Episode Archives

T4G22: Zane Pratt on Methods and Defining ‘Church’

When it comes to the popular methods used on the mission field today, we often talk past one another. What do we mean by “church,” “convert,” or “disciple”? Zane Pratt, vice president of training for IMB, returns to the show. Hear our previous interviews with Zane here. You can watch the video version of thisContinue reading “T4G22: Zane Pratt on Methods and Defining ‘Church’”

T4G22: Why National Partnerships? David Prairie on Live Global

Missions is no longer from the West to the rest—it’s from everywhere, to everywhere. In this T4G exclusive, Live Global missionary David Prairie explains why their model is challenging traditional missions assumptions. You can watch the video version of this episode on the Missions Podcast Facebook page. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops.Continue reading “T4G22: Why National Partnerships? David Prairie on Live Global”

T4G22: Why Upstream Sending? Nathan Sloan Shares

Sending missionaries is the local church’s job—so why start a new parachurch missions sending organization? Nathan Sloan, pastor and executive director of the Upstream Sending explains in this exclusive interview recorded at the final Together for the Gospel conference. Nathan has a Doctor of Missiology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Previously, Nathan and hisContinue reading “T4G22: Why Upstream Sending? Nathan Sloan Shares”

T4G22: Women and Singles in Missions? Lisa LaGeorge’s Take

Why do so many women and singles pursue missions—and what does it mean for biblical manhood and womanhood? Dr. Lisa LaGeorge, director of CHF Academy at Children’s Hunger Fund in Sylmar, CA, returns to the show to talk about her experiences as a complementarian woman on mission. You can watch the video version of this episode on theContinue reading “T4G22: Women and Singles in Missions? Lisa LaGeorge’s Take”

T4G22: Prayer and Movements? Jonathan Arnold Explains

Prayer is the beating heart of missions. But how should we pray? Can we repeat pre-written prayers, or is that inauthentic? And what can history teach us about how prayer has sparked missions movements? Our friend Dr. Jonathan Arnold returns to the show to explain in this bonus interview. This conversation was recorded live atContinue reading “T4G22: Prayer and Movements? Jonathan Arnold Explains”

The Russian Church, Ukraine, and What American Christians Can Learn: Yevgeny Bakhmutsky at T4G22

American believers aren’t the only ones polarized over the last few years. For believers in Russia, the conflict in Ukraine is driving the same wedge through congregations that the social justice debate is in the West. How is the Russian church doing? How do Russian Christians view Ukraine? And what can American Christians and missionariesContinue reading “The Russian Church, Ukraine, and What American Christians Can Learn: Yevgeny Bakhmutsky at T4G22”

Live at T4G22

It’s the final Together for the Gospel conference, and Scott and Alex are recording on the convention floor and connecting with missions experts and Christian leaders from across the nation. Tune in to our first update! Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask aContinue reading “Live at T4G22”

Peter Greer: Helping Without Hurting, Avoiding Mission Drift, and Supporting Enterprise

Sometimes in missions, helping can hurt. But have we taken that simple fact too far—as an excuse for inaction? Peter Greer, president of HOPE International, explains how missionaries can responsibly approach the problem of poverty and how churches and ministries can avoid mission drift. Peter Greer is the president and CEO of HOPE International, aContinue reading “Peter Greer: Helping Without Hurting, Avoiding Mission Drift, and Supporting Enterprise”

Admitting When Helping Hurts: Peter Greer

Coming this Sunday: Sometimes in the world of missions, our best efforts to help those in need can actually hurt. But has that become an excuse to do nothing? Peter Greer, president of HOPE International, explains. New episodes Sundays at 7 p.m. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’sContinue reading “Admitting When Helping Hurts: Peter Greer”

Doing Ministry Out of the Overflow: Kyle Farran

Whether you’re in missions or ministry at home, we all struggle to labor in the strength God provides. How can we make sure we’re serving out of the overflow of our hearts? Kyle Farran, ABWE missionary and author of Overflowing: Ministry and Missions That Flow From the Heart. Serving as the Regional Director of WesternContinue reading “Doing Ministry Out of the Overflow: Kyle Farran”

Doing Missions Committees Right: Paul Davis Shares

For some, the word “committee” means slow, ineffective bureaucracy. How can we keep the passive, maintenance mindset out of our local church missions committees? And what does Scripture have to say about this mode of church organization? ABWE President Paul Davis answers. Mentioned in this episode: Missions by the Book (Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman) Launch Point 7 HabitsContinue reading “Doing Missions Committees Right: Paul Davis Shares”

Are Missions Committees Even Biblical?

