Is Reformed theology antithetical to missions? Can Calvinists and Arminians partner together in gospel ministry? Today, Scott and Alex take a swing at these hotly-debated topics and provide answers from a biblical perspective recognizing that God’s sovereignty is fully compatible with the call to repent and believe the gospel—and how the fact that Christ hasContinue reading “God’s Sovereignty, Human Responsibility, and Missions”
Episode Archives
Charles Smith on Missions Leadership “For the Church”
What does leadership have to do with missions? Everything. Although conversations on leadership are often kept separate from the realm of missiology, Charles Smith believes that now is the time to talk about what gospel-centered leadership—for the church—means for missions. Charles Smith serves as Vice President for Institutional Relations at Midwestern Seminary and oversees the officesContinue reading “Charles Smith on Missions Leadership “For the Church””
The Kingdom of God and the Authority of the Great Commission
We 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 authorityContinue reading “The Kingdom of God and the Authority of the Great Commission”
The Gift of Singleness in Missions: an Interview With Lina AbuJamra
Singleness can feel like a death sentence for some—but for women like Lina AbuJamra, it’s a gift to be stewarded. How can God use singles on the mission field? Lina weighs in and shares her perspective as a Lebanese-American physician currently involved in Bible teaching and medical missions to Syrian refugees.
How to Understand and Reach Hindus
Of all the world’s religions that are likely to stump Western Christians, Hinduism tops the list. How can Christians make sense of Hinduism’s millions of deities, belief in reincarnation, denial of human suffering, and rigorous caste system? Better yet—how can Christians reach those who hold to such a worldview?
How Should Christians Engage Other Religious Texts?
Should Christians read books the Qur’an—and if so, how? What about other religious texts? To help us answer those questions, we asked is Matthew Bennett, an experienced missionary who served in the Middle East, now instructor of missions and theology at Cedarville University.
Where Did the Gritty Missionaries Go? David Joannes on Missionary Motivations
C.T. Studd is credited with saying, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” But in today’s world where everyone is encouraged to “live on mission,” this classic missionary grit is increasingly absent. What happened, and what are the internal and external motivators that lead someone to risk everything to serve abroad? To answer that question, we invited missionary, author, and researcher David Joannes.
When Everything Is Missions… (Nothing Is): A Chat With Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison
Is every Christian a missionary? Is there a difference between “missions,” “missional,” and “mission?” Denny Spitters and President Matthew Ellison, authors of When Everything Is Missions, answer.
Suffering and Sovereignty in the Rohingya Crisis
You’ve probably heard of the plight of the Rohingya people—an unreached, Muslim people group forced out of Myanmar and into Bangladesh. But you probably haven’t heard about the Christian workers on the ground whom God has sovereignly positioned to impact them at such a time as this. It’s a story of redemption that only God can write.
Dan DeWitt on Apologetics, Missions, and Suffering
Do all missionaries need to know apologetics? Some say yes, plenty say no. We invited our friend Dan DeWitt, an expert on the topic, to answer.
How to Raise Missions-Minded Children
Parenting is stressful enough—not to mention the crucial responsibility parents have to raise their children in the way of Christ. Is it worthwhile to expose children to missions, and if so, how early is too early? What are some best practices for instilling a global mindset in our kids? The director of ABWE’s Next GenerationContinue reading “How to Raise Missions-Minded Children”
How the Gospel Transforms Cultures: Vishal Mangalwadi on William Carey
Gandhi’s India couldn’t have existed without William Carey. That’s the argument made by Vishal Mangalwadi, who makes the case that the gospel necessarily transforms culture—and William Carey is the example.
How to Be a “World Christian”
Voices in missions today tell us we should all become “global Christians.” In this episode we answer what that means and how to do it—with all the resources everyday believers need to stay informed.
Lori McDaniel on Being a “Rebel” Like Lottie Moon
It’s December, which means Southern Baptists are hearing the name “Lottie Moon” and instantly associating it with missions. Who was Lottie Moon? Why was the Christmas Offering named after her? What can we learn from her as trailblazing, single female missionary and mobilizer?
How Much Contextualization Is Too Much?
Today in missions there’s a lot of talk about contextualization. The “C scale” developed by John Travis makes a case for so-called insider movements—professing believers in the Islamic world who follow Jesus, yet remain culturally and religiously Muslim. Is that biblical? How can we adapt the gospel to new cultures—and how far is too far?
Paul Davis on the Pastor as Mobilizer
How can local church pastors lead the charge to mobilize for missions? ABWE President Paul Davis joins us to share his insights on how pastors can spark missions-minded imagination fueled by culture and Scripture, drawing on his decades of experience in local church ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Holland, Michigan.
Dan Dumas on Adoption, Foster Care, and Missions
We’re commanded to disciple all the nations. We are also told to care for the orphan and fatherless. What do adoption and foster care have to do with global missions? Is social justice a distraction to world evangelism? Dan Dumas, Special Advisor for Foster Care and Adoption to Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, joins us to answer.
How to Build a Sending Church Culture
Where are all the new missionaries? In the church. Join us as we explore seven ways to build a sending church and mobilize the next generation of goers God has sovereignly placed in the pews.
Why Should Missionaries Care About the Reformation?
We’re joined again by Jonathan Arnold to discuss another critical question regarding the Reformation—why should those involved in missions care?
Did the Reformers Believe in the Great Commission?
Special guest Jonathan Arnold, an Oxford graduate, author, and professor as the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins us to discuss a critical question as we remember the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Did the Reformers really believe in missions and evangelism?
Why You Should Stop Sending Short-Term
Over 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?
What’s Wrong With Missions Agencies
In our first episode, we lay it down straight about missions agencies. Are they biblical, or are they just modern constructs that exist to fill the gap when the local church drops the ball? Do they even work?