Shows
The Missions PodcastMissions and Animation: Examining the iBible With Steve ClearyCan Scripture be translated into animation and be faithful to the text?
In this episode of the Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Steve Cleary, founder of Revelation Media, about his groundbreaking work in creating the iBible—an animated, visual translation of the entire biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Steve Cleary launched a global multimedia project that seeks to reach oral and visual learners through a new medium of Scripture presentation, particularly in underserved regions.
The conversation also addresses deeper theological and strategic implications of visualizing Scripture, especially for oral cultures and generations in...2025-06-2330 min
The Missions PodcastEngaging the Heart in Missions with Dr. E.D. BurnsHow can missionaries and apologists connect the gospel to the longings of the human heart—without watering it down?
In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford sit down with Dr. E.D. Burns—missionary, author, and professor—to unpack the concept of cultural apologetics. Drawing from the legacy of C.S. Lewis, Dr. Burns explains how cultural apologetics appeals not merely to logic but to the imagination and desires of the soul.
He contrasts this approach with evidential, presuppositional, and classical apologetics, emphasizing how cultural apologetics helps us engage the heart w...2025-04-2830 min
The Missions PodcastHow to Handle Theological Conflict With Joshua HowardWhat doctrinal disagreements are driving wedges into your ministry? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Joshua Howard to discuss how to handle theological conflict among Christians. They hit on topics of theological triage, hierarchies of theological concepts, and how the theology of the end times (eschatology), can both unify believers and divide them.
Josh Howard is Pastor at New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, PA. He's the host of Eschatology Matters podcast and author of "A Primer for Conflict: Drawing a Line in the Sand". Get a free...2025-04-2133 min
The Missions PodcastStriving for the Faith in PhilippiansHave you ever read Philippians through a missional lens? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott dive into Alex's new book, Striving For The Faith: A Journey through Philippians for Life on Mission, and how Paul's letter to the Philippian church is so much richer when thinking about the missional context that Paul and the church itself was in.
Join us for the Overtime episode where Alex and Scott talk about how you can start writing your first book. Get access at missionspodcast.com/premium.
Family worship is a crucial part...2025-03-1734 min
The Missions PodcastThe Gospel Worth Dying for – The Testimony of John and Betty Stam With Andrew MontoneraWould you be prepared to die for the gospel? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Andrew Montonera, author of a new missionary biography on John and Betty Stam. They discuss the tragic story of the Stam's martyrdom in China (1934), the ordinariness of their lives, and the impact that their story has on Chinese Christians today.
Andrew Montonera is the great grand nephew of John Stam. Upon finding a collection of old books owned by John and Betty Stam, Andrew felt called to write a new missionary biography, "By Life...2024-12-3031 min
The Missions PodcastAre we in the Golden Age of Evangelism?In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott Dunford sits down with Greg Stier, founder of Dare 2 Share, to discuss how to mobilize teenagers to share the gospel.
Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!
Premium Subscribers get access to:
Exclusive bonus content
A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
Invite-only webinars
A free gift!
Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium
The Missions Podcast is powered...2024-12-0401 min
The Missions PodcastDiagnosing Church Leadership Problems With Joel WayneIs your church contributing to the leadership problems in the church? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Pastor Joel Wayne, from Chapel Pointe Church, as he talks about the leadership epidemic in the American and the global church.
Joel Wayne is the Lead Pastor of Chapel Pointe Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. He is passionate about bringing the gospel to the nations and raising up lay leaders inside of the church. Be The Church, a ministry of Chapel-Pointe Church, provides training, conferences, and curriculum to train leaders within the church...2024-11-2537 minThe Missions PodcastPrioritizing the Old Ways in Missions With Kevin DeYoung | Missionary 2024Why 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 the gospel to the lost.
Did you miss Missionary Conference? Get access to all of the interviews and content from The Missions Podcast by becoming a Premium Subscriber. Sign up at missionspodcast.com/premium and use the promo code: MISSIONARY for one month...2024-11-1610 minThe Missions PodcastMinistry in Life’s Later Years With Brad Buser | Missionary 2024How 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 the importance of passing on wisdom to the next generation.
Did you miss Missionary Conference? Get access to all of the interviews and content from The Missions Podcast by becoming a Premium Subscriber. Sign up at missionspodcast.com/premium and use the promo...2024-11-1512 min
The Missions PodcastHow to Reach Tribal People With Steve SanfordHow 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't gone before.
Steve Sanford is CEO of Ethnos360 and has been a missionary to unreached people groups in South America. Ethnos360's mission is to have a thriving church for every people. They focus on evangelizing and church planting among unreached people...2024-11-0441 minThe Missions PodcastWhat The Gentile Church Owes to the JewsIn this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex Kocman sits down with Stephen Atkinson and Gregg Kite from Christian Witness to Israel to discuss the cultural, theological, and political challenges of evangelizing modern-day Jews.
Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!
Premium Subscribers get access to:
Exclusive bonus content
A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
Invite-only webinars
A free gift!
Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium
2024-10-1600 min
The Missions PodcastUrban Elites and the Unreached in South AsiaWhere do you start ministry amid overwhelming darkness? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott are joined by a Live Global ministry partner working in South Asia. This partner details the many ways that his for-profit and non-profit businesses are engaging people from the richest and highest in society to the very lowest. Together they talk about ministry to Hindus and the need for a centralized place to do ministry in the most populous city in the world.
