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A show for Christ-followers who want to participate more effectively in God’s work both at home and to the ends of the earth.

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223: Building Healthy Cross-Cultural Church Partnerships

223: Building Healthy Cross-Cultural Church Partnerships

John Yoder shares about how church leaders can help create healthy cross-cultural church partnerships. He highlights the significance of casting a compelling vision, building genuine relationships, and initiating manageable initiatives.

222: Essentials to a Meaningful Partnership between Church and Agency

222: Essentials to a Meaningful Partnership between Church and Agency

Ryan Martin returns to the podcast to share four essential elements of healthy and effective collaboration between a church and a missions agency. Ryan emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding a church’s role and capacity, coordinating advocacy teams, and clarifying post-field expectations.

220: Building the Churches’ Awareness of Missions

220: Building the Churches’ Awareness of Missions

In this episode, Rich Noble, founder and director of the Center for Missional Engagement, shares with us ways for the Church to build awareness of Missions. With Rich, we go back to the basic but foundational ways, that members of a church of any size can utilize to start thinking about missions.

218: Caring for Third Culture Kids

218: Caring for Third Culture Kids

Lauren Wells, founder of TCK Training, talks to us about three ways to support and care for missionary children as they, along with their parents, experience the uncertainty of leaving their home culture behind and acclimating to a new field. Together, through this conversation, we see an opportunity for hope and care as we approach the topic of care in our missionary kids.

217: Attracting new capacity for your Missions Committee

217: Attracting new capacity for your Missions Committee

Ellen Livingood, founder of Catalyst Services, elaborates on three ways out of her seven to attract new members into missions committee roles in our churches. As churches look to engage more members, this episode explores helpful ways to know what gets people excited about the work of God and how to find that balance between vision and task.

216: Supporting Parents of Missionaries

216: Supporting Parents of Missionaries

Inspired by her oldest son’s sending, today’s episode highlights Tori Haverkamp’s journey as the mother of a missionary. She shares the emotional turmoil of a sender as she found ways to embrace this transition. This episode explores ways to better prepare as the family of a goer and tangible ways a church can surround them with love and support.

215: Supporting our mission workers during re-entry

215: Supporting our mission workers during re-entry

Today’s episode explores how we can support our missions workers as they return to their culture of origin. As a returning missionary himself, Bradley Bell shares with us his experience coming home, the challenges he faced, and how we as a community at home can receive our mission workers in an intentional, loving way.

214: How Small Churches Can Make a Big Impact in Global Missions

214: How Small Churches Can Make a Big Impact in Global Missions

In this episode, we discuss the impact that small churches can make in global missions. Tim Hood shares about the strengths that small churches can bring to Sending. He also addresses the challenges and barriers that small churches may experience and offers practical suggestions these churches can apply.

213: New Funding Models for Global Missions

213: New Funding Models for Global Missions

In today’s conversation, Tim Welch shares what the Bible says about funding for missions. He challenges us to think beyond the traditional method of fundraising and provides examples of how believers in the majority world are supporting missions work. This episode provides ideas and suggestions for funding that go beyond the traditional method.

211: The High Value of Prayer in Missions Mobilization – Encore Episode

211: The High Value of Prayer in Missions Mobilization – Encore Episode

In this conversation, Khevna Dave discusses the important part that prayer plays in the mobilization process. We’ll hear how prayer is a powerful way to enhance our learning, connect with believers, and multiply leaders. This conversation provides suggestions of ways to make prayer a priority personally and in our churches.

208: Strategies for Mobilizing Gen Z

208: Strategies for Mobilizing Gen Z

In this conversation, Jolene helps us understand some characteristics of Gen Z, the opportunities the church has to disciple these individuals, and some practical strategies for mobilizing this generation. Whether you are a missions mobilizer, a missions committee member, or a church member who cares for a person in Gen Z, you won’t want to miss this episode!

207: Developing Resilience as Goers and Senders

207: Developing Resilience as Goers and Senders

In this conversation, Ken shares four key ideas about resilience. We explore the need for resilience in cross-cultural workers, one of the ways God develops resilience, the role of community as we face situations requiring resilience, and other helpful considerations. Ken takes time to make suggestions for both Goers and Senders in light of this important topic.

206: Foundations for the Global Church

206: Foundations for the Global Church

In this conversation, Justin shares about the nature of God and the nature of the gospel as it relates to the global church. Justin also gives an overview of the current status of the global church. He shares both the challenges and opportunities that these trends present and he shares some implications that these topics have on the church in North America.

205: The Value of Weakness in Missions

205: The Value of Weakness in Missions

In this episode, Nathan shares about the value of weakness in missions. He explains why missionaries should have the posture of a learner, what the renewal missions concept means, and how God uses suffering. Nathan also addresses the Senders, sharing what they should know about weakness in missions.

204: Finding Your Part in God’s Story – Encore Episode

204: Finding Your Part in God’s Story – Encore Episode

In today’s discussion, Steve Addison shares insights about God’s redemptive plan as found through all of scripture. He encouragers believers that they have a part in God’s story- an important role to make disciples. This episode explores the beauty of scripture and presents personal challenges.

203: How Local Churches Can Care for Missionaries at Every Stage

203: How Local Churches Can Care for Missionaries at Every Stage

In this conversation, Ryan shares components of member care for churches to be involved in. He discusses what member care can look like during the pre-field, on-field, and post-field stages of a missionary’s life. This episode will help you spark ideas and take practical steps to caring well for those your church has sent.

