Christianity isn’t spreading into Africa; it’s already there. But as our guest this week shares, it is afflicted by the problem of syncretism, hyper-charismatic influence, so-called prosperity “gospel” teaching, and weak theology. How can pastors and missionaries confront these threats and help the African church develop theologies that are rich, sound, and historically rooted? ConradContinue reading “Conrad Mbewe: Combatting Prosperity Teaching in Africa”
Episode Archives
Does Business as Mission Work?
Tentmaking. Platform. Business as mission. BAM. All terms that are used sometimes interchangeably throughout the missions community—but what do they mean? Is it really practical to use a for-profit business venture as a ministry platform in another culture, and how can we make sure we’re doing it the right way? How can there be anyContinue reading “Does Business as Mission Work?”
Serving Christ in Suffering: Jenn DeKryger on Togo and the Loss of Todd DeKryger
In 2016, Todd DeKryger, surgeon and medical missionary to Togo in West Africa, died in Cologne, Germany, where he had been evacuated to receive treatment for illness contracted in Africa. His wife, Jennifer, was by his side—and he left behind four young boys. In the time since, God has used grief, brokenness, and suffering toContinue reading “Serving Christ in Suffering: Jenn DeKryger on Togo and the Loss of Todd DeKryger”
John Morgan: Animism, Syncretism, and Witchcraft in West Africa
When the gospel enters a new place—like Togo in West Africa—those who hear the message have a tendency to interpret it through their worldview lens. This week, John Morgan shares the sobering results of his studies relating to how professing believers in this African nation are still wrestling with their traditional views of animism, witchcraft,Continue reading “John Morgan: Animism, Syncretism, and Witchcraft in West Africa”
Lucy Peabody: The Groundbreaking Pioneer Missionary You’ve Never Heard of
There are lots of names of women who could vie for the title of being a “mother” of the modern missions movement—and Lucy Peabody is certainly one such candidate. This pioneer missionary to India endured the loss of her first husband, mobilized marginalized women across the country to give millions of dollars towards missions, befriendedContinue reading “Lucy Peabody: The Groundbreaking Pioneer Missionary You’ve Never Heard of”
Josh Daggett on Personal Evangelism and Prayer
We’ve all struggled to share our faith in one-on-one conversations. We also struggle with personal spiritual disciplines intimately connected to our effectiveness in evangelism—i.e., prayer. On this episode, Josh Daggett, lead pastor at Living Waters Fellowship in Des Moines, Iowa, shares his own encouragements, failures, and victories in these critical areas of ministry. We digContinue reading “Josh Daggett on Personal Evangelism and Prayer”
Racial Reconciliation and Multiethnic Church Planting in South Africa
In this episode, Scott and Alex discuss the uniquenesses of racial reconciliation and multiethnic church planting in South Africa. With Apartheid a mere 20 years in South Africa’s rearview, ethnic tensions still threaten to divide the church. In this insightful interview, our guest, an 18-year veteran of church planting missions to South Africa, shares simple strategies their teamContinue reading “Racial Reconciliation and Multiethnic Church Planting in South Africa”
Chris Bruno: Biblical Theology Versus Systematic Theology in Missions
Protestants in the West have a rich heritage of systematic theology—but it doesn’t always translate easily into new cultural contexts. Is a return to narrative-focused, biblical theology the answer? Chris Bruno, Assistant Professor of Greek and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary, joins us to answer and weigh in on his own cross-cultural experiencesContinue reading “Chris Bruno: Biblical Theology Versus Systematic Theology in Missions”
Paul Davis: Why Missionaries Must Be Theologians
On this episode, ABWE President Paul Davis joins us to share why it’s crucial that missionaries be theologians. We dive into why a “big God” theology that acknowledges the absolute supremacy of Christ is the only theology weighty enough to compel an unbeliever to convert and commit “treason” against their old gods. It’s also the onlyContinue reading “Paul Davis: Why Missionaries Must Be Theologians”
What is God doing in China? Steve Schirmer Answers
The President of China was just appointed to lifelong office. Church buildings are being demolished. Cults are on the rise due to a lack of trained church leaders. What is God up to in China? Steve Schirmer, president and founder of Silk Road Catalyst, joins us to answer. Steve is a missionary who has poured outContinue reading “What is God doing in China? Steve Schirmer Answers”
Zane Pratt: Are Explosive Disciple-Making Movements Really Healthy?
You’ve probably heard that Muslims are coming to Christ throughout the Islamic world in record numbers, many of them prompted by dreams and visions. Perhaps you’ve also heard of related disciple-making movements and church-planting movements that report exponential multiplication of converts and fledgling churches. But what’s the real story behind these stats, and are these explosive growth movements really healthy and biblical? Zane Pratt joins us today to answer.