This guest is a Live Global partner, medical doctor, pastor, and entrepreneur. His ministries in...2024-10-0747 min
The Missions PodcastWorship Practices and Liturgies with Zac HicksDoes your church worship bring people together or divide them? This week on The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with author and pastor Zac Hicks. In an age where worship through music is so critical and critiqued by Christians and non-Christians alike, what should our worship services look like? How do church leaders balance the need to sing hymns and more theologically deep songs with the pressures of contemporary music? And finally, what does this mean for when we are picking music for churches in a cross-cultural context?
Zac Hicks pastors and helped plant Church of...2024-09-3041 min
The Missions PodcastLessons From the Persecuted Church With Ryan BrownIf 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 around the world that are suffering deep persecution for their faith.
Ryan Brown is CEO of Open Doors US. Open Doors US serves the global church by training leaders and raising awareness of the persecuted church. They were founded by a man named...2024-09-0237 minThe Missions PodcastThe Danger of Being Discipled by Our CultureIf 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.
Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!
Premium Subscribers get access to:
Exclusive bonus content
A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
Invite-only webinars
A free gift!
Support The Missions Podcast and...2024-08-2901 min
The Missions PodcastDepth and Breadth – The State of Christianity in Brazil with Diego Dy CarlosBecause 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 Christian movement in Brazil. They'll talk about how Christianity spread in the country, the unique challenges of the Brazilian church, and why proper theology and scholarship is a desperate need.
Dr. Diego Dy Carlos received his Ph.D from London Seminary in the...2024-07-0845 minThe Missions PodcastThe Church in Brazil Needs More Writers and Thinkers to ThriveIn this week's episode, Scott Dunford sits down with Diego Dy Carlos, a professor and author in Brazil to talk about the state of Christianity in Brazil and what the Brazilian church has done well and what it needs.
Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!
Premium Subscribers get access to:
Exclusive bonus content
A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
Invite-only webinars
A free gift!
Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at...2024-07-0300 min
The Missions PodcastBeheading Statues and Engaging the Public Sphere With Ben ZeisloftWhat is the limit of free speech in society? What is the limit that Christians should adhere to? In this week's episode, Alex Kocman sits down with Ben Zeisloft, the editor at The Sentinel, a Christian news outlet, to discuss the legal case of Michael Cassidy, who illegally tore down a Satanic statue at the Iowa state capital in December 2023. Together they discuss the origins and application of the First Amendment, why this statue was even allowed to be displayed, and what the Christian response should be when blatant idolatry is allowed in our nation.
Ben Zeisloft...2024-06-2436 min
The Missions PodcastDemonology for the Global Church: Scott MacDonald on a Biblical Approach to the Unseen RealmWe delve into the intriguing world of demonology with Scott D. MacDonald, author of Demonology for the Global Church: A Biblical Approach in a Multicultural Age. As a former missionary instructor and now an associate professor of theology, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge from his experiences in the field and academia. We explore the challenges missionaries face in different cultural contexts concerning demonology, addressing global perspectives, skepticism, and the balance between empiricism and anti-empiricism.
Scott also sheds light on how various global church communities perceive and respond to the theology of demonology, emphasizing the ongoing relevance...2024-02-0545 minThe Missions PodcastWhy You Must Measure Impact, Not Just ActivityDr. Michael Ortiz joins Scott Dunford in this week’s upcoming episode to talk about the latest trends taking place in the world of international theological education.
Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!
Premium Subscribers get access to:
Exclusive bonus content
A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
Invite-only webinars
A free gift!
Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium
The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Le...2024-01-2400 minThe Missions PodcastDo Scott and Alex Disagree?Coming up this week’s Christmas roundup: We debrief the past year of podcasts, including… times when Alex and Scott didn’t see eye to eye? We know it’s shocking. Tune in Sunday at 7 p.m. to have all your questions answered.
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.2023-12-2000 min
The Missions PodcastArtificial Intelligence and World MissionsIn this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore the rise of AI and its effects on the global missions community. From AI-powered church services to a new partnership between SIL and Christian Vision to develop a Bible-focused chatbot, the discussion touches on the potential dangers and ethical concerns of AI, the lie of transhumanism, and the imperative to take dominion over technological tools.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Bel...2023-11-1344 min
The Missions PodcastLetting the Gospel Wreck Your Life: Scott Dunford SharesIn this episode, Scott Dunford unpacks 2 Corinthians 5 to illustrate the power of the gospel to wreck our self-centered priorities and open our eyes to the mission of God. Hear how Christ’s love forces us out of our comfort zones and into God’s risky will for our lives among the nations in this talk originally delivered to the student body of Cedarville University.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support...2023-11-0637 min
The Missions PodcastLetting the Gospel Wreck Your Life: Scott Dunford SharesIn this episode, Scott Dunford unpacks 2 Corinthians 5 to illustrate the power of the gospel to wreck our self-centered priorities and open our eyes to the mission of God. Hear how Christ’s love forces us out of our comfort zones and into God’s risky will for our lives among the nations in this talk originally delivered to the student body of Cedarville University.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support...2023-11-0637 minThe Missions PodcastLetting the Gospel Wreck Your Life: Scott Dunford SharesIn this episode, Scott Dunford unpacks 2 Corinthians 5 to illustrate the power of the gospel to wreck our self-centered priorities and open our eyes to the mission of God. Hear how Christ’s love forces us out of our comfort zones and into God’s risky will for our lives among the nations in this talk originally delivered to the student body of Cedarville University.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support...2023-11-0637 minThe Missions PodcastLetting the Gospel Wreck Your Life: Scott Dunford SharesIn this episode, Scott Dunford unpacks 2 Corinthians 5 to illustrate the power of the gospel to wreck our self-centered priorities and open our eyes to the mission of God. Hear how Christ’s love forces us out of our comfort zones and into God’s risky will for our lives among the nations in this talk originally delivered to the student body of Cedarville University.
Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support...2023-11-0637 minThe Missions PodcastThe Danger of Missions ConferencesComing up this week: Scott Dunford brings a challenge to let the gospel wreck your view of self, of others, and of our obligation in the world.
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.2023-11-0400 min
The Missions PodcastPreaching People Out of the Pews: How to Mobilize From the PulpitIs 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 seamlessly integrate missions into your regular sermon structure, and the nuanced difference between occasion-specific preaching and week-by-week pastoral exposition. Don’t miss this essential guide for pastors who want to preach people out of the pews and into the mission field.
Recommended Resources:...2023-09-2546 min
The Missions PodcastBiblical Headship and Its Missiological Implications: Scott Callaham ReturnsIn 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. We delve into the biblical foundations supporting male leadership in missions, the role of women in missionary support roles, the theological implications of being male and female, and the critical issue of biblical eldership in missions.
Dr. Callaham graduated from the United...2023-09-0649 minThe Missions PodcastMissionary Virtue in Action: A Look at Philippians 2In 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. We must move beyond abstractions and to demonstrate love, even though it may be costly and vulnerable. The message serves as a reminder that true Christian virtue is not about self-preservation but about living in humble obedience to Christ's call, reflecting his cr...2023-08-2128 min
The Missions PodcastStrategic Retreat? Scott and Alex on Blue States and the Joel Webbon ControversyShould 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’s kingdom and earthly nations. This episode is a deep dive into controversial Christian perspectives, aiming to foster reflection and discussion among listeners. Buckle up.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com...2023-07-3147 min
The Missions PodcastMissionary Mama’s Survival Guide: Advice from Tori Haverkamp for Parents and GrandparentsAre you a parent or grandparent grappling with the idea of your child or grandchild pursuing a missionary calling? Do you find yourself filled with questions and concerns about how to support them effectively? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, our host Scott Dunford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tori Haverkamp, founder of Parents of Goers Ministries and author of the new book Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide.
Tori, a mother of a missionary herself, brings her wealth of experience and empathy to the table as she shares insights on how parents and grandparents can se...2023-07-1736 min
The Missions PodcastApologetics in a Chaotic WorldHow should believers defend their faith in an increasingly hostile culture? And which apologetic methodology is most faithful to the spirit of Scripture? Join Alex Kocman as he explores the controversial topic of apologetics in a supposedly post-Christian context, exploring the Christian’s marching orders in 1 Peter 3:15 and evaluating classical, evidentialist, and presuppositional apologetics in light of God’s Word.
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 also watch The Mi...2023-06-261h 00The Missions PodcastWhat Romans 1 Means for Apologetics TodayComing up this Sunday: how can missionaries do apologetics in today’s chaotic cultural landscape? What apologetic methodologies are most faithful to Scripture? Alex Kocman explores.
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.2023-06-2100 min
The Missions PodcastExposing Pastoral Blindspots: Paul Davis on Common Missions MistakesIn this episode of the Missions Podcast, hosts Alex and Scott engage in a compelling conversation with ABWE President Paul Davis, delving into the blindspots that pastors often encounter when it comes to missions. Paul shares his observations and experiences from working with global teams and local churches, highlighting recurring areas where mission teams and church leaders tend to overlook important aspects of missionary support and care. From issues of over and under accountability to the impact of leadership transitions and church struggles on missionaries, Paul offers valuable insights to help pastors and church leaders navigate these blindspots and...2023-06-1245 min
The Missions PodcastThe Cross in Context? Exploring Atonement and Contextualization with Brad VaughnEngage in a thought-provoking continuation of The Missions Podcast as we delve into the ideas presented by Brad Vaughn in his book The Cross in Context. Join hosts Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford as they explore various perspectives on the relationship between Christianity and Western culture, the diverse metaphors of sin and Christ’s atonement, and the significance of honor, shame, holiness, and purity in relation to the cross. Through engaging dialogue, we critically examine these viewpoints, challenging and offering alternative insights. Gain a deeper understanding of contextualization’s impact on theology and the importance of cross-cultural understanding of aton...2023-05-2953 min
The Missions PodcastSpiritual Warfare in the News: A Missions PerspectiveHeadlines across the world are telling a single story: spiritual forces of darkness want to dominate the nations. How should Christians read global news with an awareness of Christ as Lord and a missionary heart? Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford navigate some of the top stories and seek to model a Christian response to world events.
You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Lea...2023-05-1544 minThe Missions PodcastRecovering Our Ambition: Alex Kocman on Romans 15This is a special episode of the podcast featuring a sermon preached by Alex Kocman at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA on March 12, 2023. In this episode, Kocman provides insights from Romans 15, challenging us to have a greater passion for reaching the unreached with the gospel. Tune in to this inspiring sermon to learn more about our gospel obligation, the need for holy ambition, and taking action in fulfilling the Great Commission.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter t...2023-04-0351 min
The Missions PodcastRecovering Our Ambition: Alex Kocman on Romans 15This is a special episode of the podcast featuring a sermon preached by Alex Kocman at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA on March 12, 2023. In this episode, Kocman provides insights from Romans 15, challenging us to have a greater passion for reaching the unreached with the gospel. Tune in to this inspiring sermon to learn more about our gospel obligation, the need for holy ambition, and taking action in fulfilling the Great Commission.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter t...2023-04-0351 minThe Missions PodcastRecovering Our Ambition: Alex Kocman on Romans 15This is a special episode of the podcast featuring a sermon preached by Alex Kocman at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA on March 12, 2023. In this episode, Kocman provides insights from Romans 15, challenging us to have a greater passion for reaching the unreached with the gospel. Tune in to this inspiring sermon to learn more about our gospel obligation, the need for holy ambition, and taking action in fulfilling the Great Commission.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter t...2023-04-0351 minThe Missions PodcastRecovering Our Ambition: Alex Kocman on Romans 15This is a special episode of the podcast featuring a sermon preached by Alex Kocman at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA on March 12, 2023. In this episode, Kocman provides insights from Romans 15, challenging us to have a greater passion for reaching the unreached with the gospel. Tune in to this inspiring sermon to learn more about our gospel obligation, the need for holy ambition, and taking action in fulfilling the Great Commission.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter t...2023-04-0351 min
The Missions PodcastMEGA Episode: A Debate on Prioritism and Holism With Ray Norman and Alex KocmanWhat is prioritism? What is holism? Is there a middle way? For decades these questions have reverberated throughout the missions community. They aren’t theoretical issues—they affect the daily work of missionaries.
