Podcast Archives

The Simplicity of God | Classical Theology with Jeriah Shank

Are we over-complicating God in our theology? In this week’s episode, Alex sits down with Jeriah Shank, a pastor, theologian, and author as they discuss divine simplicity. They’ll explore how a simple God satisfies the ontological argument for God, supports the missional effort, and ultimately enhances God’s glory and majesty. Jeriah Shank recently received hisContinue reading “The Simplicity of God | Classical Theology with Jeriah Shank”

Moldova and the Pursuit of Proper Doctrine With Mihai Chisari

What is happening with the church in Moldova? In this week’s episode, Alex and Scott sit down with Mihai Chisari, a pastor and Live Global National Partner, as they discuss the challenges of evangelism and discipleship in one of the poorest countries in Europe. They’ll discuss several factors that make ministry hard in this 96%Continue reading “Moldova and the Pursuit of Proper Doctrine With Mihai Chisari”

Depth and Breadth – The State of Christianity in Brazil with Diego Dy Carlos

Because of the rapid spread of Christianity and large percentage of Protestant believers in Brazil, it is often seen as a success story in missions, but at what cost did that happen? Scott Dunford interviews Diego Dy Carlos, a theological scholar, lecturer, and Live Global national partner on the pros and cons of the ChristianContinue reading “Depth and Breadth – The State of Christianity in Brazil with Diego Dy Carlos”

God’s Call to Be Radically Ordinary in Our Faith With Michael Horton

Is being radical the point of Christianity? In this week’s episode of The Missions Podcast, we dig into the archives for a conversation with Dr. Michael Horton as he talks about his book, “Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World”. Together they talk about how the modern rhetoric and mindset of needing to beContinue reading “God’s Call to Be Radically Ordinary in Our Faith With Michael Horton”

Beheading Statues and Engaging the Public Sphere With Ben Zeisloft

What is the limit of free speech in society? What is the limit that Christians should adhere to? In this week’s episode, Alex Kocman sits down with Ben Zeisloft, the editor at The Sentinel, a Christian news outlet, to discuss the legal case of Michael Cassidy, who illegally tore down a Satanic statue at theContinue reading “Beheading Statues and Engaging the Public Sphere With Ben Zeisloft”

Christian Nationalism and the Nations: David Schrock and Steve Wellum

Do you embrace or loathe the term “Christian nationalism”? In this episode Alex sits down with David Schrock and Steve Wellum to tackle this hot-button issue through a missiological lens. They explore what the role of Christianity is in contributing to the public policy of a nation, how Christians should approach politics and taking aContinue reading “Christian Nationalism and the Nations: David Schrock and Steve Wellum”

What To Know Before You Go: A Conversation with Matt Bennett and Josh Bowman

How do you know that you are ready for the mission field? This week’s episode features two return guests, Matt Bennett and Josh Bowman, of Cedarville University, who talk with Alex and Scott about essential wisdom for men looking to get into missions. Together they explore issues of where men find their identity, the typicalContinue reading “What To Know Before You Go: A Conversation with Matt Bennett and Josh Bowman”

The Land Down Under: Evangelism Challenges in Australia with Russ Matthews

How do we evangelize and disciple modern people in a first-world country like Australia? In this episode, Alex and Scott sit down with ABWE missionary, Russ Matthews, who not only ministers in Australia as a missionary but also uses various platforms of film criticism, creating safe spaces for open dialog, and biblical training. Together theyContinue reading “The Land Down Under: Evangelism Challenges in Australia with Russ Matthews”

The Challenges of Worldwide Orphan Ministry With Nicole Wilke

What does effective orphan care look like in the 21st century? In this episode, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Nicole Wilke, Director of the Research Center for the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Together, they explore the immense need for orphan care in the world, some of the misconceptions about orphans and orphan care,Continue reading “The Challenges of Worldwide Orphan Ministry With Nicole Wilke”

Exposing the Errors of the ‘Second Great Awakening’ With Paul Davis

Was the Second Great Awakening helpful to the Christian cause? In this episode, Alex and Scott sit down with ABWE President Paul Davis to discuss the lasting effects of Charles Finney in the Second Great Awakening on the church today. As a former pastor and church leader, Paul explores the manipulative tactics in evangelicalism broughtContinue reading “Exposing the Errors of the ‘Second Great Awakening’ With Paul Davis”

Why Are The Unreached Unreached?

Why are there so many unreached peoples? How should churches missions organizations determine which fields are top priority? In this episode, Alex and Scott discuss the underpinnings of unreached people group methodology and the socio-political factors that influence global missions strategy. From antagonistic governments, to eschatological assumptions, to linguistic and cultural barriers, this episode exploresContinue reading “Why Are The Unreached Unreached?”

