Podcast Archives

MEGA Episode: A Debate on Prioritism and Holism With Ray Norman and Alex Kocman

What is prioritism? What is holism? Is there a middle way? For decades these questions have reverberated throughout the missions community. They aren’t theoretical issues—they affect the daily work of missionaries. In this special episode, we bring you a dialogue over the relationship between evangelism and social action with Alex Kocman of ABWE, author ofContinue reading “MEGA Episode: A Debate on Prioritism and Holism With Ray Norman and Alex Kocman”

What’s At Stake if We Don’t Preach Christ

Some in the missions world maintain that the Great Commission is simply about serving others—whether or not the gospel is presented. In this week’s upcoming episode, we explain what’s at stake in the long-running missiological debate between prioritism and holism. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE.Continue reading “What’s At Stake if We Don’t Preach Christ”

Does the Church Have One Mission or Two? ‘Come and See’ Author Justin Schell

What is the church’s mission? Are proclamation and mercy ministry separate tasks, or intertwined? And are we forgetting our foundation—pursuing the glory of God? We explore this week with Justin Schell, US director of Union School of Theology and director of executive projects with Lausanne Movement. Justin studied mission and biblical theology at Gordon-Conwell TheologicalContinue reading “Does the Church Have One Mission or Two? ‘Come and See’ Author Justin Schell”

Can We Learn From Movements? JR Stevenson on What the Reformed and Movements Can Learn From Each Other

Many church and missions leaders are concerned that disciple making movements, church planting movements, and other multiplication methodologies are guilty of pragmatism. Conversely, movement practitioners accuse critics of being too tied to tradition. Is there common ground? In a recent article for Global Missiology, Middle East missionary J.R. Stevenson claims the two sides of theContinue reading “Can We Learn From Movements? JR Stevenson on What the Reformed and Movements Can Learn From Each Other”

Are We Wrong About Movements?

Coming this week: J.R. Stevenson, a missionary in the Middle East, engages us with a different perspective on movements. 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 a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Partnering on Mission: Why Church Associationalism Matters With Dr. James Renihan

Modern people are fiercely independent. In America, our churches tightly hold on to their freedom. What biblical basis is there for church associations? Can Baptists partner together on mission while still holding to local church autonomy? Dr. James Renihan, theologian and president of International Reformed Baptist Seminary, answers. After a ministry of church planting inContinue reading “Partnering on Mission: Why Church Associationalism Matters With Dr. James Renihan”

Jim Renihan: The Missional Advantage of Church Partnership

What does associational church membership have to do with the Great Commission? Everything, in fact. Dr. James Renihan of IRBS shares more in this week’s upcoming show. 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 a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House With Matt Bennett

Is the American evangelical house in order? Or is it in need of a remodel? Or—even worse—should we sell the house altogether and look for another home? Matt Bennett answers these timely questions from the missionary perspective of Lesslie Newbigin. Dr. Matthew Bennett joined the faculty at Cedarville University in fall 2017 after serving and living inContinue reading “Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House With Matt Bennett”

What the Church Has That the World Doesn’t

The church has the answer for our broken, secular culture. In this week’s upcoming answer, Matt Bennett shares how the missionary identity of the church serves as a beacon to a watching world. Believe in our mission? Support this podcast. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask aContinue reading “What the Church Has That the World Doesn’t”

You Are Sent: A Conversation With Nathan Sloan

What is the crux of missions? What does Scripture have to say about the plight of the lost, and are churches doing enough about it? This week, Nathan Sloan, executive director of Upstream Sending and previous ABWE missionary, answers with insights from his latest book, You Are Sent: Finding Your Place in God’s Global Mission.Continue reading “You Are Sent: A Conversation With Nathan Sloan”

Why Do We Even Need Missions?