202: Finding Freedom and Realism for Measuring Success in Missions

202: Finding Freedom and Realism for Measuring Success in Missions

In today’s conversation, we hope you find a healthy amount of freedom and realism as we approach the topic of measuring success in missions. Amy shares why it is important that before considering tangible metrics, we consider the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This concept has valuable implications for both the Goers and the Senders. We hope you will listen and be encouraged!

200: Parenting with a Global Vision

200: Parenting with a Global Vision

In this conversation, we turn our attention to the youngest members of our congregation. Carissa shares ideas for parenting with a global vision and describes the impact this could have on local churches and global missions. Carissa also speaks to church leaders and missions committee members about ways they can encourage and equip parents with a global vision.

198: Why is Theological Education So Important for Missionaries?

198: Why is Theological Education So Important for Missionaries?

In today’s conversation, we discuss the importance of theological education for missionaries, and a variety of ways such training can be accomplished. Dennis describes what theological education is, the key elements of effective theological training, and ways to overcome potential barriers to studying theology.

197: Building Resilience for the Missionary Task

197: Building Resilience for the Missionary Task

In this conversation, we hear from Dick who shares about why resilience is so important for the missionary task. He also describes where resilience comes from and how it can be built. Dick also shares how supporters of mission workers can help to encourage and foster their resilience.

196: Reframing Our Role as Outsiders in Global Missions

196: Reframing Our Role as Outsiders in Global Missions

In this conversation, Craig explains what it means to be an Outsider and why this is a crucial role in the Great Commission. Craig shares some reasons why fewer young people are engaging in missions work and suggests that we need to reframe the way we talk about missions.

195: Honoring and Supporting Single Missionaries – Encore Episode

195: Honoring and Supporting Single Missionaries – Encore Episode

In today’s episode, we will uncover a biblical perspective of singleness and it’s application for missions and the church. This discussion walks us through the redemptive biblical narrative to show God’s purposes in singleness, marriage, and the church. Barry reminds us that the church is the spiritual family and suggests some ways that believers can support single missionaries.

194: Infusing All Vocations with Missional Purpose

194: Infusing All Vocations with Missional Purpose

In this episode, Larry Sharp shares about the importance of both “Professional Missionaries” and “Missional Professionals.” He explains why and how every vocation can be pursued with missional purpose. Larry offers advice and encouragement to those with any career about how they can use their position for kingdom advancement.

193: Unpacking Common Myths about Global Missions

193: Unpacking Common Myths about Global Missions

In this episode, Steve Richardson discusses three common myths about global missions. He provides insights that give a more complete perspective on these common misconceptions about missions: Western missionaries are obsolete, missions is harmful, and missions is failing. Steve gives a realistic, wise, and encouraging picture of God’s work through global missions.

192: How to Talk to Missionaries

192: How to Talk to Missionaries

In this episode, Jonathan Trotter shares ideas about good questions to ask and conversations to have with missionaries. His suggestions are illustrated in a particular Bible passage which you will hear about as you listen to this episode.

191: Lessons from Chinese House Churches

191: Lessons from Chinese House Churches

In this episode, Hannah Nation shares about the faith she has observed in the Chinese Church and shares lessons we can take from their example. This conversation is an opportunity to hear stories of God at work around the world and to learn from fellow believers around the world. We believe you will find this episode to be both challenging and encouraging.

190: Sabbath Rest: A Gift for God’s Servants

190: Sabbath Rest: A Gift for God’s Servants

In this conversation, Lisette describes the importance of Sabbath rest. She explains some of the challenges that missionaries may need to overcome in order to truly rest. You will also learn from Lisette’s wisdom and experience some practical ways that churches can encourage and help those they have sent to rest well.

189: What Kind of Global Goer are You?

189: What Kind of Global Goer are You?

In this conversation, Jeannie Marie introduces us to five Goer personality types. You will learn about each one of them and see which one describes you. Jeannie offers words of encouragement and advice to each Goer type that will not only help you, but also those who you are mobilizing.

188: What is the Primary Motivation for Missions?

188: What is the Primary Motivation for Missions?

In this episode, Dr. Matt Bennett discusses the primary motivation for missions. He shares the dangers of neglecting our primary motivation and suggests ways that our motivation can affect the practical aspects of missions work.

187: Helping Missionaries Flourish and Remain on the Field

187: Helping Missionaries Flourish and Remain on the Field

Today, our guest Brian Gibson shares about how to help missionaries flourish and remain on the mission field. He explains that this can be done by having a biblical basis for missions, understanding the church’s identity and role in missions, understanding the three stages of sending, building a care team, and providing a supply line. Listen to today’s episode to learn what these five steps mean and how you can put them into action!

186: Developing a Biblical Theology of Risk – Encore Episode

186: Developing a Biblical Theology of Risk – Encore Episode

Sharing the gospel with unreached people groups can involve significant risk for cross-cultural workers. Anna Hampton, author of “Facing Danger: A Guide Through Risk” presents some ideas that can help both Goers and Senders develop a Biblical theology of risk.

184: Business as Mission: A Powerful Strategy to Engage the Unreached – Encore Episode

184: Business as Mission: A Powerful Strategy to Engage the Unreached – Encore Episode

Mats Tunehag shares a glimpse into how God is using businesspeople to make a tremendous kingdom impact! Mats encourages the body of Christ to equip, invigorate, and strengthen businesspeople so they can serve God and others through business. Mats describes Business as Mission as a concept, practice, and a global movement. He suggests 3 practical steps your church can take to participate in Business as Mission today.

