This week, Alex and Scott talk about how Christian tradition around the holidays can be an evangelistic tool in drawing the lost to the community of faith. 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 aContinue reading “The Goodness of Christian Culture”
Episode Archives
Artificial Intelligence and World Missions
In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore the rise of AI and its effects on the global missions community. From AI-powered church services to a new partnership between SIL and Christian Vision to develop a Bible-focused chatbot, the discussion touches on the potential dangers and ethical concerns of AI,Continue reading “Artificial Intelligence and World Missions”
The Lie of Transhumanism
Throughout the West, transhumanismâthe idea that through technology and artifice we can transcend our natural limitationsâis enchanting unbelievers. But Christ as Lord will have the final word. 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 aContinue reading “The Lie of Transhumanism”
Letting the Gospel Wreck Your Life: Scott Dunford Shares
Scott calls us to let the good news of grace so its work to send us out on missions.
The Danger of Missions Conferences
Coming up this week: Scott Dunford brings a challenge to let the gospel wreck your view of self, of others, and of our obligation in the world. 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 aContinue reading “The Danger of Missions Conferences”
Navigating the Uncharted: A Conversation with Emily Bennett on âBefore You Goâ
This week on the Missions Podcast, hosts Alex and Scott sit down with Emily Bennett, the general editor of the insightful book, Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women Who Served Internationally (2023). As someone who heeded the call to take the gospel to the nations, Emily shares a wealth of experience aimed at preparingContinue reading “Navigating the Uncharted: A Conversation with Emily Bennett on âBefore You Goâ”
Emily Bennett: You Donât Become Bold Overnight
Coming up this week: Emily Bennett, editor of the new book Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women Who Served Internationally, shares why if you arenât living evangelistically now, you wonât automatically become evangelistic once thrust out onto the mission field. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministryContinue reading “Emily Bennett: You Donât Become Bold Overnight”
Israel, Palestine, and the Gospel
What is happening to Christians in Israel and the Palestinian territories right now, and what does the current war mean in terms of the advance of the gospel? In this episode, Alex and Scott wrestle Hamasâ bloody attacks on Israel and the ensuing conflict from a biblical worldview. As mentioned in the show, you canContinue reading “Israel, Palestine, and the Gospel”
Why Is Antisemitism on the Rise?
This week: Scott and Alex discuss how to approach the Israel-Hamas war with our biblical thinking caps on. 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.
Erased: What Every Believer Needs to Know About the Armenian Christian Genocide, Then and NowâWith Joel Veldkamp
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Joel Veldkamp, head of international communications at Christian Solidarity International, to discuss the ongoing crisis facing Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Joel brings his expertise to shed light on the historical, political, and spiritual dimensions of this crisis, urging the global Christian community to stand in solidarity withContinue reading “Erased: What Every Believer Needs to Know About the Armenian Christian Genocide, Then and NowâWith Joel Veldkamp”
Genocide Against Christians?
Whenever the news media directs our attention towards current events, we must also ask: what are they not talking about? This week, an expert on the Middle East and Christian persecution reveals the onslaught against the Armenian Christian community perpetuated over the last several months. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The MissionsContinue reading “Genocide Against Christians?”
Crisis in Missions? Independent Filmmaker David Griffin Speaks
Should every Christian be an evangelist? What about every missionary? In this episode, we sit down with David Griffin, an independent filmmaker, digital marketer, and former church planter, to delve into the complexities and challenges facing modern missions. Griffin, the creative mind behind the documentary âThe Crisis of Missions,â unpacks the most pressing issues missionariesContinue reading “Crisis in Missions? Independent Filmmaker David Griffin Speaks”
Spurgeon and Effective Evangelism
Can cold-contact evangelism work? This upcoming week, weâre joined by independent filmmaker David Griffin to discussed what heâs practiced and see firsthand. 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.
