kocman’s new book on missions scheduled for publication from Founders Press later this year. Watch the video version of thisContinue reading “#RMC21: Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman on Their Upcoming Book on Missions”

#RMC21 Panel 1: Trends in Missions With Chad Vegas, Paul Davis, Wayne Chen, and Brad Buser

There are some shocking—and exciting—things happening in missions. Chad Vegas, Paul Davis, Wayne Chen, and Brad Buser discuss in this panel from the 2021 Radius Missiology Conference. Watch the video version of this episode: youtu.be/rYp5XxOYp-w. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com. The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.

#RMC21: Mark Dever on Pragmatism, Ecclesiology, and the Post-COVID Church

We’re live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis! In this midweek exclusive, Mark Dever of 9Marks joins Scott and Alex to unpack what a healthy church looks like in the realm of missions. Watch the conference live as it unfolds. Purchase a discounted viewing pass for only $10 at missionspodcast.com/radius. Watch the video version ofContinue reading “#RMC21: Mark Dever on Pragmatism, Ecclesiology, and the Post-COVID Church”

#RMC21: Luke Womack on Why Student Debt Is Dumb

We’re live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis! Student debt is one of the #1 reasons that missions-minded college graduates fail to launch to the field. In this midweek exclusive, Luke Womack of The Go Fund explains how their ministry eliminates student loans for missionaries, and how ABWE’s partnership works for those who go.Continue reading “#RMC21: Luke Womack on Why Student Debt Is Dumb”

#RMC21: Jim Jordan on Church-Based International Theological Training

We’re live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis! How can we train indigenous church leaders abroad without pulling them into the US, from which they never return? In this midweek exclusive, Jim Jordan of Training Leaders International explains. Watch the conference live as it unfolds. Purchase a discounted viewing pass for only $10 at missionspodcast.com/radius.Continue reading “#RMC21: Jim Jordan on Church-Based International Theological Training”

#RMC21: The Cost and Prize of Long-Term Missions

We’re live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis! In this midweek exclusive, Scott and Alex debrief Brooks Buser’s powerful plenary talk on the value of long-term missions. Watch the conference live as it unfolds. Purchase a discounted viewing pass for only $10 at missionspodcast.com/radius. Watch the video version of this episode: bit.ly/3gV0Gpa. Want toContinue reading “#RMC21: The Cost and Prize of Long-Term Missions”

Reforming Short-Term Missions: Chip Lamca Explains

Short-term missions needs to change. Missions trips shouldn’t be a means to an end—they should be mission. This week, former missionary and professor Chip Lamca unpacks his recent dissertation work and explains how to reform the uniquely modern phenomenon of short-term missions. We also tackle guidance for college students, what “reverse short-term missions” trips are,Continue reading “Reforming Short-Term Missions: Chip Lamca Explains”

What Short-Term Trips Can’t Do

Is producing long-term missionaries the goal of short-term trips? Former missionary and professor Chip Lamca says “no” in this week’s upcoming episode. Want to watch the Radius Missiology Conference—and our exclusive panel discussion? Register at missionspodcast.com/radius for 33% off. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.

Why the Great Commission Doesn’t Mean What You Think

Why have we been left in the world? We talk often about the Great Commission, but do we truly understand it? According to a 2019 Barna study, about three quarters of US evangelicals don’t. In this episode, Alex Kocman walks through the text of Matthew 28:18-20 to show what is beneath the surface. This talkContinue reading “Why the Great Commission Doesn’t Mean What You Think”

Exposing and Fixing Pragmatism in Movements

We hear stories of explosive growth through rapid-reproduction techniques like disciple-making movements (DMM)/church-planting movements (CPM) from various parts of the world. Are all of these stories true? Is pragmatism driving some missionaries? This week, we talk to Brad, a missionary from South Asia, who shares his first-hand perspective seeing pragmatic methods in action and howContinue reading “Exposing and Fixing Pragmatism in Movements”

‘Disturbing’ Findings on the Field

God is moving in incredible ways across the globe. But that doesn’t mean that every statistics that glitters is gold. This week, “Brad” the missionary shares his firsthand perspective investigating reports of explosive growth in the Islamic world. Want to watch the Radius Missiology Conference—and our exclusive panel discussion? Register at missionspodcast.com/radius for 33% off.

Heresy and Contextualization: Tim Bertolet on Galatians

We don’t normally think of Galatians as a “missions book.” Paul is confronting heretics, defending doctrine, and getting really, really detailed about circumcision. Yet according to Tim Bertolet, Ph.D., Galatians is all about God’s mission to the world. It exposes how we idolize contextualization, shows the healthy way to bring the gospel into new contexts,Continue reading “Heresy and Contextualization: Tim Bertolet on Galatians”