Responding to the ‘No Shortcut to Success’ Controversy

In this thought-provoking episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott and Alex delve into a critical review of Matt Rhodes’ book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes’ response to the review. While they agree on various key points, such as the importance of deep language learning and solid biblical training,Continue reading “Responding to the ‘No Shortcut to Success’ Controversy”

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”

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)”

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)”

How Many Unreached Are There Really? A Chat on Statistics With Justin Long

How do we really know how many unreached people groups there are—and is that the thing we should be counting, anyway? What can statistics tell us, and what can’t they? We ask these and other tough questions to expert missions researcher Justin Long, Director of Global Research for Beyond, adept cataloguer of missions statistics and enthusiastic documenterContinue reading “How Many Unreached Are There Really? A Chat on Statistics With Justin Long”

What is God doing in China? Steve Schirmer Answers

The President of China was just appointed to lifelong office. Church buildings are being demolished. Cults are on the rise due to a lack of trained church leaders. What is God up to in China? Steve Schirmer, president and founder of Silk Road Catalyst, joins us to answer. Steve is a missionary who has poured outContinue reading “What is God doing in China? Steve Schirmer Answers”