181: Reaching the Deaf with the Gospel

181: Reaching the Deaf with the Gospel

In this episode, Ryan shares about his experience as a Deaf person growing up in a hearing family, and now attending and leading a church. He describes some of the challenges facing the Deaf community and how the church can help to reach Deaf people with the gospel.

180: Advice for Cross-Cultural Workers to Navigate Transition

180: Advice for Cross-Cultural Workers to Navigate Transition

In this episode, Amy discusses four ways that an individual’s personality can affect how they experience and respond to times of transition. She speaks from her experience of transition on the mission field to offer wisdom and suggestions that will help you grow through seasons of change.

178: Caring for Parents of Missionaries

178: Caring for Parents of Missionaries

In this conversation, Peggy Spiers discusses how churches can care for parents of missionaries. Peggy shares three principles, plenty of experience, and a list of practical steps for caring for the parents of mission workers.

176: Rethinking Missions Mobilization

176: Rethinking Missions Mobilization

In today’s episode, we hear from Ryan Shaw of Global Mission Mobilization Initiative. He explains what missions mobilization is, why he believes mobilization needs rethinking, and why he proposes the idea of more “mobilization from the inside.” Tune in to learn how mobilization is crucial to seeing the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

175: Medical Missions: The Need for Healthcare Professionals in Global Missions

175: Medical Missions: The Need for Healthcare Professionals in Global Missions

In this episode, Doug Christgau, ambassador for MedSend, speaks to the need for healthcare professionals around the world. This interview includes discussion on some of the obstacles for those wishing to participate in medical missions, stories of God at work through medical mission, and next steps for healthcare professionals considering missions involvement. As you listen, you will learn about a “well rounded” approach to medical missions and the strategic way medical missions can be used to fulfill the Great Commission.

174: Family-Based Care for Children in Need

174: Family-Based Care for Children in Need

In this episode, Elli shares with us some of the ways the church has cared for orphans in the past, and why she advocates for family-based care for children in need. She directs listeners to steps they can take to care for children.

171: The Priority of Engaging Unreached People Groups

171: The Priority of Engaging Unreached People Groups

In this conversation, Simon helpfully defines who the Unreached are and explains why reaching these people groups should be a high priority for missions endeavors. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities that currently face those who will engage the billions of unreached people.

170: The Crucial Role of Senders in the Great Commission

170: The Crucial Role of Senders in the Great Commission

In today’s episode, Peggy Spiers shares why she believes Senders have such an important role to play in the Great Commission and describes several specific ways that Senders can get involved in missions. Listen and be inspired by the opportunities every follower of Christ has to engage in missions as a Sender.

169: The Innovation Crisis in Missions

169: The Innovation Crisis in Missions

In today’s conversation, Ted reinforces the unchanging message of the Gospel and identifies a problem that he has called the “innovation crisis.” He shares how those in missions must face the challenge of innovation as they work to spread the Gospel to the nations.

168: Addressing Personal Debt When Considering Missions

168: Addressing Personal Debt When Considering Missions

In today’s episode, Kari addresses the specific challenge of personal debt for those considering missions. She also offers encouragement to anyone who may experience guilt and fear associated with debt. Kari reminds listeners that debt does not need to be the end of someone’s missions journey and gives advice for how to deal with the reality of debt.

166: What Does the Bible Say About Missions?

166: What Does the Bible Say About Missions?

In today’s episode, Richard Noble, author of “On Mission Together: Integrating Missions into the Local Church” shares his insights on the Biblical foundations for missions through the Old and New Testament. You will be encouraged and inspired as this episode reflects on God’s promises and commands throughout scripture.

165: 3 Essential Aspects of Missionary Preparation

165: 3 Essential Aspects of Missionary Preparation

Today’s episode focuses on the necessary stages of training and preparation of missionaries. Laney discusses the importance of preparation before serving on the mission field and describes the value that can come through three unique types of training.

164: Building a Healthy Marriage on the Missions Field

164: Building a Healthy Marriage on the Missions Field

In today’s episode, Lisette shares her perspective of the unique joys and challenges of marriage on the mission field and gives advice for how missionaries can build strong marriages. Those who care for mission workers will hear helpful advice for how they can help missionaries keep a healthy marriage.

163: Introducing the Global Missions Toolbox- Bonus Episode

163: Introducing the Global Missions Toolbox- Bonus Episode

In today’s bonus episode, your podcast host, Rob Magwood, along with Maddy Postma introduce you to the Global Missions Toolbox, an online collection of resources for Senders. This conversation describes the vision for the Toolbox and identifies some of the tools that are available now for Pastors, Missions Committee Members, and the Family and Friends of mission workers.

162: Tools to Help Strengthen Missions in Your Church

162: Tools to Help Strengthen Missions in Your Church

In today’s episode, Justin lists and discusses resources that will strengthen and equip churches as they participate in global missions efforts. We hope you’ll be inspired with ideas, and encouraged that there are great resources out there to help you build vision and traction in your church!

161: The High Value of Prayer in Missions Mobilization

161: The High Value of Prayer in Missions Mobilization

In this conversation, Khevna Dave discusses the important part that prayer plays in the mobilization process. We’ll hear how prayer is a powerful way to enhance our learning, connect with believers, and multiply leaders. This conversation provides suggestions of ways to make prayer a priority personally and in our churches.