In this special episode, we bring you a dialogue over the relationship between evangelism and social action with Alex Kocman of ABWE, author of Missions by the Book, and Dr. Ray Norman of World Vision, author of Dangerous Love: A True Story of Tragedy, Faith, and Forgiveness in the Muslim World.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more abou...2023-03-271h 04The Missions PodcastMEGA Episode: A Debate on Prioritism and Holism With Ray Norman and Alex KocmanWhat is prioritism? What is holism? Is there a middle way? For decades these questions have reverberated throughout the missions community. They aren’t theoretical issues—they affect the daily work of missionaries.
In this special episode, we bring you a dialogue over the relationship between evangelism and social action with Alex Kocman of ABWE, author of Missions by the Book, and Dr. Ray Norman of World Vision, author of Dangerous Love: A True Story of Tragedy, Faith, and Forgiveness in the Muslim World.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more abou...2023-03-271h 04
The Missions PodcastMEGA Episode: A Debate on Prioritism and Holism With Ray Norman and Alex KocmanWhat is prioritism? What is holism? Is there a middle way? For decades these questions have reverberated throughout the missions community. They aren’t theoretical issues—they affect the daily work of missionaries.
In this special episode, we bring you a dialogue over the relationship between evangelism and social action with Alex Kocman of ABWE, author of Missions by the Book, and Dr. Ray Norman of World Vision, author of Dangerous Love: A True Story of Tragedy, Faith, and Forgiveness in the Muslim World.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more abou...2023-03-271h 04The Missions PodcastMEGA Episode: A Debate on Prioritism and Holism With Ray Norman and Alex KocmanWhat is prioritism? What is holism? Is there a middle way? For decades these questions have reverberated throughout the missions community. They aren’t theoretical issues—they affect the daily work of missionaries.
In this special episode, we bring you a dialogue over the relationship between evangelism and social action with Alex Kocman of ABWE, author of Missions by the Book, and Dr. Ray Norman of World Vision, author of Dangerous Love: A True Story of Tragedy, Faith, and Forgiveness in the Muslim World.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more abou...2023-03-271h 04
The Missions PodcastShould We Use the ‘M’ Word?For some, missionaries are faith-filled heroes—out on the far reaches of society, sharing the good news in faraway lands. For others, “missionary” might be synonymous with words like “colonizer” or “imperialist.” What’s in a word? In this episode, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford wrestle with the implications of the “m” word in terms of language, contextualization, and faithfulness.
You can watch the video version of this episode (and others!) on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
...2023-01-0931 minThe Missions PodcastShould We Be Using the Word “Missionary”?In this week’s upcoming episode, Alex and Scott wrestle with the baggage associated with the word “missionary” in cultures hostile to the culture.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.2023-01-0400 min
The Missions PodcastThe Mission of ChristmasThe birth of Christ is the exclamation point on all of Scripture’s claims regarding God’s plan for the nations. Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford reflect on the beauty of Advent and Christmas and why it matters for missions in this holiday exclusive.
You can watch the video version of this episode (and others!) on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
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@mis...2022-12-2614 min
The Missions PodcastHow to Care for Parents of MissionariesIt’s easy to underestimate the sacrifice parents make when their children and grandchildren are sent to the nations. But to hold the rope well for cross-cultural missionaries also means caring for the parents and grandparents mourning the loss of relationship with their sent ones. In this special episode, Alex and Scott sit down with Dan and Amy of ABWE’s Member Care program focused on loving parents of missionaries well.
You can watch the video version of this episode (and others!) on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The...2022-12-1928 min
The Missions PodcastWhat Is Discipleship?We’re called to make disciples of all nations. But how? Is discipleship a separate program added to the life of the church, or is it the sum total of the entire ministry of the church? And how do we know if we’re succeeding? Alex and Scott wrestle through these critical questions.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
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.2022-11-1434 minThe Missions PodcastChristian: You’re Called to the ChurchWhat is discipleship? Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore this often-misunderstood concept and its implications for global missions and local church life.
Get more content at missionspodcast.com.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.2022-11-0900 min
The Missions PodcastHow Should Christians Respond When the Foreigner Comes?By any measure, the number of unreached people groups coming to the US is at an all-time high. How should Christians react—not only politically, but spiritually? Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman wrestle through this question from the text of Scripture and discuss what God is doing through ABWE’s Afghan Initiative.
