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.

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 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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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.