Engaging the Heart in Missions with Dr. E.D. Burns

How 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 without compromising biblical truth. Sharing stories from his years on the field in Thailand, Dr. Burns shows how this method resonates in honor-shame contexts and how missionaries can faithfully and compellingly contextualize the gospel message. This conversation explores the importance of storytelling, the beauty of the gospel in every culture, and the role of imagination in helping others see the glory of Christ. Key topics: What sets cultural apologetics apart How C.S. Lewis shaped modern apologetics Practical strategies for contextualization in missions Why storytelling and beauty matter in gospel proclamation Avoiding syncretism while engaging the heart God has already called many people to the mission field, but they need your support to get there. Help someone in Prefield get to where God is calling them by prayerfully supporting their ministry at abwe.org/Prefield.