Speaker Archives

Navigating the Uncharted: A Conversation with Emily Bennett on ‘Before You Go’

This week on the Missions Podcast, hosts Alex and Scott sit down with Emily Bennett, the general editor of the insightful book, Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women Who Served Internationally (2023). As someone who heeded the call to take the gospel to the nations, Emily shares a wealth of experience aimed at preparingContinue reading “Navigating the Uncharted: A Conversation with Emily Bennett on ‘Before You Go’”

Erased: What Every Believer Needs to Know About the Armenian Christian Genocide, Then and Now—With Joel Veldkamp

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Joel Veldkamp, head of international communications at Christian Solidarity International, to discuss the ongoing crisis facing Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Joel brings his expertise to shed light on the historical, political, and spiritual dimensions of this crisis, urging the global Christian community to stand in solidarity withContinue reading “Erased: What Every Believer Needs to Know About the Armenian Christian Genocide, Then and Now—With Joel Veldkamp”

Crisis in Missions? Independent Filmmaker David Griffin Speaks

Should every Christian be an evangelist? What about every missionary? In this episode, we sit down with David Griffin, an independent filmmaker, digital marketer, and former church planter, to delve into the complexities and challenges facing modern missions. Griffin, the creative mind behind the documentary “The Crisis of Missions,” unpacks the most pressing issues missionariesContinue reading “Crisis in Missions? Independent Filmmaker David Griffin Speaks”

Are We ‘Unhinged’? What Genocide, Assassination, and Other Current News Means for Missions

In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the headlines that are shaping our world and explore how they intersect with the Great Commission. From the UN’s warning of a “great fracture” to geopolitical tensions between Canada and India, we ask: What does this mean for the spread of the gospel? We also shed lightContinue reading “Are We ‘Unhinged’? What Genocide, Assassination, and Other Current News Means for Missions”

A World in Chaos

What do chaotic world events teach us about God’s purposes? This week, Alex and Scott dive into the headlines—and Scripture. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. 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.

Preaching People Out of the Pews: How to Mobilize From the Pulpit

Is your pulpit a launch pad for mission, or a podium for pew-warmers? In this riveting discussion, Scott and Alex delve into the critical role of pastoral preaching in mobilizing the church for missions. They discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share their favorite Scripture passages for missions-focused messages. They also explore how to seamlesslyContinue reading “Preaching People Out of the Pews: How to Mobilize From the Pulpit”

What Is Karmic Christianity? An Interview With E.D. Burns

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with E.D. Burns, author of Karmic Christianity: Finding Peace by Faith Alone, to dissect the pitfalls of blending karma with Christian faith. Burns warns missionaries against the trap of treadmill living, where the focus shifts from God’s grace to human effort, leading to ministry burnout and a distortedContinue reading “What Is Karmic Christianity? An Interview With E.D. Burns”

Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church With Nathan Knight

Is church planting just a numbers game, or is there a deeper, biblical vision for launching new congregations? In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Knight, author of Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church, to challenge the entrepreneurial mindset that often infiltrates church planting. Knight unpacks the biblical foundation forContinue reading “Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church With Nathan Knight”

Biblical Headship and Its Missiological Implications: Scott Callaham Returns

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Scott Callaham, dean of the Institute of Public Theology, to explore the biblical concept of headship and its far-reaching implications for missions. Dr. Callaham brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a pastor, chaplain, cross-cultural international missionary, conference speaker, Bible translator, and seminary professor.Continue reading “Biblical Headship and Its Missiological Implications: Scott Callaham Returns”

Unleashing Spiritual Gifts in Missions: A Conversation with David Rogers

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with David Rogers, a long-time ABWE missionary in Chile, where he has served with his wife Ruth for over 40 years. As the president of Ministerio Cristiano CRECE, a Spanish language Christian publishing house, and the author of the upcoming book Spiritual Gifts: Identify them through the PRIZMContinue reading “Unleashing Spiritual Gifts in Missions: A Conversation with David Rogers”

Missionary Virtue in Action: A Look at Philippians 2

In this episode, Alex Kocman unpacks the essence of Christian mission-mindedness through the lens of Philippians 2:19-30. Drawing from the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, this text demonstrates the way in which we are to be marked by selfless pursuit of Christ’s interests, love for Christ’s people, and the honor and care for Christ’s soldiers.Continue reading “Missionary Virtue in Action: A Look at Philippians 2”

Love Is Costly

Coming up this week: an exploration of the lives and examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, twin reminders to us of the importance of joyful missionary sacrifice. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic?Continue reading “Love Is Costly”

Missions Mobilization in a Post-Pandemic World

The world has been changing rapidly for the last few years. How has missions mobilization been affected? Scott and Alex explore current events and movements ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to rising nationalism, along with a variety of generational trends, and break down the implications for motivating new workers to enter into the Lord’s harvest.Continue reading “Missions Mobilization in a Post-Pandemic World”

The Most Effective Mobilizers

What has changed in the world of mobilization since the pandemic? Scott and Alex dive in in this week’s upcoming episode. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. 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.