160: Financial Models for Sending Missionaries

160: Financial Models for Sending Missionaries

In today’s conversation, Jennifer Nickels describes some possible support development models for missionaries. This discussion brings not only an experienced perspective that highlights practical and innovative ideas, but it also brings encouragement to the ministry of support raising.

159: Finding Your Part in God’s Story

159: Finding Your Part in God’s Story

In today’s discussion, Steve Addison shares insights about God’s redemptive plan as found through all of scripture. He encouragers believers that they have a part in God’s story- an important role to make disciples. This episode explores the beauty of scripture and presents personal challenges.

158: Trouble on the Way: Considering Persecution in Missions

158: Trouble on the Way: Considering Persecution in Missions

In today’s conversation, Floyd Brobbel shares the reality and scale of persecution present around the world. You will gain a better understanding of what the Bible says about persecution, how this affects the way we go about missions, and what churches can do to support missionaries in high-persecution areas.

157: Honoring and Supporting Single Missionaries

157: Honoring and Supporting Single Missionaries

In today’s episode, we will uncover a biblical perspective of singleness and it’s application for missions and the church. This discussion walks us through the redemptive biblical narrative to show God’s purposes in singleness, marriage, and the church. Barry reminds us that the church is the spiritual family and suggests some ways that believers can support single missionaries.

156: How Experienced Missionaries Can Help Mobilize New Missionaries

156: How Experienced Missionaries Can Help Mobilize New Missionaries

This episode focuses on the sometimes overlooked role that missionaries themselves have in mobilizing more mission workers. David P. Jacob of the Center for Missionary Mobilization and Retention offers specific reasons why missionaries should be involved in mobilization as well as practical ways churches can intentionally involve missionaries in the mobilization process

155: Re-engaging Short-Term Missions After a Pandemic Pause

155: Re-engaging Short-Term Missions After a Pandemic Pause

As Covid restrictions lift in some countries and travel resumes more regularly, this episode considers when, why, and how churches should re-engage with short-term mission opportunities. Tory Ruark, an experienced short-term mission trip coordinator offers insights to guide important discussions and decisions.

154: Rediscovering a Clear, Biblical Vision for Global Missions

154: Rediscovering a Clear, Biblical Vision for Global Missions

In this episode, Matthew Ellison challenges us to think biblically about missions and to act in accordance with God’s calling on our lives. Matthew highlights several thought-provoking ideas from a new book he co-edited. You will be encouraged by the insights found in this episode!

153: Making Disciples of Jesus in Alaska and Northern Canada

153: Making Disciples of Jesus in Alaska and Northern Canada

Jim Stamberg and Derek Baker share their inspiring vision of making Northern disciple makers. Currently serving in Alaska and the Yukon, they have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of ministry in the North. Listen to hear how God is at work in Northern Canada and Alaska!

152: How is God at Work in Europe? – Encore Episode

152: How is God at Work in Europe? – Encore Episode

Jon Burns of Greater Europe Mission describes some of the ways he sees God at work in Europe. Jon and Mags discuss why the North American church should participate in sharing the gospel in Europe. Jon highlights opportunities for churches around the world to be involved in missions work in Europe.

150: Partnering with the Church in the Middle East

150: Partnering with the Church in the Middle East

In today’s episode, we will hear about the current state of the church in the Middle East and be encouraged by the ways God is working in that part of the world. Pierre also shares ways that the North American church can partner with the church in the Middle East to help make disciples of Jesus.

149: 5 Missions Trips to Help Mobilize Your Church

149: 5 Missions Trips to Help Mobilize Your Church

We’re going to spend today’s conversation with David and Lorene Wilson talking about five different types of mission trips. This episode will help you match appropriate ministry opportunities with different members of your congregation. David and Lorene discuss how short-term, mid-term, semester, gap year, and “stint trip” excursions can help mobilize people in your church to participate in missions.

148: 4 Ways to Increase Your Missional Intelligence

148: 4 Ways to Increase Your Missional Intelligence

Author Jeannie Marie helps us understand what Missional Intelligence (MQ) is and how it can help us improve our service both as GOers and SENDers. She shares how we can increase our Missional Intelligence through 4 personal, practical, and Spirit-empowered ways.

147: 3 Questions the Church Must Answer About the Future of Missions

147: 3 Questions the Church Must Answer About the Future of Missions

Jason Thomas and Sarah Farley discuss three critical questions that the church must ask when considering how to mobilize the next generation. Jason and Sarah bring helpful and timely insights as they discuss Generation Z’s unique perspective on and contribution towards missions endeavors.

146: Using Digital Media to Reach and Disciple the Nations

146: Using Digital Media to Reach and Disciple the Nations

Clyde Taber of the Visual Story Network helps us understand how digital media strategies can be used to share the gospel and make disciples of Jesus. As the world spends more and more time on media, Clyde highlights opportunities for the missions community to use media strategies to reach more people and share the timeless message of Jesus.

144: Exploring the Remarkable Growth of the Global Church

144: Exploring the Remarkable Growth of the Global Church

Brian Stiller, author of “From Jerusalem to Timbuktu” helps us understand the incredible growth of Christianity around the world! Brian shares how indigenous leadership, Bible translation, and a renewed understanding of the work of the Spirit have contributed to the remarkable growth of the global church.

143: Developing a Biblical Theology of Risk

143: Developing a Biblical Theology of Risk

Sharing the gospel with unreached people groups can involve significant risk for cross-cultural workers. Anna Hampton, author of “Facing Danger: A Guide Through Risk” presents some ideas that can help both Goers and Senders develop a Biblical theology of risk.