Are We âUnhingedâ? What Genocide, Assassination, and Other Current News Means for Missions
In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the headlines that are shaping our world and explore how they intersect with the Great Commission. From the UN’s warning of a âgreat fractureâ to geopolitical tensions between Canada and India, we ask: What does this mean for the spread of the gospel? We also shed lightContinue reading “Are We âUnhingedâ? What Genocide, Assassination, and Other Current News Means for Missions”
A World in Chaos
What do chaotic world events teach us about Godâs purposes? This week, Alex and Scott dive into the headlinesâand Scripture. 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.
Preaching People Out of the Pews: How to Mobilize From the Pulpit
Is your pulpit a launch pad for mission, or a podium for pew-warmers? In this riveting discussion, Scott and Alex delve into the critical role of pastoral preaching in mobilizing the church for missions. They discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share their favorite Scripture passages for missions-focused messages. They also explore how to seamlesslyContinue reading “Preaching People Out of the Pews: How to Mobilize From the Pulpit”
Guilt-Free Preaching
Is there a way to preach missions without manipulation? Scott and Alex explore in this weekâs upcoming episode. 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.
What Is Karmic Christianity? An Interview With E.D. Burns
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with E.D. Burns, author of Karmic Christianity: Finding Peace by Faith Alone, to dissect the pitfalls of blending karma with Christian faith. Burns warns missionaries against the trap of treadmill living, where the focus shifts from Godâs grace to human effort, leading to ministry burnout and a distortedContinue reading “What Is Karmic Christianity? An Interview With E.D. Burns”
Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church With Nathan Knight
Is church planting just a numbers game, or is there a deeper, biblical vision for launching new congregations? In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Knight, author of Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church, to challenge the entrepreneurial mindset that often infiltrates church planting. Knight unpacks the biblical foundation forContinue reading “Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church With Nathan Knight”
If We Get This Wrong, Nothing Else Matters
What is a church? Nathan Knight shares why defining the body of Christ is the sine qua non of our mission. 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.
Biblical Headship and Its Missiological Implications: Scott Callaham Returns
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Scott Callaham, dean of the Institute of Public Theology, to explore the biblical concept of headship and its far-reaching implications for missions. Dr. Callaham brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a pastor, chaplain, cross-cultural international missionary, conference speaker, Bible translator, and seminary professor.Continue reading “Biblical Headship and Its Missiological Implications: Scott Callaham Returns”
What It Takes to Be a Missionary
If we really understand with missionary task requires, then we will understand the critically important function of male headship in the church amid the work of the gospel. Scott Callaham shares in this weekâs upcoming episode.
Unleashing Spiritual Gifts in Missions: A Conversation with David Rogers
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with David Rogers, a long-time ABWE missionary in Chile, where he has served with his wife Ruth for over 40 years. As the president of Ministerio Cristiano CRECE, a Spanish language Christian publishing house, and the author of the upcoming book Spiritual Gifts: Identify them through the PRIZMContinue reading “Unleashing Spiritual Gifts in Missions: A Conversation with David Rogers”
Must All Missionaries Have the âGift of Evangelismâ?
This week, weâre taking a deep dive into the topic of spiritual gifts with author and missionary David Rogers. 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.
Missionary Virtue in Action: A Look at Philippians 2
In this episode, Alex Kocman unpacks the essence of Christian mission-mindedness through the lens of Philippians 2:19-30. Drawing from the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, this text demonstrates the way in which we are to be marked by selfless pursuit of Christâs interests, love for Christâs people, and the honor and care for Christâs soldiers.Continue reading “Missionary Virtue in Action: A Look at Philippians 2”
Love Is Costly
Coming up this week: an exploration of the lives and examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, twin reminders to us of the importance of joyful missionary sacrifice. 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?Continue reading “Love Is Costly”
Launch Day Announcement
Visit cloudofwitnesses.com.
Missions Mobilization in a Post-Pandemic World
The world has been changing rapidly for the last few years. How has missions mobilization been affected? Scott and Alex explore current events and movements ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to rising nationalism, along with a variety of generational trends, and break down the implications for motivating new workers to enter into the Lordâs harvest.Continue reading “Missions Mobilization in a Post-Pandemic World”
The Most Effective Mobilizers
What has changed in the world of mobilization since the pandemic? Scott and Alex dive in in this weekâs upcoming episode. 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.
