The Missions Show

Why must missionaries seek to establish churches?

In part two of a four-part series on the missionary task, Alex and Scott move from evangelism to the next step: establishing healthy local churches. They explore why the church is not a Western institution or an optional addition to missions, but central to God’s plan for his people. Those who trust in Christ are saved into a community where believers gather to hear God’s word, observe baptism and the Lord’s Supper, care for one another, and grow together in faith.

Alex and Scott also discus...

What is at the heart of the missionary task?

In the first episode of a four-part series, Alex and Scott explore why essential to the missionary calling is that they must clearly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and call people to repent and believe. While mercy ministries, relationships, and other forms of service have an important place in missions, they cannot replace sharing the gospel in words.

Alex and Scott also discuss what faithful evangelism looks like across cultures. Missionaries must learn the language, understand how people view God and sin, ask good...

What does it take to send missionaries who are prepared not only to go, but to stay and faithfully serve for the long haul? Alex and Scott talk with Brooks Buser, president of Radius International, and Pat Daly of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary about the church’s role in sending well-equipped missionaries. They also discuss the upcoming Missionary Conference and its focus on helping churches recover a biblical vision for taking the gospel to people who have little or no access to it.

Brooks and Pat make the case that zeal for missions must be matched by de...

Should Christians want to be losers?

In this episode of The Missions Show, hosts Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford talk with pastor and author D. Michael Clary about the ideas behind his book, Loser Theology. Clary challenges the belief that Christians are somehow more faithful when they are suffering, struggling, or losing. Scripture teaches believers how to endure hardship faithfully, but that does not mean suffering should become the goal. For missionaries and ministry leaders, this distinction matters: faithfulness may require sacrifice, but Christians should not seek hardship simply to prove their devotion to Christ.

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If the world is ending, why bother with missions?

This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined in the ABWE studio by Benjamin Vrbicek, lead teaching pastor of Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and author of The Restoration of All Things (Baker Books). For most Christians, the doctrine of last things produces anxiety, charts, and headline-watching rather than comfort. Benjamin came to the subject the hard way, studying every major view of Christ’s return for his own ordination, and came out the other side convinced that the biggest truth in Scripture ought to be...

Does it take more than a calling to be a missionary?

This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined by Matt Bennett and Ryan Robertson, co-authors of The Path to Being a Missionary, to explore a question that often gets overlooked: not simply, “Am I called?” but “Am I qualified?” Together, they discuss why churches should assess aspiring missionaries based on biblical character, sound doctrine, and proven competency rather than personal desire alone.

Their conversation also looks at encouraging trends in missions today, including a renewed emphasis on theology, the local church, and careful missiona...

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with veteran missionary Ron Washer to explore what God is doing across Africa after more than 50 years of ministry. From growing up as a missionary kid in Niger to serving in Togo and helping mobilize new workers, Ron shares how God has used faithful teams, medical ministry, church planting, and leadership development to establish thriving local churches.

Ron reflects on God's providence in opening doors for ministry in Togo and the lasting impact of investing in local believers who now lead the work. He also challenges common...

Four years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, daily life is still marked by air raid alerts, uncertainty, and loss. Yet ABWE missionary Mike Gustafson and Pastor Zhenya Yashchenko share how God continues to build his church in the midst of the conflict. They discuss the realities of serving while missiles fall, caring for families under constant stress, and shepherding a church whose members have been drafted to the front lines.

Despite the hardships, the gospel is reaching people who are searching for lasting hope. Through humanitarian outreach, church planting, and faithful gospel witness, many are hearing...

Physical fitness may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about ministry, but should it be?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore why caring for our bodies is part of faithfully stewarding God's calling. They discuss the relationship between physical health, spiritual discipline, and long-term ministry effectiveness, while avoiding legalism or unrealistic standards.

The conversation also tackles the unique challenges pastors and missionaries face, from food-centered hospitality to sedentary work and ministry stress. Alex and Scott share practical habits, biblical principles, and personal...

How do you reach one of the youngest populations in the world with the hope of the gospel?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Reuben Gitonga, a Kenyan ministry leader serving with ABWE. Reuben shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Nairobi to leading a ministry that uses soccer, discipleship, and local church partnerships to reach young people living in Kenya's underserved communities.

The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing Kenya's next generation, where many young people struggle with poverty, fatherlessness, and limited access to biblical teaching...

Do you have what it takes to be a missionary?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification.

The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church...

What does everyday ministry look like in South Asia?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with K.Y., a ministry partner serving in a predominantly Muslim country in South Asia, to discuss the realities of gospel ministry in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. K.Y. shares how his ministry integrates theological education, discipleship, and church planting to strengthen local believers and equip leaders for faithful witness amid persecution and social pressure.

