Across the globe, many folk religions try to find peace in life by honoring ancestral figures. So when evangelical missionaries think encounter Roman Catholic tradition and its Marian dogmas and traditions venerating the saints, how should they respond? Dr. James Fryer joins us to discuss this powderkeg issue tackled in his dissertation. James Fryer, Ph.D.Continue reading “Thinking Like a Missionary: Mary, Catholicism, and Syncretism”
Episode Archives
Mary and Idolatry
It’s Christmas. Images of Mary are everywhere. But when missionaries encounter veneration of saints among Roman Catholics and others, what should our response be? Dr. James Fryer joins this week to share. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us.
Why Target Unreached People Groups?
How can a missionary discern where they should serve? Is it biblical for a church missions program to target some countries but not others? And what’s the reason more missionaries don’t go to the unreached? To sign up to learn more about ABWE’s upcoming Open Initiative as it launches, click here. Support this podcast and impactContinue reading “Why Target Unreached People Groups?”
Cover Blown: How a Missionary Got Kicked Out of Country
The barriers to reaching unreached people groups are real. This week, Harry G., overseeing South Asia for ABWE, returns to the show to explain why they still matter—and how churches can recapture a pioneering spirit. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us. The Missions Podcast isContinue reading “Cover Blown: How a Missionary Got Kicked Out of Country”
Doctrine, Pragmatism, and Movements: A Discussion With Ted Esler (Part 2)
Our conversation with Ted Esler continues as we try to define words like “disciple” and “church” and map out both the common ground and the battle lines. Then, we try to chart the path forward. You can listen to part one. Ted Esler is the president of an association of agencies and churches representing over 30,000Continue reading “Doctrine, Pragmatism, and Movements: A Discussion With Ted Esler (Part 2)”
Why Fruit Isn’t About Numbers
This week, we continue our crucial conversation with Ted Esler as he shares his opinions about methodologies, movements, and the biblical definition of “fruit” in ministry. Hear part 1 here. 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.
Doctrine, Pragmatism, and Movements: A Discussion With Ted Esler (Part 1)
What are disciple-making movements and church planting movements? Do these methods, carried to their logical conclusions, undermine our doctrines of the local church and of conversion? Or are we being too theologically rigid? Let’s reason together, build common ground, and determine where the real issues lie. Hear part 1 in a two-part series with MissioContinue reading “Doctrine, Pragmatism, and Movements: A Discussion With Ted Esler (Part 1)”
Pathological Ecclesiology?
This week, Ted Esler returns to the show for a frank conversation about movement methodologies and the biblical doctrine of the local church. 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.
Suffering, Eschatology, and the Glorious Reward in Missions
Why does God give us a glimpse of the future? How can we prepare for suffering in missions? This week, hear a special presentation from Alex Kocman to members of Westminster Theological Seminary’s Global Missions Fellowship on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, taken from Alex’s upcoming book with Chad Vegas on integrating doctrine and practice. Support thisContinue reading “Suffering, Eschatology, and the Glorious Reward in Missions”
The School of Suffering
Coming up this week: Alex Kocman presents why enlisting in ministry means enrolling in God’s seminary of suffering. 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.
Is Obedience-Based Discipleship Biblical? Alex and Scott Discuss
What is obedience-based discipleship, and is it biblical? The issue isn’t as simple as it seems. This week, Alex and Scott discuss Alex’s article addressing the topic and explore all the related questions of law, gospel, and salvation by faith alone. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest aContinue reading “Is Obedience-Based Discipleship Biblical? Alex and Scott Discuss”
The Problem With Obedience-Based Discipleship
Coming up in our next episode: Alex and Scott dive deep into obedience-based discipleship, the book of Acts, and the importance of rightly distinguishing law and gospel. 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.
The Case for Missionary Care With Ryan Martin
Everyone’s talking about “care”—self-care, healthcare, pastoral care, and the list goes on. What’s the biblical case for churches to care for missionaries on the field, and how can we do it well? Ryan Martin answers. Read Ryan’s articles on the topic: “Missionary Care Begins with the Local Church: A Look at 3 John 5-8” “PartnershipContinue reading “The Case for Missionary Care With Ryan Martin”
Why It’s Hard to Care for Missionaries
What stops too many pastors from confidently shepherding their sent missionaries? Ryan Martin, Director of Missions for Lightbearers, explains some of the common hurdles. 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.
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”
How Your Worship Is Shaping You
In our upcoming episode, ABWE missionary Melissa Baccarella shares how the content of corporate worship is the key to discipleship. 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.
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”
How Do We Mobilize the Next Generation?
This week, Tanner and Amber Callison, missions mobilizers with the Traveling Team, offer their advice for how to awaken a generation sometimes perceived as tech-obsessed, shy, and noncommittal. 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.
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”
E.D. Burns: What All Religions Have in Common
What is “enoughness,” and how can it help us translate the gospel across cultures? E.D. Burns, author of The Transcultural Gospel, returns to the show in this week’s upcoming episode. 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.
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”
4 Questions About Abortion
Every missionary, pastor, and believer must answer these four questions about the issue of life for the unborn. Hear PassionLife President John Ensor in our full interview premiering Sunday night at 7 PM Eastern. Subscribe now.
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”
What’s Up With Gen Z?
Is the upcoming generation actually ready to carry on the Great Commission? Paul Davis shares in this week’s upcoming episode, recorded live at Cedarville University. Subscribe now.
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”
Mind-Blowing Stories From North Korea
How did North Korea become so spiritually dark? How did Christianity take root in South Korea? And what can missionaries learn today? Here’s a taste of our upcoming interview with James T. Cha of the Crescent Project, author of Fear Not. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.
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”
You Can’t Have Bible Without Church
Bible translation must lead to church planting. This week, Kyle D., Executive Director of Bible Translation Fellowship, explains why translating Scripture into the languages of the unreached must go hand-in-hand with growing local churches. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.
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”
More Than Digging Wells?
We know that missions is more than building projects. But it isn’t less. This week, we speak to Tim Hunsicker of ABWE’s Project Office about how construction and design can advance the gospel. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.
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.
Thinking Christianly About Haiti
The assassination of Haiti’s president on July 7 put Haiti back in the news. For years, this nation has been caught in a painful cycle of crime, corruption, poverty, and natural disaster. What is the news not telling us, and how is the gospel the answer? Live Global missionary Ismael, a Haitian national and OldContinue reading “Thinking Christianly About Haiti”
What the News Won’t Tell You About Haiti
What’s happening in Haiti following the assassination of their president on July 7? A Haitian national and missionary shares. 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”
The Bee Line to Christ
Should missionaries adapt their message? In this week’s episode, Scott Dunford explains what’s really happening in Acts 17 in Paul’s sermon. Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.
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”