The birth of Christ is the exclamation point on all of Scriptureâs claims regarding Godâs 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”
Episode Archives
Advent and Missions
In this weekâs 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
Itâs 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 ABWEâs Member Care team join to explain why parents of missionaries are often overlooked in churches and missions organizationsâand 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, weâre 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 Godâs work? Josh Zeichik, director of church engagement for Focus on the Family, explains why pastors and missionaries must be âfocused.â Originally from LosContinue reading “How to Last in Ministry: Josh Zeichik on the Temptations of Leadership”
Good News: God Doesnât Need You
Whatâs the key to lasting in ministryâin a world thatâs increasingly chewing up and spitting out Christian leaders? Josh Zeichik of Focus on the Family explains why Godâs 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 Doesnât Need You”
How to Hold the Rope: Ryan Martin on Caring for Missionaries
Sending missionaries is only half the battle. If churches donât 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”
Whatâs Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman
Personal productivity isnât just important to professional success. Itâs 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 “Whatâs Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman”
Missionary: Know Your Limits
Itâs 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 limitsâand let Godâs 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
Thereâs 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?
Weâre 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 weâre succeeding? Alex and Scott wrestle through these critical questions. Believe in our mission? SupportContinue reading “What Is Discipleship?”
Christian: Youâre 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 reactânot 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 ABWEâs Afghan Initiative. You can hear a recentContinue reading “How Should Christians Respond When the Foreigner Comes?”
Godâs Heart for the Nations
Even in the Old Testament, Godâs heart isnât just for Israel but for all the world. How should that affect our view of the globe today? Weâll 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 âSoteriological Adoption for Muslim Evangelism: Engaging Muslims with the Trinitarian Love of God.â 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 âprince of preachers.â 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 âSimpleâ 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 âSimpleâ Trinity in Missions: Matthew Barrett – #FTC22”
Is Missions Easier Than You Think? Steven Wendel Explains – #FTC22
Many Christians avoid missions because itâs only for the elite. But ABWE missionary Steven Wendel explains why that isnât 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 canât. 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 doesnât? What about when the husband believes he is called but his wife doesnât? And what role does the husbandâs authority play? We dive into a listenerâs 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 familyâs 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 Godâs law with Godâs 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 itâs our job to achieve results. But in this weekâs upcoming episode, E.D. Burns shares why weâre 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 worldâs 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 worldâs 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 âsecularismâ itself? This week, author and apologist Glen Scrivener explains how the specter of Christianity continues to haunt the Western mindâand 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 weekâs 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 donât appear to be the most missiologically strategicâat least on paper. But as with any local church, thereâs 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: Donât 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 isnât 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, weâre having a candid conversation about what happens when a missionaryâs 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.
Josh McDowell: What Missionaries Need to Know About Apologetics
What do missionaries need to know about apologetics? Veteran author, speaker, and apologetics Josh McDowell reminds us about our commitment to defending truthâand sharing the evidence. Josh McDowell has been at the forefront of cultural trends and groundbreaking ministry for more than 58 years. He shares the essentials of the Christian faith in everyday languageContinue reading “Josh McDowell: What Missionaries Need to Know About Apologetics”
Josh McDowell: Are You Ready to Give an Answer?
Christians in the US and across the world live among people that are hostile to truth. Are we equipped to defend our faith? Veteran apologist Josh McDowell asks some penetrating questions in this weekâs episode. Believe in our mission? You can support this podcast through ABWE. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
What Motivates Gen Z Towards Missions?
The generation now coming of age is fraught with anxiety and feeling isolated. What will it take for missionaries and church leaders to motivate Generation Z towards cross-cultural missions? We explore this fascinating question with Dr. Jolene Erlacher, author, speaker, consultant, leadership coach, and teacher. Dr. Jolene Erlacher founded Leading Tomorrow in 2014 with the aim of equippingContinue reading “What Motivates Gen Z Towards Missions?”
The Difference Between Millennials and Gen Z
This week, researcher Dr. Jolene Erlacher shares the differences between mobilizing Millennials for cross-cultural missions and motivating Generation Z. Support this podcast and impact Godâs mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Medical Missions, Church Planting, and Lessons Learned in Africa: Steven Chmil
Steven Chmil serves as a surgeon and church-planting missionary in Togo. Now returned from his first term overseas, Steven shares the unique challenges, blessings, and opportunities of ministry in an Islamic context where precisionâtheological and medicalâmatters. Learn more about Stevenâs ministry or support him and Bethany here. Watch the video version of this episode on the ABWE YouTubeContinue reading “Medical Missions, Church Planting, and Lessons Learned in Africa: Steven Chmil”
Having Surgical Precision in Doctrine
What does healthcare have to do with theology? Missionary surgeon Steven Chmil shares why having surgical precision is essential in both domains. Support this podcast and impact Godâs mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Mission-Driven Christian Leadership in Cowardly Times: Joel Wayne
Where are the leaders in the churchâmuch less the mission field? Pastor Joel Wayne of bethechurch.org and Chapel Pointe weighs in this week on how churches and missionaries can solve the leadership pipeline and raise up leaders when it counts. Joelâs is also the founder and executive director of Be the Church, a movement to revitalize theContinue reading “Mission-Driven Christian Leadership in Cowardly Times: Joel Wayne”
Will Christian Leaders Speak Up?
Pastor Joel Wayne shares a stirring challenge for Christians on the mission field and at home in changing days. Tune in this upcoming Sunday night to hear the full episode. Support this podcast and impact Godâs mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
âGlurbanization,â Church Planting, and Why Our Definition of âPeople Groupâ Is Outdated: Dr. Michael Crane
Globalization has made the world smaller and smaller. Increasingly, cities are overtaking suburban and rural areas as the center of society. What does all this mean for church planting? Is the ethnolinguistic people group definition itself outdated? Missiologist Dr. Michael Crane unpacks the implications of what he calls âglurbanization.â Michael and his wife moved toContinue reading “âGlurbanization,â Church Planting, and Why Our Definition of âPeople Groupâ Is Outdated: Dr. Michael Crane”
Missiology Needs to Change
Coming up in this weekâs episode: missiology Michael Crane explains why missiologyâs outdated views of ethnicity need to change. Support this podcast and impact Godâs mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
#RMC22: The Final Word
In this tenth and final exclusive from the Radius Missiology Conference, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford discuss their favorite takeaways from their conversations with Kevin DeYoung, Ian Hamilton, Brad Buser, Brooks Buser, Wayne Chen, Chad Vegas, Jonathan Master, and Steve Meister. Watch the video version of this episode on the ABWE YouTube channel. Listen to allContinue reading “#RMC22: The Final Word”