K.Y. explains the risks Christians face when sharing their faith, the challenges posed by radicalized el...

Are short-term missions trips more helpful or hurtful?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Scott McCoy, Launch Point Missions Lead at ABWE, to discuss one of the most debated topics in modern missions: short-term mission trips. McCoy shares why he believes short-term missions remain valuable when they are thoughtfully designed around the needs of missionaries, local believers, and participating churches.

The conversation explores common pitfalls churches should avoid, including cultural insensitivity and creating ministry models that local believers cannot sustain. McCoy emphasizes the importance of partnering closely with missionaries, preparing...

Can compassion ministry and gospel proclamation work together?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dave Phillips, founder and president of Children's Hunger Fund (CHF), to explore the relationship between gospel proclamation, mercy ministry, and the local church. Dave shares the remarkable story behind CHF’s founding, beginning with a life-changing visit to a pediatric cancer ward in Honduras and culminating in a providential donation of life-saving medicine that confirmed God’s call to launch the ministry. What started as a small step of faith has grown into a global ministry serv...

Is Peru as reached as we think?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott talk with veteran ABWE missionary Stephen Douglas to explore more than four decades of gospel ministry in Peru. Stephen shares how God led him and his wife Debbie to the city of Arequipa—a historic Roman Catholic stronghold known as the “Little Rome of Peru”—and how a small church-planting team, where no evangelical churches existed before, grew into a network of dozens of churches throughout the region.

Stephen also recounts powerful stories of lives changed through discipleship, leadersh...

This week, Alex and Scott tackle a difficult question from a missionary wife who, after experiencing significant trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, family challenges, and cultural stress during overseas service, no longer feels able to return to the mission field while her husband remains convinced they should continue. They explore the realities of missionary hardship, the emotional and spiritual toll of cross-cultural ministry, and the tension that can arise when spouses find themselves at odds over what they believe God is calling them to do.

The conversation examines biblical concepts of calling, marriage, submission, family priorities, and the...

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome pastor, author, and former missionary J. Chase Davis to discuss the crisis of biblical masculinity and its implications for the church and missions. Drawing from his book Offensive Christianity, Davis argues that the modern church has often replaced robust discipleship with therapeutic, “nice” Christianity that neglects courage, conviction, and a biblical understanding of manhood.

The conversation explores how theological anthropology, cultural movements like pietism, and modern evangelical trends have contributed to an increasingly feminized church culture that often struggles to challenge men toward sacrificial leadership and spir...

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with ABWE’s Director of International Security and Crisis Management, Bill Gruppen, to discuss the difficult balance between missionary safety and gospel risk-taking in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Drawing from decades of experience in law enforcement, emergency response, and security, Bill shares how God redirected his professional skill set into missions work through TACTICA Ministries and ABWE.

Together, they explore how missionaries prepare for crises, make difficult stay-or-go decisions in conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine, and seek to remain faithful witn...

Christian missions has never existed in a cultural vacuum. From William Carey’s role in ending widow burning in India to Gladys Aylward confronting foot-binding in China, the spread of Christianity has often transformed entire societies. But where is the line between gospel transformation and cultural imperialism? When missionaries challenge practices rooted in paganism, are they discipling nations or exporting Western assumptions? In this episode, Alex and Scott explores the missionary task through the lens of Scripture, church history, and cultural theology. Looking at both Scripture and missions history, we explore: What parts of culture must be rejected? What pa...

How do you explain the Trinity to Muslims?

On this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Imad Shehadeh, founder and president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, to explore what it means to faithfully articulate and defend the doctrine of the Trinity in a Muslim-majority context. Drawing from decades of theological education and ministry, Shehadeh explains how misunderstandings about the Trinity and the assumption that Christians believe in three gods. He emphasizes that the core differences between Islam and Christianity ultimately stem from contrasting views of God’s nature, particularly whether God is...

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Daniel Shayesteh. Dr. Shayesteh shares his powerful journey from a radical Muslim involved in the Iranian Revolution to a follower of Christ. Raised in a devout Islamic context that viewed Christianity as corrupt, he rose to prominence as a religious figure and political activist under Ayatollah Khomeini. But after witnessing deception and oppression, he became disillusioned, was imprisoned, and narrowly escaped execution before fleeing Iran.

In Turkey, Shayesteh’s academic studies and unexpected encounters with Christians began to reshape his worldview. Drawn initially by...

Can church planting be done wrong?