Collin Hansen: Social Justice, Racial Reconciliation, and Missions
What is a biblical definition “social justice” and how does it relate to the gospel? What bearing does the recent conversation about racial reconciliation—and the resulting controversy—have for missionaries ministering to disparate and people groups and ethnicities? How can the church do a better job of addressing social justice and racial issues without proposing leftistContinue reading “Collin Hansen: Social Justice, Racial Reconciliation, and Missions”
Church Planting: Multiethnic or Homogeneous Units?
Should churches aim to be multiethnic, or should we stick to the homogenous unit principle inherited from missiologists? In today’s episode, Brian (last name withheld), a former IMB missionary to the Middle East and current missions pastor focusing on diaspora ministries, shares why the answer isn’t as simple as it seems—and how globalism is makingContinue reading “Church Planting: Multiethnic or Homogeneous Units?”
Is LGBT the Next Mission Field?
How can Christians understand individuals connected with the LGBT movement a mission field—full of people made in the image of God, in need of the gospel? ABWE North America missionary Jim Childs shares his story to help answer. Jim is helping spearhead Every Ethne’s iniative to help churches in the U.S. reach across cultures withoutContinue reading “Is LGBT the Next Mission Field?”
Jared C. Wilson: Why Missionaries Need the Gospel Too
Pastors and missionaries are supposed to be sharing the gospel, but inwardly, many believe that they’re justified by their own performance. In this episode, Jared C. Wilson—a “failed church planter” who “once made a mess of his marriage” (his words, not ours!) whose rediscovery of gospel-centeredness transformed his life and ministry—shares why missionaries need to beContinue reading “Jared C. Wilson: Why Missionaries Need the Gospel Too”
India, Sex Trafficking, and the Gospel
India is home to more unreached people groups, women and children in the sex industry, impoverished families, and idols then anywhere else on the planet. What impact could a few missionaries possibly have, and how does the hope of the gospel encourage them in the midst of such massive need? Today, two ABWE workers join us to discuss the incredible doors God has opened for them in South Asia, and how the local church is filling a spiritual need that no NGO or sex trafficking rescue operation alone can address.
How Does Hospitality Fuel Mission?
Starting gospel conversations—whether at home or overseas—is difficult in our distracted, technology-addicted world. Is returning to a practice of holistic, biblical hospitality part of the solution to strengthen our evangelism? Jeff Dalrymple, former president of Baptist Haiti Mission and president and founder of The Hospitality Project, helps us answer that question and explains why weContinue reading “How Does Hospitality Fuel Mission?”
How Can We Prevent Missionary Burnout?
Ministry burnout is real. On the mission field, the pressures are vastly multiplied. Cultural shock, marital strain, poor team dynamics, and temptation all threaten missionaries’ spiritual, mental, and emotional health. Better, more proactive member care is the answer. But how? Brad Winkler, ABWE’s director leading member care and prefield ministries, joins us to explain.
Barnabas Piper on Ministry Kids, Curiosity, and Identity
How do you handle the pressures of growing up hearing “don’t waste your life,” and what lessons can missionary kids and pastors’ kids take away? Barnabas Piper joins us this week as we wander to and fro to discuss those topics along with cultivating a curiosity with other cultures, parenting with an eye towards missions, and avoiding ministry cynicism by grounding our identity in Christ.
T4G Panel on Theological Training in Missions
There’s a theological famine across the majority world. How can we fix that? Are translated English resources the solution? How can we encourage more theological educators to serve overseas? And why does the chasm between the gospel-centered, big-God theology movement and the missions world seem so large? On April 12th, 2018 at Together for the GospelContinue reading “T4G Panel on Theological Training in Missions”
God’s Sovereignty, Human Responsibility, and Missions
Is Reformed theology antithetical to missions? Can Calvinists and Arminians partner together in gospel ministry? Today, Scott and Alex take a swing at these hotly-debated topics and provide answers from a biblical perspective recognizing that God’s sovereignty is fully compatible with the call to repent and believe the gospel—and how the fact that Christ hasContinue reading “God’s Sovereignty, Human Responsibility, and Missions”
Charles Smith on Missions Leadership “For the Church”
What does leadership have to do with missions? Everything. Although conversations on leadership are often kept separate from the realm of missiology, Charles Smith believes that now is the time to talk about what gospel-centered leadership—for the church—means for missions. Charles Smith serves as Vice President for Institutional Relations at Midwestern Seminary and oversees the officesContinue reading “Charles Smith on Missions Leadership “For the Church””
The Kingdom of God and the Authority of the Great Commission
We speak so much of the “kingdom of God”—but what does that mean, and how does Jesus’ present reign in heaven impact our mission? These questions are often neglected, misunderstood, or purposefully avoided in American evangelicalism, and there’s lots of confusion about Christ’s return and the nature of his kingdom. But understanding Jesus’ present authorityContinue reading “The Kingdom of God and the Authority of the Great Commission”
The Gift of Singleness in Missions: an Interview With Lina AbuJamra
Singleness can feel like a death sentence for some—but for women like Lina AbuJamra, it’s a gift to be stewarded. How can God use singles on the mission field? Lina weighs in and shares her perspective as a Lebanese-American physician currently involved in Bible teaching and medical missions to Syrian refugees.