Learning From William Chalmers Burns: Ian Hamilton | Radius 2023
Who was the Scottish evangelist William Chalmers Burns? In this final Radius Conference exclusive, Ian Hamilton, president of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, unfolds the riches of missions history to help us deepen in our devotion today. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. LearnContinue reading “Learning From William Chalmers Burns: Ian Hamilton | Radius 2023”
Local Church Centered Missions With Ryan Robertson | Radius 2023
What is a healthy church? How can missionaries overcome the temptation to compromise on their ecclesiology? In this 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Ryan Robertson, president of Reaching and Teaching, discusses what local church centered missions looks like. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission?Continue reading “Local Church Centered Missions With Ryan Robertson | Radius 2023”
Parenting as a Missionary: Rachel Explains | Radius 2023
Cross-cultural missions and parenting are two of lifeâs most challengingâand rewardingâundertakings. Rachel, as Radius staff member, shares her wisdom as a parent after seven years of cross-cultural living. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. You can alsoContinue reading “Parenting as a Missionary: Rachel Explains | Radius 2023”
What God Is Doing Through ABWE: Jason Phillips Shares | Radius 2023
How is the Lord working in and through ABWE? Jason Phillips, vice president of strategy and operations, shares what most excites him right now within the global family of ministries. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. YouContinue reading “What God Is Doing Through ABWE: Jason Phillips Shares | Radius 2023”
What Is the Missions Course? Luke Womack and Barry Brown Answer | Radius 2023
The Go Fund founder Luke Womack recently asked his leadership: if someday student loan debt is no longer an obstacle to missions, what else do we need to do to mobilize the next generation? Enter Airo Missions and its newest program, The Missions Course. Luke and Barry Brown explain more in this interview. Also: CloudContinue reading “What Is the Missions Course? Luke Womack and Barry Brown Answer | Radius 2023”
What Women Should Know to Prepare for Missionary Life: Nina Buser | Radius 2023
How can womenâin particular, those called to be wives and mothersâprepare for the stresses and hurdles of long-term missionary life? In this next 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Nina Buser, wife of Radius International President Brooks Buser and former missionary to Papua New Guinea, shares her lessons learned along the way in tribal ministry. Also: Cloud of WitnessesContinue reading “What Women Should Know to Prepare for Missionary Life: Nina Buser | Radius 2023”
Strategic Retreat? Scott and Alex on Blue States and the Joel Webbon Controversy
Should Christians in the US leave blue states? In this engaging episode, Alex and Scott tackle the topic of strategic retreat, a concept gaining controversy following Joel Webbon’s comments and his recent book, Fight or Flight: Leaving Godless Places. They dive into the complex issues around mission fields, Christian responsibilities, and the balance between ChristâsContinue reading “Strategic Retreat? Scott and Alex on Blue States and the Joel Webbon Controversy”
Why You Must Know & Train Your Missionaries: Brian Murphy | Radius 2023
For many churchgoers, the missionaries they support are little more than magnet on a refrigerator. How can we know and train well those whom we send? Brian Murphy, executive director of XL (Excellence in Leadership) Ministries, shares his passion for leadership development. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network.Continue reading “Why You Must Know & Train Your Missionaries: Brian Murphy | Radius 2023”
Brad Buser on Suffering and Resilience | Radius 2023
How should prospective missionaries think about suffering and the need to endure? In this next 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Brad Buser, veteran missionary and co-founder of Radius International, answers some common questions about what it takes to pioneer on the mission field. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network.Continue reading “Brad Buser on Suffering and Resilience | Radius 2023”
Leaving Blue States?
This Sunday, Scott and Alex reunite in the studio at long last to explore the recent controversy sparked by Pastor Joel Webbonâs writings and comments on leaving godless places. How and when should missional objectives override political priorities? Stay tuned for the full discussion, premiering Sunday at 7 PM. Believe in our mission? Support theContinue reading “Leaving Blue States?”