You can hear a recent sermon Alex preached on this topic from 1 Kings 8 here.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a questi...2022-10-3129 min
The Missions PodcastWhen Couples Disagree About Their Calling: Scott and Tara Dunford ShareHow should a wife respond when she senses a calling to missions but her husband doesn’t? What about when the husband believes he is called but his wife doesn’t? And what role does the husband’s authority play? We dive into a listener’s questions this week with Scott and his wife, Tara.
Watch the video version of this episode on the ABWE YouTube channel.
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The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question...2022-10-1043 min
The Missions PodcastWhen a Sending Church Un-Sends a MissionaryWhat should missionaries do when a sending church withdraws their support? If we value submission to the local church as much as we value missions, the answer isn’t always easy. This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman discuss how overseas workers can address rifts with their home church.
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Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.2022-09-0537 min
The Missions Podcast#RMC22: The Final WordIn this tenth and final exclusive from the Radius Missiology Conference, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford discuss their favorite takeaways from their conversations with Kevin DeYoung, Ian Hamilton, Brad Buser, Brooks Buser, Wayne Chen, Chad Vegas, Jonathan Master, and Steve Meister.
Watch the video version of this episode on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Listen to all of our RMC22 exclusives here.
Support this podcast and impact God’s mission.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.2022-07-2517 min
The Missions Podcast#RMC22: Kevin DeYoung on the Mission of the ChurchWhat is the church’s mission? Better yet, what isn’t her mission? Alex and Scott talk to pastor, author, and theologian Kevin DeYoung at the recent Radius International Missiology Conference.
Watch the video version of this episode on the ABWE YouTube channel.
Listen to all of our RMC22 exclusives here.
Support this podcast and impact God’s mission.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.2022-07-1511 min
The Missions PodcastMissionary Security, Big Tech, and Cancel CultureWatch the video version of this episode here.
Thanks to modern technology, our every move is tracked and recorded. What does this mean for missionaries living and serving in parts of the world where evangelism is illegal? And what might it soon mean for Christians in the Western world facing an increasingly hostile environment?
This week, Alex and Scott talk to Andrew, executive director for Live Global about digital security and missions.
Support this podcast and impact God’s mission.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@miss...2022-07-1145 min
The Missions PodcastPride, Culture, and Mission With Josh TeisWatch the video version of this episode here.
Western culture has made a radical shift. How should Christians respond? What does the gospel have to say about sexuality? How can we approach a culture of pride as bold, humble missionaries? Alex and Scott talk to Josh Teis, pastor of Southern Hills Church in Las Vegas, N.V., and founder of Idea Network.
To purchase and replay the EveryEthne LGBTQ webinar, click here.
He earned his B.A. in Pastoral Theology from Pensacola Christian College where he met his wife, Heather, and also holds...2022-06-2033 min
The Missions PodcastHow to Reach LGBTQ With the Gospel: Jim ChildsEnter our giveaway to attend the Radius Missiology Conference in person or virtually. Details at missionspodcast.com/radius22.
Many of us are afraid to directly present Christ to those caught up in the LGBTQ subculture. Should we be afraid? How can we win the person, not just the argument? And what does Scripture say?
In this episode, we cut from our normal format to present you a conversation between Alex Kocman, Jim Childs, Kylie Dulo, and Drew Polanycia that took place in March of 2022 on the Idea Talks podcast. You can hear our previous interview w...2022-06-1356 min
The Missions PodcastDoes Evangelism Have to Be Scary?Evangelism can’t be one-size-fits-all. Or can it? This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman discuss their upbringing doing door-to-door evangelism, methods of presenting the gospel, contextualization, and the Book of Acts. If you’ve ever been discouraged in your efforts to share your faith, this conversation will embolden you.
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Support this podcast and impact God’s mission.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email us.2022-05-1637 min
The Missions PodcastMission Affirmed: Elliot Clark on Recovering Paul’s Missionary MotivationWatch the video version of this episode here.
Christians talk a lot about grace. We get it from the Apostle Paul. Yet Paul also yearned to be approved by the Lord on the last day for his missionary work. How do we hold these themes together? Elliot Clark, author of Mission Affirmed: Recovering the Missionary Motivation of Paul, joins Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman to discuss—and explain why it matters for today’s results-oriented missionaries.
Subscribe now to never miss an episode when it drops.
Support this podcast and impact God’s mission...2022-02-2133 min
The Missions PodcastHelping Goers Think and Thinkers Go: Paul Davis on Media and MissionsWhy does this show exist? What do media and technology have to do with missions? This week, ABWE President Paul Davis turns the table on Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman in a three-way conversation about the state of the show and why it's critical to equip missionaries and church leaders through resources online.
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.2022-02-1454 min
The Missions PodcastSuffering, Eschatology, and the Glorious Reward in MissionsWhy 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 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.2021-11-1537 min
The Missions PodcastIs Obedience-Based Discipleship Biblical? Alex and Scott DiscussWhat 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 a topic? Email us.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE’s Global Gospel Fund.2021-11-0733 minThe Missions PodcastIs Obedience-Based Discipleship Biblical? Alex and Scott DiscussWhat 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 a topic? Email us.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE’s Global Gospel Fund.2021-11-0733 min
The Missions PodcastIs Obedience-Based Discipleship Biblical? Alex and Scott DiscussWhat 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 a topic? Email us.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE’s Global Gospel Fund.2021-11-0733 min
The Missions PodcastSome Mocked, But Some Believed: Scott Dunford on Acts 17The Apostle Paul models missional apologetics in Acts 17. What can we learn? In this episode, Scott Dunford walks through a crucial text and draws application for cross-cultural ministry at home and abroad.
