Tag Archives: discipleship

Prioritizing the Old Ways in Missions With Kevin DeYoung | Missionary 2024

Why is it difficult to rely on the traditional methods of missions? In this exclusive interview from Missionary, Scott Dunford sits down with Kevin DeYoung, pastor, author, and founder of Clearly Reformed, as they discuss good models of ministry and why missionaries need to prayerfully trust in the ordinary means and methods of bringing theContinue reading “Prioritizing the Old Ways in Missions With Kevin DeYoung | Missionary 2024”

Ministry in Life’s Later Years With Brad Buser | Missionary 2024

How do you make the most of ministry after the field? In this exclusive interview from Missionary, Scott Dunford sits down with Brad Buser from Radius International about how to approach life and ministry after missionaries come back from the field. They discuss pitfalls that retired missionaries fall into, ministry opportunities in retirement, and theContinue reading “Ministry in Life’s Later Years With Brad Buser | Missionary 2024”

What is Really Happening in Modern Missions? Chad Vegas | Missionary 2024

What are the main problems in today’s mission world? In this exclusive interview from Missionary, Alex and Scott sit down with Chad Vegas, pastor, author, and co-founder of the Missionary Conference. Chad analyzes a few of the problems relating to how the church should be raising up and training future missionaries and how churches needContinue reading “What is Really Happening in Modern Missions? Chad Vegas | Missionary 2024”

How to Reach Tribal People With Steve Sanford

How do you reach a people group with no written language or Bible translation? In this week’s episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott Dunford sits down with Steve Sanford, CEO of Ethnos360, as he talks about his experience reaching a tribal group and the unique complexities and methodologies needed to go where the gospel hasn’tContinue reading “How to Reach Tribal People With Steve Sanford”

Reliance on God and the Importance of Faithful Men in Missions With Paul Washer at Missionary

What kind of men do we need going to the mission field? In this exclusive interview from Missionary Conference, Alex and Scott sit down with Paul Washer as he discusses the role that ABWE missionaries had on this life, the type of men that should be going to the mission field, and crucial words thatContinue reading “Reliance on God and the Importance of Faithful Men in Missions With Paul Washer at Missionary”

Don’t Rely on Intelligence. Rely on God Through Prayer | Paul Washer

This week on The Missions Podcast, we have an exclusive interview with Paul Washer from Missionary Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Join Alex and Scott for this incredibly insightful and challenging discussion. Want access to all of the interviews from Missionary? Join our Premium Subscribers and get instant access as well as many other benefits. UseContinue reading “Don’t Rely on Intelligence. Rely on God Through Prayer | Paul Washer”

Urban Elites and the Unreached in South Asia

Where do you start ministry amid overwhelming darkness? In this week’s episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott are joined by Paul, a Live Global ministry partner working in South Asia. Paul details the many ways that his for-profit and non-profit businesses are engaging people from the richest and highest in society to theContinue reading “Urban Elites and the Unreached in South Asia”

The State of the Pro-Life Movement with Sarah Tarnowski with Love Life

Is the Pro-Life Movement a losing battle for the church? In this week’s episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Sarah Tarnowski from Love Life. Together they discuss the origins of Love Life, why their model is centered and anchored on the local church, and how ordinary people can help theContinue reading “The State of the Pro-Life Movement with Sarah Tarnowski with Love Life”

Refugees Reaching Muslims in the United States: Discussing the Afghan Initiative

Are Afghans open to the gospel? This week on The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with David, a Live Global missionary working with Afghan refugees in the United States who are ministering to their own people. Together they discuss some of the historical, cultural, and religious conflicts of modern day Afghanistan, how AfghanContinue reading “Refugees Reaching Muslims in the United States: Discussing the Afghan Initiative”

Lessons From the Persecuted Church With Ryan Brown

If you’re honest, do you approach your faith like it is all you have? In this week’s episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott Dunford sits down with Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors US. Together they discuss the growing persecution of Christians in the United States but also valuable takeaways from brothers and sisters aroundContinue reading “Lessons From the Persecuted Church With Ryan Brown”

The Danger of Being Discipled by Our Culture

If we aren’t careful, we can be discipled by our culture and look at our faith from a consumerism mindset. We can learn a lot from our brothers and sisters in hard places. Join Scott Dunford and Open Doors CEO Ryan Brown this week on the podcast.

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”

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”

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”

A Theology of the Cross in Missions: Tim Bertolet Explains

Join Scott and Alex for a profound discussion with ABWE’s own Tim Bertolet, focusing on the motivations in ministry: are we seeking personal glory or glorifying the Lord? Delving into Martin Luther’s distinction between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross, this episode examines its impact on evangelical missions and Christian living.Continue reading “A Theology of the Cross in Missions: Tim Bertolet Explains”

Making Disciples in Light of the Trinity: Chase Davis

Have we focused too much on contextualization and not enough on who God is? This week, we talk to J. Chase Davis, author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this episode, we explore how the doctrine of the Trinity can deepen our understanding ofContinue reading “Making Disciples in Light of the Trinity: Chase Davis”

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”

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”

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”

When Doors Close: Carol Ghattas on Changing Course in Missions

Sometimes doors close in missions. Visas are revoked, governments change policy, or unrest breaks out and endangers expats. How should missionaries respond to these changes? This week we talk to Carol Ghattas about her latest book When Doors Close: Changing Course in Missions Without Losing Your Way. With over thirty years in missions, Carol GhattasContinue reading “When Doors Close: Carol Ghattas on Changing Course in Missions”

