What does the study of ethics have to do with the missionary task? Everything, according to this weekâs guest, Dr. Michael Niebauer, author of Virtuous Persuasion: A Theology of Christian Mission.
Episode Archives
The Persecuted Church in Nigeria With Judd Saul
In this episode, we delve into the harrowing reality of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Our guest, Judd Saul, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the recent Christmas attacks in Plateau State, where scores of Christians were brutally massacred. As we unpack the details of these attacks, we explore the complex web of religious,Continue reading “The Persecuted Church in Nigeria With Judd Saul”
Islamic Takeover of Africa?
Coming up this week: We talk with an expert on Christian persecution in Nigeria about the state of the church in Nigeria and beyond.
A Theology of the Cross in Missions: Tim Bertolet Explains
Join Scott and Alex for a profound discussion with ABWEâs own Tim Bertolet, focusing on the motivations in ministry: are we seeking personal glory or glorifying the Lord? Delving into Martin Lutherâs distinction between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross, this episode examines its impact on evangelical missions and Christian living.Continue reading “A Theology of the Cross in Missions: Tim Bertolet Explains”
Who Are We Boasting In?
Coming this week: Scott and Alex sit down with ABWEâs own Tim Bertolet to explore an ever-important topicâour motivations in ministry. Are we boasting in ourselves, or in the Lord? And what can we learn from Martin Lutherâs paradigm of a theology of glory versus a theology of the cross? Tune in on Sunday nightContinue reading “Who Are We Boasting In?”
New Yearâs Eve Countdown: 2024âs Must-Read Missions Books
The tradition is back! In this compelling episode, Chris Howles of For Every Nation joins the discussion to unveil his top 10 missions books to read in 2024. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone engaged in or interested in missions, offering insights that blend deep theological understanding with practical application in the missionContinue reading “New Yearâs Eve Countdown: 2024âs Must-Read Missions Books”
Why Christianity Is Altogether Unique
Coming up this week: Our friend Chris Howles returns to the show to count down his top ten missiological books for 2024 and what they have to say to the global church. 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 askContinue reading “Why Christianity Is Altogether Unique”
Christmas Year in Review: Top Episodes, World Events, and Lessons Learned
In this special Christmas episode of The Missions Podcast, we take a moment to reflect on the past year, celebrating Godâs unwavering guidance and the impactful conversations that have touched our hearts and minds. We revisit the best episodes of the year, shedding light on the valuable lessons and inspiring experiences that have deepened ourContinue reading “Christmas Year in Review: Top Episodes, World Events, and Lessons Learned”
Do Scott and Alex Disagree?
Coming up this weekâs Christmas roundup: We debrief the past year of podcasts, including⊠times when Alex and Scott didnât see eye to eye? We know itâs shocking. Tune in Sunday at 7 p.m. to have all your questions answered. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resourceContinue reading “Do Scott and Alex Disagree?”
Doing Honest Missions History With Ed Smither
In this conversation with Ed Smither, we delve into the evangelical tradition of honoring figures like William Carey and Lottie Moon, exploring how we can respect the past without veering into hagiography. Key discussion points include uncovering lesser-known missionaries who inspire, acknowledging the failures of past missions, and learning from historical examples, including Roman CatholicContinue reading “Doing Honest Missions History With Ed Smither”
Missionary Monks?
Coming up this week: Ed Smither explains what evangelical missionaries today can learn from the monastic movements of Christendom, despite theological disagreements. 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.
Voddie Baucham on Education, Mission, and Christian Culture-Building
In this dynamic episode of The Missions Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Voddie Baucham to explore the intersection of education, mission, and Christian culture-building. Dr. Baucham, a respected figure in pastoral work and theological education, currently shaping minds at the African Christian University in Zambia, brings his unique perspective to the table. The discussionContinue reading “Voddie Baucham on Education, Mission, and Christian Culture-Building”
Voddie: Missionaries Arenât All âGreen Beretsâ
Is missions only for the elite few? Or is there more to being a part of the mission of God, even from the pew? Itâs one of the many topics coming up in this Sundayâs conversation with Dr. Voddie Baucham. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resourceContinue reading “Voddie: Missionaries Arenât All âGreen Beretsâ”
More Modern Lessons From Medieval Missions With Glenn Sunshine
In part two of our insightful discussion with Dr. Glenn Sunshine, we shift our focus to the present, exploring the practical lessons that today’s evangelicals can learn from medieval missionary endeavors. Dr. Sunshine, drawing from his extensive study of Christian history, highlights how the methodologies and theological understandings of early missionaries like Saints Boniface andContinue reading “More Modern Lessons From Medieval Missions With Glenn Sunshine”
Unlearning Myths About Colonialism
Did earlier generations of Protestants truly fail at the missionary task, as weâve often been led to believe? This week, we resume our conversation with Glenn Sunshine as we glean lessons from church history for todayâs missions endeavors. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE.Continue reading “Unlearning Myths About Colonialism”
Medieval Missions Explored: Boniface, Patrick, and More With Glenn Sunshine
Part one of our engaging conversation with Dr. Glenn Sunshine takes us into the heart of medieval missions, focusing on influential figures like Saint Boniface and Saint Patrick. Dr. Sunshine, with his deep knowledge of European history, paints a vivid picture of the missionary landscape during the early medieval period. This episode delves into theContinue reading “Medieval Missions Explored: Boniface, Patrick, and More With Glenn Sunshine”
No, Christianity Didnât Spread by Conquest
Coming up: historian Glenn Sunshine sets the record straight on how Christianity has spread through the ages. 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.
âTis the Season to Rethink Outreach?
In this festive episode of The Missions Podcast, we unwrap the topic of outreach during the Christmas season and beyondâfrom shoeboxes to food drives to capital campaigns and, of course, door-to-door caroling. We explore each methodâs effectiveness, asking the tough questions: Are we truly meeting needs or just fulfilling our own holiday expectations? Are thereContinue reading “âTis the Season to Rethink Outreach?”
The Goodness of Christian Culture
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”
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”