This episode of The Missions Show explores the debate around Church Planting Movements (CPMs), interacting with a Lausanne article that presents them as a highly effective missions strategy. Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explain what CPMs are and why they generate both enthusiasm and concern, especially regarding their emphasis on rapid multiplication and minimal training.

Alex and Scott raise key theological and practical questions about doctrine, discipleship, and the definition of the church. While affirming the desire for gospel growth, they caution against prioritizing speed and numbers over biblical...

Did Canada just pass a bill that outlaws particular Bible teaching?

This episode of The Missions Show explores the implications of Canada’s Bill C9 (the “Combating Hate Act”) and its potential impact on religious freedom, gospel proclamation, and missions. Guest John Taylor, ABWE missionary in Canada, explains that while the bill aims to curb violence and protect marginalized communities, its vague definition of “hate” and removal of key legal protections for religious expression raise serious concerns.

The conversation highlights how this cultural and legal shift may affect both local churches and global missions efforts. John encou...

How do you respond when people say that missions is colonialism?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the increasingly common claim that missions is inherently colonialistic with guest Will Maxson. Prompted by real-world examples and cultural trends, they explore why this critique has gained traction, even within Christian institutions. Maxson acknowledges that while missions and colonial expansion sometimes overlapped historically, the popular narrative often exaggerates or misunderstands that connection. He argues that Christianity’s missionary impulse is fundamentally different from colonialism, rooted not in coercion but in persuasion and respect for human di...

In April 2001, tragedy struck deep in the jungles of Peru when a missionary flight carrying the Bowers family was mistakenly shot down during a counternarcotics operation gone wrong. Roni Bowers and her infant daughter, Charity, were killed. Jim Bowers and his young son survived.

Twenty-five years later, Jim joins Alex and Scott to reflect on that day and what Jim has learned about loss, faith, and God’s sustaining grace.

While the incident drew international attention and remains a sobering example of the dangers missionaries face, this episode moves beyond the news cycle. Jim shares wh...

How should we view Roman Catholicism on the mission field?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the complex and often sensitive question of how Protestant missionaries should engage with Roman Catholics in the context of global missions. They emphasize that missions is not just about generic belief in Jesus, but about faithfully communicating the true gospel with doctrinal clarity.

Alex and Scott explore key theological differences, especially regarding authority and salvation. The episode concludes with practical missiological insights, stressing the need to avoid assuming the gospel in any context and...

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott speak with ABWE missionaries “Will and Beth McAuliffe” (pseudonyms) about their long journey toward serving among Arabic-speaking people. After years of preparation and ministry in the Middle East, their plans were unexpectedly disrupted when their daughter was born extremely premature with significant medical complications. The experience forced them to leave the field and wrestle with whether their missionary calling had changed, ultimately leading them to new refugee ministry opportunities in Europe.

Now living in Berlin, Germany, where thousands of Arabic-speaking refugees have settled, Will and Beth are crea...

How does Scripture order our affections?

In this episode, Alex and Scott unpack the historic Christian concept of the ordo amoris—the “order of loves”—and why it matters for missions today. Drawing from Alex’s new book Ordered to Love, they explore how Scripture and theologians like Augustine and Aquinas teach that our loves must be rightly ordered, beginning with God and flowing outward to family, church, nation, and the nations.

Together they address current cultural tensions—nationalism, global instability, and missionary urgency—and ask how Christians should prioritize their responsibilities in a limited, embodied life...

How do we exercise discernment on the mission field?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott examine common misunderstandings about global persecution and why discernment is essential when evaluating reports of suffering in the church. Drawing from missionary experience, they explain that persecution is not always dramatic or violent, but often appears as marginalization, stigma, or family rejection. They caution against glamorizing persecuted believers or assuming their theology is automatically superior.

The conversation also explores a biblical theology of generalizations and discernment, looking at Titus 1 and Philippians 1 as guides for thinking clearly...

How do believers respond to the situation in Iran?

In this episode, Scott Dunford talks with “Sam,” an ABWE missionary serving Persian and Iranian communities, about the crisis gripping Iran. Looking at ancient Persia's biblical roots, home of Daniel and Esther, to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that installed a Shiite theocracy, Iran’s story is both historic and volatile. Sam explains the regime’s ideology, the nationwide uprisings across hundreds of cities, and the crushing reality facing ordinary Iranians amid economic collapse and violent repression.

Yet in the shadows of persecution, the gospel is advancing. Iran’s undergro...

This week Alex and Scott are joined by ABWE missionary and Western Europe regional director Kyle Farran to explore what true, godly grit looks like in ministry. Rather than defining resilience by personality or overcoming high-pressure moments, they discuss grit as being formed through daily faithfulness, perseverance in the mundane, and steady trust in the Lord.