142: Caring for Cross-Cultural Workers Who’ve Returned Home During COVID-19

142: Caring for Cross-Cultural Workers Who’ve Returned Home During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the lives and ministries of cross-cultural workers. Many workers have returned to their passport countries temporarily, indefinitely, or permanently. In this episode, Shonna Ingram helps us understand some of what cross-cultural workers are experiencing during COVID-19. Shonna suggests ways that Christ-followers can help workers who have returned “home” and are facing significant and unexpected upheaval.

137: 4 Ways Christ-followers Can Engage the Unreached – Encore Episode

137: 4 Ways Christ-followers Can Engage the Unreached – Encore Episode

Tim from Live Dead challenges Christ-followers to step out and actively engage the unreached with the gospel. In this episode, Mags and Tim discuss four practical ways to help take the message of Jesus to those who have little or no opportunity to hear. Tim points out several resources that can challenge our perspective and help grow our heart for unreached people.

136: Missions Foundations: Spiritual Equipping for Fruitful Ministry

136: Missions Foundations: Spiritual Equipping for Fruitful Ministry

Ryan Shaw of Global Mission Mobilization Initiative (GMMI) helps us understand the importance of being spiritually equipped for mission! Ryan identifies principles that workers can apply to help them walk in close step with Christ and have a vibrant spiritual life as they minister cross-culturally.

134: How COVID-19 is Impacting Global Missions

134: How COVID-19 is Impacting Global Missions

Ted Esler of Missio Nexus shares a high-level view of how global missions is being impacted by COVID-19. Ted describes how COVID-19 is affecting evangelism, discipleship, and church-planting – and how those areas might be affected in the future. Ted offers words of encouragement to churches seeking to faithfully participate in global missions in a changing world.

133: Healthy Good-byes When Mission Workers Go to the Field

133: Healthy Good-byes When Mission Workers Go to the Field

Ken Benson of MissionPREP suggests wise steps mission workers and sending churches can take to “say good-bye” in a healthy way when mission workers leave for the field. Ken describes what workers and sending churches often experience in the time leading up to departure for ministry overseas. Ken outlines principles and healthy practices to help navigate a worker’s transition to the field.

132: Growing Our Understanding of Orality

132: Growing Our Understanding of Orality

Charles Madinger helps us understand how to effectively communicate the gospel with people with high orality reliance, who often don’t read, or prefer learning by oral ways and means. Charles describes the importance of relating the message of Jesus to the everyday life and perspective of oral communicators.

131: Creative Missions Events to Mobilize Your Church

131: Creative Missions Events to Mobilize Your Church

Are missions conferences a thing of the past? Doug Christgau certainly doesn’t think so! Doug describes how mission events – when done well – can be a powerful tool in mobilizing your church for missions. He suggests creative ideas to help you plan inspiring events for your congregation.

130: Business as Mission: A Powerful Strategy to Engage the Unreached

130: Business as Mission: A Powerful Strategy to Engage the Unreached

Mats Tunehag shares a glimpse into how God is using businesspeople to make a tremendous kingdom impact! Mats encourages the body of Christ to equip, invigorate, and strengthen businesspeople so they can serve God and others through business. Mats describes Business as Mission as a concept, practice, and a global movement. He suggests 3 practical steps your church can take to participate in Business as Mission today.

129: 5 Best Practices for Healthy Global Missions Programs

129: 5 Best Practices for Healthy Global Missions Programs

Michael VanHuis of Missio Nexus believes that the local church is absolutely crucial to the work of cross-cultural missions. Drawing principles from the Church Missions Leader Survey Report, Michael outlines 5 best practices that can help local churches build healthy global missions programs. Michael also highlights some free missions resources for churches!

128: 5 Things Everyone Should Understand About Missionaries

128: 5 Things Everyone Should Understand About Missionaries

Jonathan Trotter, co-author of “Serving Well” helps us grow in our understanding of what life can be like for missionaries. Jonathan shares from his experience as a missionary and counselor 5 ideas that can help sending churches empathize with and support their cross-cultural workers.

127: Caring for Missionary Kids When They Go to College

127: Caring for Missionary Kids When They Go to College

Teena Embaugh of SEND International helps us understand the challenges missionary kids can face as they navigate the transition to college, university, or a career path in their parents’ passport country. Teena and Mags discuss several practical ways for churches to support and care for missionary kids who are starting a new phase of life in another culture.

126: Why, When and How to Visit Your Missionary

126: Why, When and How to Visit Your Missionary

Beth Barthelemy of TEAM encourages churches to visit their missionaries! Beth shares from her personal experience how a visit from a sending church can be a great blessing to both the missionary and the church. Beth suggests several considerations for churches to keep in mind as they plan a visit, along with ways churches can encourage their missionary during the trip.

125: 10 Key Ideas for Pastoral Leadership in Missions

125: 10 Key Ideas for Pastoral Leadership in Missions

David Meade of Propempo International suggests 10 concepts that can help pastors lead local churches in missions engagement. David and Mags also talk about how missions committees and laypeople can understand, support, and serve alongside their pastor.

124: 4 Best Practices for Mission Committees

124: 4 Best Practices for Mission Committees

Jennifer Lau of Canadian Baptist Ministries shares 4 best practices that can help mission committees work together with pastors and the entire congregation to make a global impact! Jennifer talks with Mags about discerning the heart of a local church, assessing needs, and inviting young people to participate in missions!