This episode features a sermon originally preached at Community Evangelical Free Church of Harrisburg, Pa. on June 13, 2021.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-07-1939 minThe Missions PodcastSome Mocked, But Some Believed: Scott Dunford on Acts 17The Apostle Paul models missional apologetics in Acts 17. What can we learn? In this episode, Scott Dunford walks through a crucial text and draws application for cross-cultural ministry at home and abroad.
This episode features a sermon originally preached at Community Evangelical Free Church of Harrisburg, Pa. on June 13, 2021.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-07-1939 min
The Missions PodcastSome Mocked, But Some Believed: Scott Dunford on Acts 17The Apostle Paul models missional apologetics in Acts 17. What can we learn? In this episode, Scott Dunford walks through a crucial text and draws application for cross-cultural ministry at home and abroad.
This episode features a sermon originally preached at Community Evangelical Free Church of Harrisburg, Pa. on June 13, 2021.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodstg.wpengine.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-07-1939 minThe Missions PodcastSome Mocked, But Some Believed: Scott Dunford on Acts 17The Apostle Paul models missional apologetics in Acts 17. What can we learn? In this episode, Scott Dunford walks through a crucial text and draws application for cross-cultural ministry at home and abroad.
This episode features a sermon originally preached at Community Evangelical Free Church of Harrisburg, Pa. on June 13, 2021.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodstg.wpengine.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-07-1939 minThe Missions PodcastThe Bee Line to ChristShould missionaries adapt their message? In this week’s episode, Scott Dunford explains what’s really happening in Acts 17 in Paul’s sermon.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-07-1500 min
The Missions Podcast#RMC21 Panel 2: Sending Well With Paul Davis, Chad Vegas, and Barry BrownSending missionaries has taught these pastors what to do—and what not to do. Chad Vegas, Paul Davis and Barry Brown join Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman in this panel from the 2021 Radius Missiology Conference.
Watch the video version of this episode: youtu.be/NEyXBNj9HTU.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-07-0552 min
The Missions Podcast#RMC21: Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman on Their Upcoming Book on MissionsRecorded live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis: In this midweek exclusive, Chad Vegas, pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, California, and board chairman for Radius International, joins to discuss his and Alex Kocman's new book on missions scheduled for publication from Founders Press later this year.
Watch the video version of this episode: bit.ly/3dritlv.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-06-2913 min
The Missions Podcast#RMC21: Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman on Their Upcoming Book on MissionsRecorded live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis: In this midweek exclusive, Chad Vegas, pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, California, and board chairman for Radius International, joins to discuss his and Alex Kocman's new book on missions scheduled for publication from Founders Press later this year.
Watch the video version of this episode: bit.ly/3dritlv.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodstg.wpengine.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-06-2913 minThe Missions Podcast#RMC21: Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman on Their Upcoming Book on MissionsRecorded live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis: In this midweek exclusive, Chad Vegas, pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, California, and board chairman for Radius International, joins to discuss his and Alex Kocman's new book on missions scheduled for publication from Founders Press later this year.
Watch the video version of this episode: bit.ly/3dritlv.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-06-2913 minThe Missions Podcast#RMC21: Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman on Their Upcoming Book on MissionsRecorded live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis: In this midweek exclusive, Chad Vegas, pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, California, and board chairman for Radius International, joins to discuss his and Alex Kocman's new book on missions scheduled for publication from Founders Press later this year.
Watch the video version of this episode: bit.ly/3dritlv.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodstg.wpengine.com.
The Missions Podcast is sponsored by ABWE International.
Subscribe: linktr.ee/MissionsPodcast.2021-06-2913 min
The Missions PodcastWhy the Great Commission Doesn’t Mean What You ThinkWhy have we been left in the world? We talk often about the Great Commission, but do we truly understand it? According to a 2019 Barna study, about three quarters of US evangelicals don’t. In this episode, Alex Kocman walks through the text of Matthew 28:18-20 to show what is beneath the surface.
This talk was recorded June 5, 2021 at a meeting of the Central Pennsylvania chapter of C.S. Lewis Institute.
Want to watch the Radius Missiology Conference—and our exclusive panel discussion? Register at missionspodcast.com/radius for 33% off.
Want to ask a ques...2021-06-1653 minThe Missions PodcastThe Good Ol’ Baptist BoyShould doctrinal disagreements on non-salvation issues—like baptism—matter on the mission field? This week, Scott Dunford gets personal as he and Alex Kocman discuss theological triage and the missionary.
Enter our giveaway for to see us live at the Radius Missiology Conference in Minneapolis this June! Get more information and enter the drawing here.
Subscribe now.2021-05-2001 min
The Missions Podcast‘Reverse Missions’ and Global ChristianityAfrican Christians are coming to the US as missionaries—or are they? Many are saying that “reverse missions”—from the Majority World to the West—is on the rise. But the whole picture isn’t that simple, as the world and the Western church still have a lot to learn from each other. Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore in this special episode with limited commercial interruption.
Referenced in this episode:
Conrad Mbewe: Combatting Prosperity Teaching in Africa
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
The Missions Podcast is po...2021-04-1240 min
The Missions PodcastAre International Churches Missional? Scott Zeller on Pastoring ExpatsMissions means doing hard things in hard places. So are English-speaking churches geared towards expats truly reaching the unreached, or does more need to be done? The answers may surprise you. This week, Scott Zeller, executive pastor of Redeemer Church of Dubai, reframes the issue.
Scott Zeller is involved in regional church planting and theological education initiatives from Redeemer Church. You can email Scott or follow him on Twitter.
Remember to share, rate, leave a review, and subscribe. Together we can bridge the gap between the worlds of theology and missions.