Parents, Goodbyes, and the Cost of Missions for Families

How can parents say goodbye to their children who pursue missions? How can grandparents part with their grandchildren in the name of ministry? And what happens when parents are aren’t believers or don’t support their kids’ involvement in cross-cultural ministry? This week, we have a sit-down, heart-to-heart chat with the Dunford family about what itContinue reading “Parents, Goodbyes, and the Cost of Missions for Families”

Leading With Vision (For Normal People) With Bob Bixby

We all know that having a vision is important. But is vision-casting biblical, and if so, does it really matter for the ordinary missionary or pastor? In this interview, Scott and Alex ask some tough questions about leadership of Bob Bixby, pastor of Redeemer Church in Fremont, California, and president of Bayseed. Want to askContinue reading “Leading With Vision (For Normal People) With Bob Bixby”

Are Short-Term Missions Trips Dead? Jason Phillips Answers

The world has changed dramatically. Have we witnessed the demise of the short-term missions trip? Jason Phillips doesn’t think so. This week, he explains why—and how pastors and missions trip leaders can do a better job of maximizing the long-term impact of short-term trips. Jason Phillips was recently appointed to ABWE as executive director for aContinue reading “Are Short-Term Missions Trips Dead? Jason Phillips Answers”

Is Netflix Killing Missions? Tony Reinke on Media and Technology

“Stay safe, stay home” may be a reasonable mantra during a pandemic, but that thinking long-term suffocates the missionary spirit. Most of us are already technology-addicted, and now streaming video services like Netflix are arguably making it harder to be faithful as a missionary. This week, Tony Reinke of Desiring God explains why the missionaryContinue reading “Is Netflix Killing Missions? Tony Reinke on Media and Technology”

Before You Quit: Doug Gehman on Perseverance

Ministry is hard. For many, the temptation to throw in the towel is an ever-present reality. How can pastors, missionaries, and other Christian workers develop a sustained pattern of daily endurance? Doug Gehman, president of Globe International and author of Before You Quit: Everyday Endurance, Moral Courage, and the Quest for Purpose (Moody, 2020), drawsContinue reading “Before You Quit: Doug Gehman on Perseverance”

Paul Davis: Why the Gospel Must Be ‘Preached’

In the missions community, we all believe the gospel must be spread. But there is increasing resistance to the idea of “preaching” or “proclaiming” the gospel with authority and simplicity. Why is that? ABWE President Paul Davis joins Scott and Alex this week to explain what is burdening him and what he’s seeing in the heart ofContinue reading “Paul Davis: Why the Gospel Must Be ‘Preached’”

Throwback: Is Every Christian a Missionary? Matthew Ellison and Denny Spitters Answer

As we leave the Advent season and enter the new year, it’s important to get back to the basics of the Christian life. Should we consider every Christians a “missionary”—and if not, why not? This week we’re diving back into the archives to enjoy our conversation with Pioneers USA VP Denny Spitters and 16:15 President Matthew Ellison, authorsContinue reading “Throwback: Is Every Christian a Missionary? Matthew Ellison and Denny Spitters Answer”

Why Character Matters in Ministry: Paul Davis on Knowing Christ

When pastors, missionaries, and others in ministry fail to actively abide in Christ, that’s when pragmatism becomes most tempting—and most dangerous. How can missionaries remain rooted? ABWE President Paul Davis stops by the studio this week to share what most burdens him for the missionaries he’s met across the world over the last year, andContinue reading “Why Character Matters in Ministry: Paul Davis on Knowing Christ”

Do We Need to Redefine Unreached? Matthew Bennett Answers

For decades, missiologists have assumed the priority of the “unreached”—and for good reason—building entire organizational strategies around it. But do we need to redefine this term? Matthew Bennett, Ph.D., former IMB missionary and current Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University, weighs in. In a recent article, Matthew argues that we’ve taken theContinue reading “Do We Need to Redefine Unreached? Matthew Bennett Answers”

Porn: the Killer of Missions—With Benjamin Vrbicek

In our culture, sexual temptation is hitting the church like a tidal wave, and those serving overseas as missionaries are far from immune. Porn is a fatal undercurrent that Satan uses to eliminate gospel workers sniper-style and cripple missions efforts, and overseas workers separated from accountability and friends are particularly vulnerable. What factors drive aContinue reading “Porn: the Killer of Missions—With Benjamin Vrbicek”

What Are Worldviews and How Do They Change? John Mark Yeats on Paul Hiebert

We use the word “worldview” a lot, but what does it actually mean? Does anthropology have anything to teach missionaries—and can it give us a model for how worldviews actually change as people are converted to Christ? To help us make sense of these questions addressed in the late Dr. Paul Hiebert’s classic missiological text TransformingContinue reading “What Are Worldviews and How Do They Change? John Mark Yeats on Paul Hiebert”

Mentorship: the Missing Ingredient in Missions? With Marvin Brubacher

Is mentorship the missing ingredient in missions? This week, Marvin Brubacher, Executive Director of MentorLink Canada and ABWE board member emeritus, joins to share from his decades of experience in promoting deep, one-on-one relationships of discipleship and personal development in international settings. Previously, he served as the first President of Heritage College and Seminary inContinue reading “Mentorship: the Missing Ingredient in Missions? With Marvin Brubacher”

What Is a Missionary “Calling”? Caleb Suko Answers

Announcement: It’s the show’s first birthday! As a way of thanking our loyal listeners, we’re giving away some great, free books and spiffy, new ABWE swag. Click here for details and to enter our drawing. What is God’s will for my life? Is God calling me to missions? Is there such a thing as aContinue reading “What Is a Missionary “Calling”? Caleb Suko Answers”