The Caste System & the Homogenous Unit Principle With Aubrey Sequeira | Radius 2023
In missiology, the modern definition of âpeople groupsâ depends substantially upon the work of Donald McGavran and his conception of the homogenous unit principle. But did McGavran misunderstand the caste system from which he drew his insights? And how should missionaries today assess McGavranâs work? Aubrey Sequeira, pastor in Abu Dhabi, joins again to discussContinue reading “The Caste System & the Homogenous Unit Principle With Aubrey Sequeira | Radius 2023”
Why Penal Substitutionary Atonement? Aubrey Sequeira | Radius 2023
Is penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) a necessary, biblical doctrine, or is it an outgrowth of Western legal thinking? Is PSA on equal footing with honor- and shame-based approaches explanations of the cross, or is it a gospel non-negotiable? In this next exclusive from the 2023 Radius Conference, Aubrey Sequeira, pastor of Evangelical Community Church ofContinue reading “Why Penal Substitutionary Atonement? Aubrey Sequeira | Radius 2023”
Why Reach Japan? Joel Diffenderfer Shares | Radius 2023
What is the state of the church in Japan, and why is it sometimes regarded as the âgraveyardâ of missions? In our next installment from the 2023 Radius Conference, ABWE Missionary Joel Diffenderfer explains the islandâs strategic significance for the Open Initiative, a program to prioritize often-overlooked unreached people groups. Learn more at open.abwe.org. Also:Continue reading “Why Reach Japan? Joel Diffenderfer Shares | Radius 2023”
Jonathan Master on the Missional Legacy of Old Princeton | Radius 2023
When we think of the legacy of old Princeton Theological Seminaryâproducing such towering spiritual giants as the Hodges and Warfieldsâwe rarely think about their contribution to global missions. Yet, far from restricting themselves to ivory towers, these theologians were deeply concerned with the Great Commission. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Seminary, explains why in thisContinue reading “Jonathan Master on the Missional Legacy of Old Princeton | Radius 2023”
Chad Vegas on the Clarity of the Gospel | Radius 2023
We speak often about the need to right methods. But missions also depends upon having the right message. In our first exclusive interview from the 2023 Radius Conference, Pastor Chad Vegas joins to discuss the vision behind their conference theme: the clear gospel. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWEContinue reading “Chad Vegas on the Clarity of the Gospel | Radius 2023”
Missionary Mamaâs Survival Guide: Advice from Tori Haverkamp for Parents and Grandparents
Are you a parent or grandparent grappling with the idea of your child or grandchild pursuing a missionary calling? Do you find yourself filled with questions and concerns about how to support them effectively? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, our host Scott Dunford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tori Haverkamp, founder ofContinue reading “Missionary Mamaâs Survival Guide: Advice from Tori Haverkamp for Parents and Grandparents”
The Holy Privilege of Raising MKs
In this weekâs episode, Tori Haverkamp, author of The Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide, shares why raising missionary kids on the field is not an inconvenience but an immense privilege and blessing. 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 aContinue reading “The Holy Privilege of Raising MKs”
What Weâre Up To
No new episode this week, but stay tuned for an exciting series of exclusives that we captured while at the Radius Conference at the end of June. See you next week! Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support.Continue reading “What Weâre Up To”
Responding to the âNo Shortcut to Successâ Controversy
In this thought-provoking episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott and Alex delve into a critical review of Matt Rhodes’ book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes’ response to the review. While they agree on various key points, such as the importance of deep language learning and solid biblical training,Continue reading “Responding to the âNo Shortcut to Successâ Controversy”
About That âNo Shortcutsâ ReviewâŠ
This week, Scott and Alex wrestle with the critical review of Matt Rhodes’ book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes’ response to the review. Be sure to tune in. 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.Continue reading “About That âNo Shortcutsâ Review⊔
Apologetics in a Chaotic World
How should believers defend their faith in an increasingly hostile culture? And which apologetic methodology is most faithful to the spirit of Scripture? Join Alex Kocman as he explores the controversial topic of apologetics in a supposedly post-Christian context, exploring the Christianâs marching orders in 1 Peter 3:15 and evaluating classical, evidentialist, and presuppositional apologeticsContinue reading “Apologetics in a Chaotic World”