Learning From William Chalmers Burns: Ian Hamilton | Radius 2023

Who was the Scottish evangelist William Chalmers Burns? In this final Radius Conference exclusive, Ian Hamilton, president of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, unfolds the riches of missions history to help us deepen in our devotion today. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. LearnContinue reading “Learning From William Chalmers Burns: Ian Hamilton | Radius 2023”

Local Church Centered Missions With Ryan Robertson | Radius 2023

What is a healthy church? How can missionaries overcome the temptation to compromise on their ecclesiology? In this 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Ryan Robertson, president of Reaching and Teaching, discusses what local church centered missions looks like. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission?Continue reading “Local Church Centered Missions With Ryan Robertson | Radius 2023”

Parenting as a Missionary: Rachel Explains | Radius 2023

Cross-cultural missions and parenting are two of life’s most challenging—and rewarding—undertakings. Rachel, as Radius staff member, shares her wisdom as a parent after seven years of cross-cultural living. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. You can alsoContinue reading “Parenting as a Missionary: Rachel Explains | Radius 2023”

What God Is Doing Through ABWE: Jason Phillips Shares | Radius 2023

How is the Lord working in and through ABWE? Jason Phillips, vice president of strategy and operations, shares what most excites him right now within the global family of ministries. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. YouContinue reading “What God Is Doing Through ABWE: Jason Phillips Shares | Radius 2023”

What Is the Missions Course? Luke Womack and Barry Brown Answer | Radius 2023

The Go Fund founder Luke Womack recently asked his leadership: if someday student loan debt is no longer an obstacle to missions, what else do we need to do to mobilize the next generation? Enter Airo Missions and its newest program, The Missions Course. Luke and Barry Brown explain more in this interview. Also: CloudContinue reading “What Is the Missions Course? Luke Womack and Barry Brown Answer | Radius 2023”

What Women Should Know to Prepare for Missionary Life: Nina Buser | Radius 2023

How can women—in particular, those called to be wives and mothers—prepare for the stresses and hurdles of long-term missionary life? In this next 2023 Radius Conference exclusive, Nina Buser, wife of Radius International President Brooks Buser and former missionary to Papua New Guinea, shares her lessons learned along the way in tribal ministry. Also: Cloud of WitnessesContinue reading “What Women Should Know to Prepare for Missionary Life: Nina Buser | Radius 2023”

Strategic Retreat? Scott and Alex on Blue States and the Joel Webbon Controversy

Should Christians in the US leave blue states? In this engaging episode, Alex and Scott tackle the topic of strategic retreat, a concept gaining controversy following Joel Webbon’s comments and his recent book, Fight or Flight: Leaving Godless Places. They dive into the complex issues around mission fields, Christian responsibilities, and the balance between Christ’sContinue reading “Strategic Retreat? Scott and Alex on Blue States and the Joel Webbon Controversy”

Why You Must Know & Train Your Missionaries: Brian Murphy | Radius 2023

For many churchgoers, the missionaries they support are little more than magnet on a refrigerator. How can we know and train well those whom we send? Brian Murphy, executive director of XL (Excellence in Leadership) Ministries, shares his passion for leadership development. Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network.Continue reading “Why You Must Know & Train Your Missionaries: Brian Murphy | Radius 2023”

Why Reach Japan? Joel Diffenderfer Shares | Radius 2023

What is the state of the church in Japan, and why is it sometimes regarded as the “graveyard” of missions? In our next installment from the 2023 Radius Conference, ABWE Missionary Joel Diffenderfer explains the island’s strategic significance for the Open Initiative, a program to prioritize often-overlooked unreached people groups. Learn more at open.abwe.org. Also:Continue reading “Why Reach Japan? Joel Diffenderfer Shares | Radius 2023”