123: How is God at Work in Europe?

123: How is God at Work in Europe?

Jon Burns of Greater Europe Mission describes some of the ways he sees God at work in Europe. Jon and Mags discuss why the North American church should participate in sharing the gospel in Europe. Jon highlights opportunities for churches around the world to be involved in missions work in Europe.

122: Practical Ways to Help Children Participate in Missions

122: Practical Ways to Help Children Participate in Missions

Jayne Russell of SEND International suggests several practical ways to help children participate in global missions. Mags and Jayne discuss how to help the next generation learn more about missions, unreached people, and how God is at work around the world.

121: 3 Principles for Growing a Healthy Sending Church

121: 3 Principles for Growing a Healthy Sending Church

Pastor Bradley Bell of The Upstream Collective highlights tools specifically designed for pastors and church leaders to help them lead their church in missions. Mags and Bradley discuss 3 elements that characterize a healthy sending church, and practical resources that can help busy church leaders.

120: 4 Ways Christ-followers Can Engage the Unreached

120: 4 Ways Christ-followers Can Engage the Unreached

Tim from Live Dead challenges Christ-followers to step out and actively engage the unreached with the gospel. In this episode, Mags and Tim discuss four practical ways to help take the message of Jesus to those who have little or no opportunity to hear. Tim points out several resources that can challenge our perspective and help grow our heart for unreached people.

119: How Churches Can Become Globally Minded

119: How Churches Can Become Globally Minded

Christian Mungai of Mariners Church encourages local churches to become globally minded through listening, learning, long-term relationships and partnerships. Mags and Christian discuss several global trends and their implications for churches. Pastor Christian suggests steps local churches can take to be become globally minded in their missions strategy.

118: How You and Your Church Can Pray for Missionaries

118: How You and Your Church Can Pray for Missionaries

Pastor Eddie Byun, author of “Praying for Your Missionary” suggests several ways that Christ-followers and churches can pray for mission workers. Eddie and Mags talk about how prayer makes a difference and is vital for the ministry and well-being of missionaries. Eddie suggests several themes and resources that Christ-followers and churches can consider as they faithfully support their missionaries through prayer.

114: 3 Principles for Engaging Secular Youth Culture

114: 3 Principles for Engaging Secular Youth Culture

Lukas Ruegger of Steiger presents three principles for engaging secular youth culture. Lukas shares examples of connecting with young people, proclaiming the truth, and inviting people to experience authentic Christian community.

113: What is the Great Commission? – Encore Episode

113: What is the Great Commission? – Encore Episode

Paul Borthwick, author of “Great Commission, Great Compassion” helps us understand the Great Commission and how it applies to all Christ-followers – wherever they live! Paul shares practical advice and examples of believers participating in the Great Commission today.

106: Engaging Your Church’s Untapped Missions Potential

106: Engaging Your Church’s Untapped Missions Potential

Ellen Livingood of Catalyst Services encourages local churches to think creatively and unleash their untapped missions potential. Ellen helps churches envision how a variety of talents, skills, and expertise can be used in global missions.

105: Resting in God’s Love: Soul Care for Mission Workers

105: Resting in God’s Love: Soul Care for Mission Workers

Spiritual-care facilitator Mike Bowden addresses two common questions that he often hears from mission workers about their spiritual vitality. Mike helps us understand why it’s essential for mission workers and all Christ-followers to rest in the love of God.

100: Returning Well: A Guide to Thriving After Serving Cross-Culturally

100: Returning Well: A Guide to Thriving After Serving Cross-Culturally

Melissa Chaplin, author or “Returning Well” helps us understand what it’s like for workers to return “home” after cross-cultural service. Melissa offers insight to churches to help them lovingly care for cross-cultural workers who are re-integrating into life in their passport country.

099: What is the Great Commission?

099: What is the Great Commission?

Paul Borthwick, author of “Great Commission, Great Compassion” helps us understand the Great Commission and how it applies to all Christ-followers – wherever they live! Paul shares practical advice and examples of believers participating in the Great Commission today.

098: The 4 Ingredients of a Healthy Sending Church

098: The 4 Ingredients of a Healthy Sending Church

Experienced pastor and author Steve Beirn helps us understand what a healthy sending church is like. Steve outlines principles that churches can apply to identify, prepare, send, and sustain cross-cultural mission workers.

097: How Is God at Work in Central Asia?

097: How Is God at Work in Central Asia?

Bruce Huseby highlights some of the amazing ways that God is at work in Central Asia. Bruce shares practical ideas for churches to help them pray for the region and engage in ministry.

096: How Pastors Can Share in Short-Term Missions

096: How Pastors Can Share in Short-Term Missions

Pastor Randy Smart has personally participated in several short-term missions. In this episode Randy shares highlights, challenges, and lessons learned from his short-term missions experience. If you’re a pastor or are part of a missions committee, we think this episode will be both informative and inspiring!

095: How Local Churches Can Encourage Young People in Missions

095: How Local Churches Can Encourage Young People in Missions

Experienced leader and college professor Frank Vander Meulen works on a daily basis with young people who are preparing for cross-cultural missions. In this episode Frank and Mags talk about some strategic steps that local churches can take to encourage their young people in missions.

089: 3 Trends in Global Missions

089: 3 Trends in Global Missions

Marvin Newell of Missio Nexus unpacks 3 mega-trends that are impacting missions today. He suggests practical ways that churches and mission agencies can respond to these realities.