In this week’s upcoming episode, ABWE President Paul Davis discusses the biblical rationale for—and critiques of—modern missions programs, teams, and committees in local churches. New episodes Sundays at 7 p.m. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us.

Jesus, Ukraine, and the Soviet Union: Duane Early

Around the time that the Soviet Union fell, Ukraine experienced massive spiritual revival. Duane Early, who served there as a missionary, is convinced that’s part of the reason Ukraine is being targeted today. In this interview, he explains the current situation in Ukraine, miracles that happened during that revival, lessons learned, and missiological takeaways thatContinue reading “Jesus, Ukraine, and the Soviet Union: Duane Early”

Will the Soviet Union Return?

In our next episode, Duane Early, former missionary to Ukraine and current vice president of strategic partnerships with ABWE, explains how Ukrainians reacted when the Soviet Union fell—and how it informed their missiological tactics. New episodes Sundays at 7 p.m. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. WantContinue reading “Will the Soviet Union Return?”

How One Missionary Started a Century-Long Movement: Jim Ruff on ABWE Founder Raphael Thomas

Watch the video version of this episode here. In 1927, the evangelical church was split in two—between gospel-proclaiming fundamentalists and followers of the social gospel. Caught in the struggle was Baptist missionary Dr. Raphael Thomas. When his life and ministry took some unexpected turns, he was faced with a choice—and his actions sparked a missionsContinue reading “How One Missionary Started a Century-Long Movement: Jim Ruff on ABWE Founder Raphael Thomas”

The Forgotten Principle of Money and Missions: Conley Owens on ‘The Dorean Principle’

Watch the video version of this episode here. Throughout the ministry world, content is exchanged for money. But is this biblical? Or should the rest of the Christian world take a cue from how missionaries have operated all along? In The Dorean Principle, Pastor Conley Owens analyzes the puzzling biblical teachings on fundraising and reachesContinue reading “The Forgotten Principle of Money and Missions: Conley Owens on ‘The Dorean Principle’”

Ukraine Refugee Update: Caleb Suko Exclusive

When we last spoke with our friend Caleb Suko, the Russia-Ukraine war hadn’t yet begun. Now, he’s taken refuge—along with two million others—in another country. In this episode, he provides live updates from Moldova and explains how God is at work among the body of Christ and the masses of refugees. You can support theContinue reading “Ukraine Refugee Update: Caleb Suko Exclusive”

What if Everyone Fundraised Like a Missionary?

We all know that missionary life usually means asking for financial support. That scares many people away. But what if that’s the way all sorts of ministries are supposed to work? Hear Conley Owens, author of The Dorean Principle, explain in the next episode. New episodes Sundays at 7 p.m. Subscribe now to never miss an episodeContinue reading “What if Everyone Fundraised Like a Missionary?”

Nik Ripken on Persecution, Missions, and Ukraine

Nik Ripken has collected the stories of suffering believers from all over the world—including Ukraine. In this episode, he talks to us about missions and what he’s learned from time spent with persecuted believers in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Nik (pseudonym) is the author of The Insanity of God (2013) and other books,Continue reading “Nik Ripken on Persecution, Missions, and Ukraine”

Nik Ripken: ‘You Get the Country You Deserve’

Coming up in our next episode: Nik Ripken shares his insights from observing the persecuted church in Ukraine and around the world—and what it all has to do with missions and our own country. New episodes Sundays at 7 p.m. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. WantContinue reading “Nik Ripken: ‘You Get the Country You Deserve’”

No Shortcuts to Success: Matt Rhodes’ ‘Manifesto’

Watch the video version of this episode here. Americans have a need for speed—and missionaries aren’t immune. But in his new “manifesto,” author and missionary Matt Rhodes explains why faithful missions requires long-term commitment. This week, we talk to him about historic missionaries’ example, why definitions matter, and how to gain agreement on a fieldContinue reading “No Shortcuts to Success: Matt Rhodes’ ‘Manifesto’”

Mission Affirmed: Elliot Clark on Recovering Paul’s Missionary Motivation

Watch the video version of this episode here. Christians talk a lot about grace. We get it from the Apostle Paul. Yet Paul also yearned to be approved by the Lord on the last day for his missionary work. How do we hold these themes together? Elliot Clark, author of Mission Affirmed: Recovering the MissionaryContinue reading “Mission Affirmed: Elliot Clark on Recovering Paul’s Missionary Motivation”