Coming up this Sunday: Upstream Sending Executive Director Nathan Sloan shares what makes missions necessary and why churches can’t afford to lose their zeal for the lost. 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 a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

MEGA Episode: What Is a Nation? Vishal Mangalwadi on the Great Commission

Defining the word “nation” is crucial, and not just in missions—in culture and even politics, too. How does Scripture define “nation,” and what does it mean for the Great Commission? Indian philosopher and Christian activist Vishal Mangalwadi returns to the show to explore this multifaceted issue. What do you think of Mangalwadi’s view? Let usContinue reading “MEGA Episode: What Is a Nation? Vishal Mangalwadi on the Great Commission”

What Genesis Means by ‘Nation’

What defines a “nation” has never been more controverisal. This week, Indian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi returns to the show to unpack this complex issue biblically. 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 a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Poland, Ukraine, and Ministering Amid International Crisis: Pastor Maksym’s Story

How has the face of Europe changed since the Russian war against Ukraine reached its current escalation? And what can US churches learn as they try to reach immigrants? Pastor Maksym Sliazin, a Ukrainian refugee himself, shares how God is working through the local church among refugees in Poland despite ethnic tensions. Also in thisContinue reading “Poland, Ukraine, and Ministering Amid International Crisis: Pastor Maksym’s Story”

What About My Kids? Cheryl Winget on MK Education and Parenting on the Field

How can missionary parents raise children who are godly Christ-followers on the mission field? How should missionaries make education choices for their children—whether to choose home schooling, international school, or public school? And what happens when MKs have special needs? Dr. Cheryl Winget joins to answer these complex and important questions. Cheryl Winget (D.Ed. in specialContinue reading “What About My Kids? Cheryl Winget on MK Education and Parenting on the Field”

What Makes Raising MKs Different

Parenting is always hard. Parenting missionary kids is just… different. This week, ABWE’s own Dr. Cheryl Winget (D.Ed. in special education/educational psychology, Regent University) explains why. 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.

Should We Use the ‘M’ Word?

For some, missionaries are faith-filled heroes—out on the far reaches of society, sharing the good news in faraway lands. For others, “missionary” might be synonymous with words like “colonizer” or “imperialist.” What’s in a word? In this episode, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford wrestle with the implications of the “m” word in terms of language,Continue reading “Should We Use the ‘M’ Word?”

Top 10 Missions Books to Read in 2023: Chris Howles Shares

A new year is upon us. It’s the time to set new goals—including reading goals. To help us count down the top must-read missiology texts for 2023, Chris Howles joins the show. Chris holds a doctorate in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He’s the founder of From Every Nation, a resource hub for missionaries.Continue reading “Top 10 Missions Books to Read in 2023: Chris Howles Shares”

Required Reading for 2023

In this week’s upcoming episode, Scott and Alex talk to Chris Howles on the must-read missiological resources for the new year. 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.

Advent and Missions

In this week’s 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

It’s 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 ABWE’s Member Care team join to explain why parents of missionaries are often overlooked in churches and missions organizations—and 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, we’re 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 God’s work? Josh Zeichik, director of church engagement for Focus on the Family, explains why pastors and missionaries must be “focused.” Originally from LosContinue reading “How to Last in Ministry: Josh Zeichik on the Temptations of Leadership”

Good News: God Doesn’t Need You

What’s the key to lasting in ministry—in a world that’s increasingly chewing up and spitting out Christian leaders? Josh Zeichik of Focus on the Family explains why God’s 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 Doesn’t Need You”

How to Hold the Rope: Ryan Martin on Caring for Missionaries

Sending missionaries is only half the battle. If churches don’t 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”

What’s Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman

Personal productivity isn’t just important to professional success. It’s 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 “What’s Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman”

Is the Commission Still Great? Steve Richardson Answers

There’s 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”

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 react—not 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 ABWE’s Afghan Initiative. You can hear a recentContinue reading “How Should Christians Respond When the Foreigner Comes?”

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 “Soteriological Adoption for Muslim Evangelism: Engaging Muslims with the Trinitarian Love of God.” 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 “prince of preachers.” 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 ‘Simple’ 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 ‘Simple’ Trinity in Missions: Matthew Barrett – #FTC22”

Is Missions Easier Than You Think? Steven Wendel Explains – #FTC22

Many Christians avoid missions because it’s only for the elite. But ABWE missionary Steven Wendel explains why that isn’t 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 can’t. 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”