087: What is Success in Missions? – Encore Episode

087: What is Success in Missions? – Encore Episode

Ken Guenther helps mission workers and churches develop a God-honoring understanding of what it means for a mission worker to be successful. Ken describes his own struggle to evaluate his success as a missionary and how it led him to study scripture. Drawing from 2 Corinthians, Ken outlines three markers of success.

077: What is Success in Missions?

077: What is Success in Missions?

Ken Guenther helps mission workers and churches develop a God-honoring understanding of what it means for a mission worker to be successful. Ken describes his own struggle to evaluate his success as a missionary and how it led him to study scripture. Drawing from 2 Corinthians, Ken outlines three markers of success.

076: Understanding our Buddhist Friends and Neighbors

076: Understanding our Buddhist Friends and Neighbors

Richard Nakamura recounts his experience growing up in a Buddhist home and how he came to faith to Christ. Richard gives an overview of the teachings of Buddhism and offers advice to Christ-followers who want to reach out to their Buddhist friends and neighbors.

073: How Life Coaching Can Help Mission Workers Thrive

073: How Life Coaching Can Help Mission Workers Thrive

Sherri Dodd is a Professional Certified Coach who is passionate about helping cross-cultural workers thrive. In this episode Sherri helps us understand how life coaching can help mission workers achieve their goals and be effective in ministry.

071: How to do Short-Term Missions with Excellence – Part 4

071: How to do Short-Term Missions with Excellence – Part 4

Don Johnson concludes our mini-series by sharing why training and follow-through are crucial to the success of a short-term mission. He describes what appropriate training and thorough follow-through looks like, and how it impacts the well-being of all short-term mission participants.

070: How to do Short-Term Missions with Excellence – Part 3

070: How to do Short-Term Missions with Excellence – Part 3

Tory Ruark unpacks how comprehensive administration and qualified leadership are of high importance in a short-term mission initiative. This episode is filled with practical ideas and resources to help you with logistics, risk management, communications, and developing leaders for your short-term mission.

068: How to do Short-Term Missions with Excellence – Part 1

068: How to do Short-Term Missions with Excellence – Part 1

Brian Heerwagen begins our mini-series about short-term missions by describing how an excellent short-term mission is God-centered, and how trust and communication can lead to empowering parterships. Drawing from his many years of experience, Brian recounts inspiring examples of short-term missions done with excellence.

065: Is Every Christian a Missionary?

065: Is Every Christian a Missionary?

Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison help us re-discover what a missionary is. Pointing towards scripture, they challenge Christ-followers to develop a biblical understanding of missions.

064: What’s Happening in Missions Today?

064: What’s Happening in Missions Today?

Ted Esler of Missio Nexus gives us an overview of how the North American church is participating in missions. He highlights 3 major trends and gives advice to Christ-followers about how to respond.

063: How to Pray for the Nations – Operation World

063: How to Pray for the Nations – Operation World

Molly Wall of Operation World suggests some practical ways that Christ-followers can pray for the nations. She offers creative ideas for individuals, families, and churches to integrate prayer for the world into established routines.

062: How Your Church Can Identify New Mission Workers

062: How Your Church Can Identify New Mission Workers

Paul Seger shares some practical ideas about how local churches can identify and prepare new mission workers. Paul talks about how churches can build “farm teams”, and help potential mission workers develop the knowledge, character, and ministry skills needed in cross-cultural missions.

061: The Strategic Value of Networks in Global Missions

061: The Strategic Value of Networks in Global Missions

Eldon Porter describes how globalization and the growth of the Majority World church has brought about a new paradigm in global missions. Eldon helps us understand how God is raising up global networks, and shares a great online resource to help churches connect with these networks.

060: Evangelicals and Missions – Trends to Consider

060: Evangelicals and Missions – Trends to Consider

Rick Hiemstra highlights the results of a recent study about how evangelicals engage with “mission” or “missions”. Analyzing what pastors and church-goers had to say, Rick summarizes some of the trends revealed in the study, and suggests some ways that Christ-followers can respond.

058: What is Contagious Disciple Making? – Encore Episode

058: What is Contagious Disciple Making? – Encore Episode

Paul Watson joins us to talk about his book Contagious Disciple Making and helps us understand how our approaches to evangelism can be raising barriers and how we can adapt to become more effective in making disciples as we seek to engage in the Great Commission.

053: Following the Call When Your Family Isn’t On Board

053: Following the Call When Your Family Isn’t On Board

Tiffany Godbey discusses the barrier of family members who are struggling with international worker’s decisions to pursue the call of missions and gives advice for both missionaries and their families for how to move forward as well as ideas for how the church and mission agencies can help families through this dynamic.

052: Unreached People Groups – The Faces

052: Unreached People Groups – The Faces

David Joannes, founder of Within Reach Global, helps put flesh and faces on the many statistics we hear about unreached people groups – he helps us to see them not just as a statistic but as individuals made in the image of God.

051: Unreached People Groups – The Facts

051: Unreached People Groups – The Facts

Duane Frasier from the Joshua Project helps us understand who we mean when we talk about unreached people groups, where they’re located and how we can use the ‘Unreached of the Day’ to lift them up in prayer each day.

050: Land of the Rising Sun – Engaging the Japanese People

050: Land of the Rising Sun – Engaging the Japanese People

Warren Janzen of SEND International talks to us about the many facets of mission work using his 15 years in Japan as a case study. Learn about the need for language study, barriers to the Gospel, the need in Japan and how God can use tragedies, such as the 2011 earthquake to open doors.