How to Understand and Reach Hindus
Of all the world’s religions that are likely to stump Western Christians, Hinduism tops the list. How can Christians make sense of Hinduism’s millions of deities, belief in reincarnation, denial of human suffering, and rigorous caste system? Better yet—how can Christians reach those who hold to such a worldview?
How Should Christians Engage Other Religious Texts?
Should Christians read books the Qur’an—and if so, how? What about other religious texts? To help us answer those questions, we asked is Matthew Bennett, an experienced missionary who served in the Middle East, now instructor of missions and theology at Cedarville University.
Where Did the Gritty Missionaries Go? David Joannes on Missionary Motivations
C.T. Studd is credited with saying, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” But in today’s world where everyone is encouraged to “live on mission,” this classic missionary grit is increasingly absent. What happened, and what are the internal and external motivators that lead someone to risk everything to serve abroad? To answer that question, we invited missionary, author, and researcher David Joannes.
When Everything Is Missions… (Nothing Is): A Chat With Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison
Is every Christian a missionary? Is there a difference between “missions,” “missional,” and “mission?” Denny Spitters and President Matthew Ellison, authors of When Everything Is Missions, answer.
Suffering and Sovereignty in the Rohingya Crisis
You’ve probably heard of the plight of the Rohingya people—an unreached, Muslim people group forced out of Myanmar and into Bangladesh. But you probably haven’t heard about the Christian workers on the ground whom God has sovereignly positioned to impact them at such a time as this. It’s a story of redemption that only God can write.
Dan DeWitt on Apologetics, Missions, and Suffering
Do all missionaries need to know apologetics? Some say yes, plenty say no. We invited our friend Dan DeWitt, an expert on the topic, to answer.
How to Raise Missions-Minded Children
Parenting is stressful enough—not to mention the crucial responsibility parents have to raise their children in the way of Christ. Is it worthwhile to expose children to missions, and if so, how early is too early? What are some best practices for instilling a global mindset in our kids? The director of ABWE’s Next GenerationContinue reading “How to Raise Missions-Minded Children”
How the Gospel Transforms Cultures: Vishal Mangalwadi on William Carey
Gandhi’s India couldn’t have existed without William Carey. That’s the argument made by Vishal Mangalwadi, who makes the case that the gospel necessarily transforms culture—and William Carey is the example.
How to Be a “World Christian”
Voices in missions today tell us we should all become “global Christians.” In this episode we answer what that means and how to do it—with all the resources everyday believers need to stay informed.
Lori McDaniel on Being a “Rebel” Like Lottie Moon
It’s December, which means Southern Baptists are hearing the name “Lottie Moon” and instantly associating it with missions. Who was Lottie Moon? Why was the Christmas Offering named after her? What can we learn from her as trailblazing, single female missionary and mobilizer?
How Much Contextualization Is Too Much?
Today in missions there’s a lot of talk about contextualization. The “C scale” developed by John Travis makes a case for so-called insider movements—professing believers in the Islamic world who follow Jesus, yet remain culturally and religiously Muslim. Is that biblical? How can we adapt the gospel to new cultures—and how far is too far?
Paul Davis on the Pastor as Mobilizer
How can local church pastors lead the charge to mobilize for missions? ABWE President Paul Davis joins us to share his insights on how pastors can spark missions-minded imagination fueled by culture and Scripture, drawing on his decades of experience in local church ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Holland, Michigan.
Dan Dumas on Adoption, Foster Care, and Missions
We’re commanded to disciple all the nations. We are also told to care for the orphan and fatherless. What do adoption and foster care have to do with global missions? Is social justice a distraction to world evangelism? Dan Dumas, Special Advisor for Foster Care and Adoption to Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, joins us to answer.
How to Build a Sending Church Culture
Where are all the new missionaries? In the church. Join us as we explore seven ways to build a sending church and mobilize the next generation of goers God has sovereignly placed in the pews.
Why Should Missionaries Care About the Reformation?
We’re joined again by Jonathan Arnold to discuss another critical question regarding the Reformation—why should those involved in missions care?
Did the Reformers Believe in the Great Commission?
Special guest Jonathan Arnold, an Oxford graduate, author, and professor as the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins us to discuss a critical question as we remember the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Did the Reformers really believe in missions and evangelism?
Why You Should Stop Sending Short-Term
Over 2 million Americans go on a short-term missions trip each year. So with more than 4,000 unreached people groups, why not keep sending as many short-termers as possible?
What’s Wrong With Missions Agencies
In our first episode, we lay it down straight about missions agencies. Are they biblical, or are they just modern constructs that exist to fill the gap when the local church drops the ball? Do they even work?