Want to ask...2020-09-1442 min
The Missions PodcastBrooks Buser Answers: How Dare Missionaries Seek to Convert?On August 8, 2020, a simple tweet by Brooks Buser, president of Radius International, ignited a firestorm of controversy: “Thank you for the prayers for Amdu people and team. By God’s grace, there are now members of that people group who are reconciled to God, who no longer have their sins counted against them.” Skeptics, atheists, and even professed Christians joined together to denounce the missionaries for having the audacity to proselytize. This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman ask Brooks: what gives evangelical Christians the right to convert peoples? Are missionaries just glorified colonists stamping out unique cultures with minima...2020-09-0734 min
The Missions PodcastCritical Theory, Post-Colonialism, and Missions: Neil Shenvi on Social JusticeWatch the video version of this episode on YouTube.
Social justice. Critical theory. Post-colonialism. Intersectionality. These issues have divided believers and unbelievers alike in the church over the last few years, and in 2020 the issue is impossible to escape. Is conservative evangelicalism beginning to compromise biblical teaching on complex social issues? And if so, what effect does that have on missions?
This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman delve deep with Neil Shenvi, a noted Christian online personality who has researched and written on apologetics and the subject of social justice.
Neil is...2020-08-311h 22
The Missions PodcastHow to Be a Next-Level Sending ChurchClick here to watch the video version of this episode.
In this episode, ABWE President Paul Davis sits down (virtually) with Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford for a GARBC 2020 conference breakout session on global missions and how churches can become next-level senders.
To learn more about the Live Global adopt-an-unreached-people-group initiative, visit liveglobal.org/unreached. And while you are considering your next steps with missions, make plans to join us at our next 24-Hour DEMO event.
Free John Piper Book Download: Desiring God is giving away John Piper’s latest book, Coronavirus and Chri...2020-07-0657 min
The Missions PodcastSheriff Chris Swanson on Faith, Justice, and MissionsClick here to watch the video version of this episode.
Sheriff Chris Swanson in Genesee County near Flint, Michigan, went viral two weeks ago when he took off his helmet and riot gear, approached the crowd of demonstrators gathered in response to the killing of George Floyd, and reached out in love to build a bridge between law enforcement and racial minorities. In this exclusive interview, Chris shares with Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman about his faith, his passion for international missions, and why the key to obeying the Great Commission starts with looking in the eye...2020-06-1625 min
The Missions PodcastWhen the Church Can’t Gather: Pandemics, Persecution, and Worship on the Mission FieldDoes online worship count as “church?” Is Sunday unique as the Lord’s Day? Does the Bible give us a regulative principle or worship, or a normative principle of worship? The current global crisis has brought up these important questions about ecclesiology—questions that missionaries already face in parts of the world where gathering openly and regularly may be impossible or illegal. In this episode, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman dive in to the issue of worship from an historic Baptist standpoint.
Free John Piper Book Download: Desiring God is giving away John Piper’s latest book, Coronavirus...2020-05-0449 min
The Missions PodcastServe in Place: Missions in a PandemicGlobal travel restrictions are in place. Hordes of healthy people throughout the U.S. and abroad can’t even get to their local church service in-person—much less to the mission field. Should we temporarily shift our focus away from global missions during the current crisis? Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman explore this complex question in this exclusive conversation.
Announcement: In spite of the coronavirus, our T4G missions expert lunch panel, The Local Church and the Nations, will premiere on April 27. Hear from Paul Davis, Zane Pratt, Darren Carlson, Brooks Buser, John Klaassen, and more debating the i...2020-03-3054 min
The Missions PodcastPanel: Why Marketplace Missions Matters But Isn’t a Silver BulletHow can believers of all educational and vocational backgrounds use their skills in the marketplace for the Great Commission? In this episode, you’ll hear an expert panel address this topic at Cedarville University.
The discussion was led by Matt Bennett, Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville. Also joining the conversation are David Butler, NAMB missionary leading the SEND Boston program, Kyle Peterson, deputy director of Cedarville’s entrepreneurial accelerator program, along with Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman.
Remember to share, rate, leave a review, and subscribe. Together we can bridge the gap betwe...2019-12-021h 04
The Missions PodcastIs All Theology Cultural? Biblical Authority and ContextualizationBiblical authority is under attack. A missionary’s job is partly to make the transcendents truths of God’s word understandable within human language, context, and culture. But is it possible to know God’s objective truth, or are we always “stuck” within our culture—making modern missions inescapably colonialist? In this episode, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman dialogue over these important topics.
In the episode, we referenced the following resources:
The Calvinistic Concept of Culture by Henry Van TilTransforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change by Paul Hiebert
Remember to share, rate, leave a revi...2019-11-0437 min
The Missions PodcastSpecial Episode: What Do the Hong Kong Protests Have to Do With Missions?Between 1-2 million people have been taking to the streets in Hong Kong—even singing Christian hymns—in peaceful protest over a new extradition law representing China’s continued aim to tighten its fist and squelch political and religious liberties in the semi-autonomous region. What can believers learn from this complex situation?
In this special episode, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford—a former missionary in Asia—discuss the situation on the ground, the history, and implications for believers seeking to boldly engage the surrounding culture both on the mission field and at home.
Remember to share, rat...2019-09-0246 min
The Missions PodcastRace, Evolution, and Missions: Charles Ware SpeaksIf missionaries are to carry the gospel across cultural and national lines, it’s critical that they have a thoroughly biblical theology of race and ethnicity. And while much of modern progressive, secular culture repudiates anything remotely “racist,” Dr. Charles Ware explains why that wasn’t always the case. Secularism and Darwinism lie near the root of much contemporary racist ideology in the West, and only the biblical worldview offers a sound diagnosis of the sin of partiality and its gospel cure.