Reaching the ‘Reached’ and Challenging Missions Shibboleths: Trevor Holloway Joins

How should mission organizations balance the call to pioneer new frontiers with the need to strengthen existing churches? In this episode, Dr. Trevor Holloway, Director of Mobilization at ABWE and seasoned missionary, challenges traditional approaches to global missions. We delve into strategic shifts required as Christianity expands in the global South, explore the evolving rolesContinue reading “Reaching the ‘Reached’ and Challenging Missions Shibboleths: Trevor Holloway Joins”

The Crisis in Manipur, India: Pastor Stephen Shares

What does it mean to keep the faith in the midst of persecution? This episode features Pastor Stephen, a Live Global partner from Manipur, India, discussing the severe challenges faced by Christians in a region marked by religious conflicts. Manipur’s Christians, often caught between competing religious groups, face significant oppression and violence at the handsContinue reading “The Crisis in Manipur, India: Pastor Stephen Shares”

Beyond Winsomeness: Michael Clary on the Church Planting Movement and Contextualization in an Age of Sexual Confusion

How can the church hold to its foundational truths while effectively engaging in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape? This episode features Michael Clary, a seasoned ministry leader with insights into church planting and cultural engagement. As we delve into topics like the dangers of cultural Marxism within the church and the balance between truth andContinue reading “Beyond Winsomeness: Michael Clary on the Church Planting Movement and Contextualization in an Age of Sexual Confusion”

Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 5: Surrendering to the Lord’s Leading

Original show notes: On this episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we hear the story of Gib and Marilyn Dickenson, who served in the West African country of Togo for 36 years. Gib and Marilyn share their experience of moving to Togo, which had recently opened to missionaries at the time, and the process of leadingContinue reading “Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 5: Surrendering to the Lord’s Leading”

A Crisis in Evangelism? A Conversation With Paul Akin

We’ve launched our premium membership! Visit missionspodcast.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. In this episode of The Missions Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Paul Akin, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss the critical and evolving landscape of evangelism in today’s rapidly changingContinue reading “A Crisis in Evangelism? A Conversation With Paul Akin”

Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 4: Focusing on the Family

Original show notes: In this enriching episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we delve into the nearly four-decade-long ministry journey of ABWE missionaries Dave and Becky Nelson, who devoted their lives to mission aviation and administrative roles in the Philippines. For Becky, missions wasn’t just an overseas endeavor but started right at home, focusing on raisingContinue reading “Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 4: Focusing on the Family”

Globalization and Blind Spots: Dr. Craig Ott on Contextualization

We’ve launched our premium membership! Visit missionspodcast.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. Join us in empowering the next wave of missionaries by supporting those still in the crucial phase of raising support. Visit abwe.org/prefield. In this compelling episode, we delve into the complexities and challenges of contextualizing the gospel in a rapidly globalizingContinue reading “Globalization and Blind Spots: Dr. Craig Ott on Contextualization”

Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 3: Staying Faithful Where You’re Called

Original show notes: On this episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we hear from Rosie Stoner, who served with her late husband Bill for 39 years as missionaries with ABWE in several countries. Rosie and Bill served faithfully with ABWE in Chile, Spain, the United States, and Budapest. Rosie shares her personal struggles through a miscarriageContinue reading “Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 3: Staying Faithful Where You’re Called”

What Every Missionary Needs to Know About Language Acquisition: Jim Ruff Explains

We’ve launched our premium membership! Visit missionspodcast.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. In this insightful episode, we explore the complex and often challenging journey of language learning for missionaries. Our guest, Jim Ruff, delves into a series of probing questions that shed light on common pitfalls, strategic decisions, and the spiritualContinue reading “What Every Missionary Needs to Know About Language Acquisition: Jim Ruff Explains”

Evangelism, Media, and Saving the Unborn With Jon Speed

This week, we delve into the crucial intersection of missions, evangelism, and the pro-life movement with Jon Speed, pastor of missions and evangelism at By the Word Baptist Church in Azle, Texas. Jon brings a unique perspective on why the fight for the unborn is not just a political issue but a gospel imperative forContinue reading “Evangelism, Media, and Saving the Unborn With Jon Speed”

Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 1: Serving Through Suffering

Original show notes: In this pilot episode, we hear the story of Tim Bahula, from ABWE Canada, who served with his wife in Trinidad and Tobago for eight years. While home on furlough, the Bahula’s received the unexpected and devastating news that Jane had been diagnosed with cancer, and within months passed away. Tim opensContinue reading “Cloud of Witnesses Ep. 1: Serving Through Suffering”

Who Was John Nevius? Joshua Bowman on the Missionary to China and Three-Self Missiology

Who was John Nevius, and why does his legacy continue to influence missions today? In this captivating episode of The Missions Podcast, we delve into the life and groundbreaking work of John Nevius with the insights of Joshua Bowman, a seasoned missionary with extensive experience in Zambia and South Asia, and currently serving as anContinue reading “Who Was John Nevius? Joshua Bowman on the Missionary to China and Three-Self Missiology”

Preserving Missionary Fervor in Our Lives and Institutions: Brooks Buser and Pat Daly Discuss ‘Missionary’

Brooks Buser of Radius International has been galavanting around the world on pilgrimage, touring the sites connected with six famed, historic missionary heroes in the filming process for a new documentary series. What did he learn in the process about the mettle needed for the missionary task? Brooks joins Alex to discuss, along with PatContinue reading “Preserving Missionary Fervor in Our Lives and Institutions: Brooks Buser and Pat Daly Discuss ‘Missionary’”

Paul Planted, Apollos Watered, but God: Chris Sadowitz on Weakness in Missions

In this insightful episode of the Missions Podcast, we explore a critical question at the heart of Christian ministry: What does it mean to be vulnerable in ministry, and how does it affect our approach to the mission field? We delve into the biblical principle that while Paul planted and Apollos watered, it was GodContinue reading “Paul Planted, Apollos Watered, but God: Chris Sadowitz on Weakness in Missions”