Farran shares insights from Scripture and decades of missionary experience to show that spiritual grit is earned over time, not summoned on demand. This conversation challenges pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders to embrace hard things with confidence rooted in who God...

Can reaching Thailand be the key to reaching all of Southeast Asia?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with ABWE missionary Benjamin Collins to discuss gospel work in Thailand, a nation with long-standing missionary access yet less than one percent Christian. Ben shares about his role supporting church planters across the country and explains why Thailand remains a crucial missions field where evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development are all urgently needed.

The conversation highlights the importance of long-term missions, language learning, and cultural understanding, as well as the growing collaboration among...

What can the Puritans teach us about missions?

This week, Alex is joined by Stephen Yuille, director of Puritan Publishing at Reformation Heritage Books, to explore who the Puritans really were and why they still matter for missions today. Yuille challenges common cultural caricatures of Puritanism, explaining that the Puritans were not merely dour moralists but a vibrant movement of pastors and theologians marked by a deep, heartfelt devotion to Christ that went beyond intellectual assent.

The conversation traces how this Christ-centered theology fueled a genuine evangelistic and missionary impulse. Although the Puritans lived before...

Has global missions strayed from a biblical foundation?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott talk with Pastor Jerry Slate Jr. to discuss the theological foundations and practical realities of faithful missionary work. The conversation centers on the question of what sustains missionaries through hardship, rejection, and long seasons of discouragement.

Jerry, Alex, and Scott emphasize the central role of the local church in sending, vetting, and sustaining missionaries, warning against outsourcing this responsibility entirely to parachurch organizations. The episode highlights the need to tether missiology firmly to historic Christian theology, confessional...

Do you believe miracles can still happen?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Scott is joined by Dr. Darren Carlson—pastor, author, and founder of Training Leaders International—to discuss the ongoing work of God as revealed in the book of Acts and experienced around the world today. Drawing from Carlson’s new book, Witness: Missional Devotions from the Book of Acts, the conversation explores whether Acts should be viewed merely as a historical account or as an invitation to expect God’s continued unusual activity through the church.

Scott and Darren wrestle honestly with the...

What does missions look like in a global city like Paris, France?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott are joined by pastor Billy Bean to discuss A City of Light, a short documentary exploring gospel work in Paris, France. Often overlooked as a missions field, Paris is presented as a strategic global city, shaped by history, migration, and secular ideology, whose influence extends far beyond Europe.

Billy explains how missionaries and pastors in Paris seek to connect with deeply held French values—such as beauty, freedom, identity, and intellectual rigor—while conf...

New year, new name. The Missions Podcast is now The Missions Show.

Why the change? We’re stepping into a video-first world. The show is now on NRBTV, with Lighthouse TV launching soon in central Pennsylvania. We’ve been on YouTube for some time, and this rebrand reflects a move beyond audio-only podcasting to serve a wider audience.

What hasn’t changed is the heart of the show. We’ll keep the same format and the same purpose—answering hard questions in missiology, theology, and practice to help goers think and thinkers go.

Thanks to...

In this week's episode, Alex and Scott welcome pastor Aaron Menikoff (Atlanta, USA) and pastor Harshit Singh (Lucknow, India) to discuss how evangelism and missions function through the local church, particularly in the Indian context. Drawing from their book Prioritizing Missions in the Church, Menikoff and Singh argue that missions should not be treated as a side program but as an outflow of ordinary, faithful church life.

They emphasize that preaching, prayer, discipleship, and the ordinances—when practiced consistently—form the foundation through which God raises up and sends missionaries to the nations. The conversation highlights how this...

In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex welcomes returning guest Matt Rhodes—missionary, church planter among Muslims, and author to discuss his new book Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology. Together they discuss that persecution is not an anomaly but a normative feature of Christian life and global missions, especially in unreached contexts.

While Western Christians may experience lesser forms of opposition, believers in Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist-majority regions often face severe social, legal, and physical threats. Rhodes emphasizes that persecution profoundly shapes missionary strategy, discipleship, and the lived faith of new believers, often acting as a...

Come celebrate another year of The Missions Podcast!

In this special end-of-the-year episode, Alex and Scott recall their favorite discussions from 2025 and important takeaways from each. They also discuss how they are using this holiday season to celebrate the incarnation of Christ.

Become a Missions Podcast Premium Subscriber and get access to our exclusive Overtime episode where Alex and Scott talk about their LEAST favorite episodes from the past year.

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