This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman unpack this deep and profound topic with Dr. Ware, pr...2019-08-2649 min
The Missions PodcastWhat Is the Mission of God’s People?What is the mission of the people of God in the world? Christians often get this basic question wrong. Are the people of God primarily called to social work, church planting, evangelistic campaigns, or all three somehow? This week, Scott Dunford explains why Romans 15 establishes a paradigm for the whole body of Christ to follow.
This episode features a message that was originally preached at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pa.
Remember to share, rate, leave a review, and subscribe. Together we can bridge the gap between the worlds of theology and missions.
2019-07-2936 min
The Missions PodcastHow Much Do the Unreached Know? Natural Revelation and EvangelismWhen we consider unreached and unengaged people groups, we typically think of them as knowing nothing at all of God. But a biblical theology of natural revelation and common grace drives us to a deeper understanding of the fact that all human beings are surrounded by the visible glory of God—and it’s precisely this fact that makes them accountable before their Creator.
In this conversation, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman explore the ways in which a healthier understanding of general revelation and natural theology can add depth to our cross-cultural evangelism. We also tackle presuppositional apol...2019-07-2242 min
The Missions PodcastAre Honor and Shame the Keys to Cross-Cultural Evangelism?In the West, we tend to think in terms of law, justice, guilt, and innocence. Our gospel presentation naturally picks up this flavor. But in many Eastern cultures, honor and shame are the dominant values—and in tribal contexts, it’s fear and power that take center stage. Has the Western church focused too much on a “legal” gospel and missed out on critical components of the biblical message? And if so, how do we avoid overcompensating and leaving out critical parts of the gospel such as the doctrine of justification?
This week, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman i...2019-06-2340 min
The Missions PodcastCulture: When to Bend, When to Break—Kenneth Nehrbass ExplainsEverybody talks about “engaging culture.” Culture is a slippery concept. When should missionaries break from their host culture, and when should they bend with it? Is missions mainly about creating countless contextualized Christianities across various cultures, or is it also about assimilating believers into one overarching Christian culture? We discussed these issues with Dr. Kenneth Nehrbass of Biola University, author of multiple books including God’s Image and Global Cultures.
Kenneth Nehrbass was a pastor before he and his wife Mendy joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 2000. In 2002, they moved to the island of Tanna (in Vanuatu) to transl...2019-04-2842 min
The Missions PodcastSpecial Episode: Scott’s Transition and Church Planting in Silicon ValleyIn this special episode, we take a break from the normal flow as Scott Dunford shares an important update on his life and ministry.
We’re also joined by Bob Bixby, lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Fremont, California, to talk about why the San Francisco Bay Area is truly a mission field—and how listeners can prayerfully engage what God is doing there in and amongst the unchurched and unreached expat communities.
Bob grew up in the Central African Republic and France and brings to us twenty-two years of pastoral experience in multicultural settings. Afte...2018-12-1344 min
The Missions PodcastDoes Business as Mission Work?Tentmaking. Platform. Business as mission. BAM. All terms that are used sometimes interchangeably throughout the missions community—but what do they mean? Is it really practical to use a for-profit business venture as a ministry platform in another culture, and how can we make sure we’re doing it the right way? How can there be any time to make disciples if a missionary spends 40+ hours working per week in a “secular” arena? Is there a biblical basis for using business as mission? In honor of Labor Day, we pick Scott Dunford’s mind as he shares from his three year...2018-09-0351 min
The Missions PodcastT4G Panel on Theological Training in MissionsThere’s a theological famine across the majority world. How can we fix that? Are translated English resources the solution? How can we encourage more theological educators to serve overseas? And why does the chasm between the gospel-centered, big-God theology movement and the missions world seem so large?
On April 12th, 2018 at Together for the Gospel in Louisville, Kentucky, ABWE and Baptist Haiti Mission co-hosted an expert panel to answer those questions and more. In this episode you’ll hear IMB Vice President Zane Pratt, David Sills (at the time, president of Reaching and Teaching; now former), Scott D...2018-04-231h 11
The Missions PodcastThe Kingdom of God and the Authority of the Great CommissionWe speak so much of the “kingdom of God”—but what does that mean, and how does Jesus’ present reign in heaven impact our mission? These questions are often neglected, misunderstood, or purposefully avoided in American evangelicalism, and there’s lots of confusion about Christ’s return and the nature of his kingdom. But understanding Jesus’ present authority over heaven and earth undergirds everything we do in cross-cultural ministry.
We’re taking a break this week from our format to bring you a message delivered by Alex Kocman on March 9, 2018 at ABWE’s New Missionary Orientation, titled “The Authority of the...2018-04-0232 min
The Missions PodcastHow to Build a Sending Church CultureThousands of people groups remain unreached—so where are all the new missionaries we need? They’re in the church. In this episode, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman explore seven ways to build a sending church culture in your local congregation, whether you’re a pastor or layperson, and how these solutions are the key to mobilizing the next generation of missionaries God has sovereignly placed in the pews.
Want to ask a question for a future episode? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Powered by ABWE International.2017-11-1334 min
The Missions PodcastWhy You Should Stop Sending Short-TermOver 2 million Americans go on a short-term missions trip each year. So with more than 4,000 unreached people groups, why not keep sending as many short-termers as possible? In this episode, Scott Dunford and Alex Kocman share four key concerns about short-term—and four tips on how responsible churches and ministries can send short-term missionaries in a healthy, biblical way.
Want to ask a question for a future episode? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
Powered by ABWE International.2017-10-1637 min