046: How-To Raise Support through Storytelling

046: How-To Raise Support through Storytelling

Heather Ricks helps us understand how to move from a money-centered approach to support-raising to a worship-centered approach and explains why it’s important that we make this shift in our thinking.

044: How is God at Work in the Muslim World Today?

044: How is God at Work in the Muslim World Today?

David Garrison shares with us the exciting work that God is doing in the Muslim world, drawing many to Himself in unprecedented numbers, and he gives us some practical first steps in how we can participate in this wonderful movement.

043: Short Term Missions – Charity vs. Justice

043: Short Term Missions – Charity vs. Justice

Gena Thomas shares with us what it looks like to do short term missions from a standpoint of charity or a standpoint of justice. She shares the pitfalls of charity and the benefits of justice while giving us practical examples of how we can improve how we do short term missions.

042: Ministering to those from Honor-Shame Cultures

042: Ministering to those from Honor-Shame Cultures

Jayson Georges shares with us from his experience of working in shame honor cultures and gives us insights and practical advice for how we can engage with our friends and neighbors from shame honor cultures and effectively share our faith and disciple them.

041: How Can the Church Respond to the Global Refugee Crisis?

041: How Can the Church Respond to the Global Refugee Crisis?

Matthew Soerens describes for us the great opportunity the church has to participate in being a solution to the global refugee crisis and gives us practical steps how we, the church, can reach out to the refugees arriving in our neighborhoods, welcoming them into a new culture, and potentially, a new faith.

039: Social Media and Short Term Missions

039: Social Media and Short Term Missions

Shayna Winn talks to us about how she used social media to keep her church up-to-date on their summer short term missions teams and engage the congregation in prayer for the short term teams.

038: Missions – A Pastor’s Perspective

038: Missions – A Pastor’s Perspective

Pastor Terry Young takes us back to the basics of why we do missions, how we see missions throughout the Bible and he shares with us some of his insights in promoting missions in the church from the perspective of a pastor.

036: How Can the North American Church Engage in BAM?

036: How Can the North American Church Engage in BAM?

Peter Shaukat gives us practical ideas and steps for how business people and churches in North America can engage in business-as-mission, through going, through short term trips and through coaching and encouraging. Listen to learn how you might mobilize the business owners in your church to further BAM initiatives around the world.

035: What is Diaspora Ministry?

035: What is Diaspora Ministry?

David S explains what diaspora ministry is and how churches in North America can engage in reaching unreached people in their own neighbourhoods for Christ. He also provides great resources for churches that want to take the next steps in reaching out to the diasporas near them.

034: What is Contagious Disciple Making?

034: What is Contagious Disciple Making?

Paul Watson joins us to talk about his book Contagious Disciple Making and helps us understand how our approaches to evangelism can be raising barriers and how we can adapt to become more effective in making disciples as we seek to engage in the Great Commission.

030: How to Help Without Hurting – Encore Episode

030: How to Help Without Hurting – Encore Episode

Brian Fikkert, co-author of bestselling book, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Yourself, discusses with us how the church should define poverty and how it can address poverty in ways that bring dignity and help people understand that they are God’s image bearers.

028: Social Media and Missions – A Starter Conversation

028: Social Media and Missions – A Starter Conversation

Dr. Scott Moreau joins us to discuss the impact that social media is having on the church. How is social media shaping our society? How can it be used to promote missions? What are it’s pitfalls within the church and within missions? Learn more about how to harness social media for engaging in missions.

027: How to Care for Returning Missionaries

027: How to Care for Returning Missionaries

Neal Pirolo shares with us what a great impact a church can have on the effectiveness of missionaries when they play an active role in a missionary’s transition from the field to their home assignment. We learn about practical things we can do to help our missionaries re-enter well and what things the church should be doing to prepare themselves for their missionary’s return.

026: Why Church Plant?

026: Why Church Plant?

JD Payne helps us understand what church planting is and why it should be done. He offers practical steps for how church planting is done and helps us identify who might be well suited to the work of church planting.

025: Reaching Our Muslim Friends and Neighbours

025: Reaching Our Muslim Friends and Neighbours

Randy Hoffman encourages us to reach out to the Muslims we are encountering in our neighbourhoods. His advice is not only practical, but he also shares from his personal experience in engaging Muslims in his community and how he has seen the Holy Spirit at work in the Muslim world today.

024: Myths and Truths of Risk in Missions

024: Myths and Truths of Risk in Missions

Anna Hampton shares with us myths that the North American church believes about risk and helps us to better understand a Biblical view of risk and what God calls us to for the sake of the Gospel.

023: The Globalization of Missions: From Everywhere to Everywhere

023: The Globalization of Missions: From Everywhere to Everywhere

Don Parsons joins us to talk about how missions has shifted from ‘the West to the rest’ to ‘from everywhere to everywhere.’ He helps us understand the benefits and the challenges of globalization in missions and gives us ideas on how churches in the West can partner with churches in the Majority World to bring the Good News to every tribe, tongue and nation.

022: How to Debrief a Short Term Mission Team

022: How to Debrief a Short Term Mission Team

Don Johnson speaks to us about following through with a short term mission trip team – why it’s important, how and when to do it, and what we stand to lose when we neglect to invest in the debrief and follow through process. Listen to this episode to learn how to make short term trips a solid investment!

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