What Elliot Clark Would Do Differently

Elliot Clark just wrote Mission Affirmed: Recovering the Missionary Motivation of Paul. What lessons did he learn that he would have applied on the field in hindsight? New episodes Sundays at 7 p.m. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggestContinue reading “What Elliot Clark Would Do Differently”

Helping Goers Think and Thinkers Go: Paul Davis on Media and Missions

Why does this show exist? What do media and technology have to do with missions? This week, ABWE President Paul Davis turns the table on Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman in a three-way conversation about the state of the show and why it’s critical to equip missionaries and church leaders through resources online. Subscribe now toContinue reading “Helping Goers Think and Thinkers Go: Paul Davis on Media and Missions”

Ukraine From the Ground: Caleb Suko Reports

Watch the video version of this episode here. Tensions are rising between Ukraine and Russia. The US is considering involvement. What does that mean for Christian workers and churches in Ukraine? Caleb Suko, pastor and ABWE worker, shares his first-hand perspective. Since 2007 Caleb has served as a missionary in Odessa, Ukraine where he isContinue reading “Ukraine From the Ground: Caleb Suko Reports”

Ukraine and Psalm 31

Coming up this week: Caleb Suko explains what workers and national believers are facing in Ukraine firsthand. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us.

Sending When It Hurts: Josh Teis on the Pastor’s Job in Mobilization

Everyone says they believe in sending missionaries. But what about when it hurts? What about when your church’s most gifted people leave? And what about when missions seems to compete in priority with local outreach? In this episode, Josh Teis weighs in. Josh pastors Southern Hills Baptist Church in Las Vegas, N.V. He earned his B.A. inContinue reading “Sending When It Hurts: Josh Teis on the Pastor’s Job in Mobilization”

The Biblical Case for the Faith Support Model: Steve Shadrach Shares

Watch the video version of this episode here. In June of 2021, a well-known pastor made waves for connecting partnership development with concepts surrounding systemic injustice and racism. It forces usback to a foundational question: Is it right for missionaries to develop financial support partnerships? Is a centralized,salaried model of missions support better? And whatContinue reading “The Biblical Case for the Faith Support Model: Steve Shadrach Shares”

Chad Vegas: Defining the ‘Proclamational Model’ (Part 2)

Watch the video version of this episode here. This week, we continue our conversation with Chad Vegas defining proclamation, outlining the dangers of pragmatism, and sketching a vision for a biblically-driven missiology. Miss part 1? Listen here. Chad is the founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Bakersfield, the founding board chairman of Radius InternationalContinue reading “Chad Vegas: Defining the ‘Proclamational Model’ (Part 2)”

Chad Vegas: The Bottom Line

Coming up: Part two of our conversation with Chad Vegas, where we get to the bottom line definition of healthy missions and its implications for overseas workers. Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops. Support this podcast and impact God’s mission. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us.

Chad Vegas: Defining the ‘Proclamational Model’ (Part 1)

Watch the video version of this episode here. In the missions world, there’s a rift between movement practitioners and advocates of biblical proclamation. Why the disagreement? And is there such a thing as the “proclamational model”? Chad Vegas weighs in this week. Chad is the founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Bakersfield, the foundingContinue reading “Chad Vegas: Defining the ‘Proclamational Model’ (Part 1)”

Refresh: Doing Short-Term Missions Responsibly With Jason Phillips

As global travel uncertainty continues, will short-term missions trips happen in 2022? No one knows the answer for sure, but as Christian leaders, we must plan for the future. So when missions trips do come back at full strength, what can we do to do them better? This week we’re diving into the archives toContinue reading “Refresh: Doing Short-Term Missions Responsibly With Jason Phillips”

Away From Home for the Holidays: A Missionary Perspective From Stephanie Boon

How do missionaries feel when separated from holiday traditions back home? Should global workers feel guilty for the abundance they enjoy at Christmastime? And what can churches do to support missionaries who feel stuck in the middle between home and the field? Stephanie Boon, ABWE missionary to Tanzania, shares. Read Stephanie’s advent devotional article here.Continue reading “Away From Home for the Holidays: A Missionary Perspective From Stephanie Boon”

Saving Babies’ Lives in Papua New Guinea: Lori Smith Speaks

Abortion isn’t just a US problem. In Papua New Guinea, too many working-class women expect that rape will happen to them at some point in their lifetimes—and almost as many women, when they become pregnant, are unaware that what is inside them is alive. For ABWE missionary Lori Smith, this isn’t just a social problem—it’sContinue reading “Saving Babies’ Lives in Papua New Guinea: Lori Smith Speaks”

Thinking Like a Missionary: Mary, Catholicism, and Syncretism

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”

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.

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.