The Missionary Perspective

The conversation explores how the Quran and the New Testament define the nature of God, specifically addressing perceived misconceptions and theological overlaps. The Quranic Perception of the Trinity The "Family Unit" Critique: The speakers discuss Surah Al-Ma'idah (Verse 116), where Allah asks Jesus if he commanded people to worship him and his mother, Mary, as gods. Christian Clarification: Josh notes that the Christian doctrine of the Trinity does not include Mary as a member of the Godhead, suggesting the Quranic polemic may be addressing a specific heresy or a "family unit" concept rather than orthodox Trinitarianism. The Deity of Christ: The second speaker quotes Surah Al-Ma'idah (Verse 72), which rejects the idea that the Messiah is Allah, representing the core Islamic rejection of Christ's divinity. The Three Categories of Tawhid The second speaker breaks down Islamic monotheism into three traditional categories used to measure belief: Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Lordship): Believing that Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Worship): Maintaining that Allah alone is worthy of worship and religious devotion. Tawhid al-Asma wa-Sifat (Names and Attributes): The belief that Allah has unique names and attributes that cannot be compared to his creation. Comparative Arguments Forgiveness of Sins: The speakers compare Islamic and Christian views on the attribute of forgiveness. While the Quran asks, "Who can forgive sins except Allah?", the New Testament records Jesus forgiving sins (e.g., Mark 2), which Josh argues places Jesus within the category of deity according to the same logic. Gnostic Influences: The dialogue touches on the "Replacement Theory" of the crucifixion found in Islamic tradition, noting its similarity to earlier Gnostic texts that claimed Jesus only appeared to suffer. Historical Continuity: They discuss whether the prophets of the Old Testament were "Muslims" in the sense of submitting to God's will, noting that the specific definitions of Tawhid often conflict with the actual recorded practices and beliefs found in the Torah.

Since graduating from Pensacola Christian College in 2000, Pastor Matt has led the youth ministry, young adult ministry, and outreach programs of Liberty Baptist Church. He and his wife, Breanna, enjoy serving with their children as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Matt has traveled across the country encouraging people in their walk with the Lord. In 2026, he stepped into the role of Senior Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church.

Erik and Josh discuss 5 questions submitted by a listener. 1. How do you know your ministry is ready for a building project? 2. How do you choose your plot of land? 3. How do you make a master plan for the facility? 4. How do you break the project into manageable phases? 5. How do you raise funds for each phase?

Christians need to know how Muslims think about theology and God. The goal is to learn why they believe what they do and learn to better communicate the gospel in light of their worldview. 

Josh discusses how the Quran came to be. 

Josh and Erik, along with their families, celebrate 20 years of serving with BIMI as missionaries. They reflect on the past 20 years, discussing the highlights and challenges of missionary work, and look forward to 20 more years of serving the Lord. 

Larry Chappell is a graduate of West Coast Baptist College. He is the Educational Pastor and Student Ministries Director at Lancaster Baptist Church.  He and his wife Ashley were married in 2007 and have three girls.  They enjoy serving at Lancaster Baptist Church.  

Josh Sullivan's testimony was powerful! Erik and Josh followup with a discussion on how his testimony was a blessing to them. 

In this episode, Erik chats with future missionary Rusty Gibson, diving into Rusty’s questions about missions, ministry, and what it takes to follow God’s call.

Missionary Josh Sullivan recounts his gripping true story of being kidnapped for ransom on the mission field—and how God’s miraculous deliverance turned terror into triumph.

In this two-part interview, Rusty shares his testimony and call to missions. 

Erik and Josh share personal experiences on how they handle stress. 

Erik and Josh reconnect after a busy summer. Please excuse Josh's audio. There were some technical difficulties on his end. 

Erik and Josh discuss principles for developing a biblical vision for church planting.

Erik and Josh catch up on life, ministry, and family

This episode is taken from a session J.B. Godfrey taught at a recent BIMI field conference. We know it will bless you. 

J. B. Godfrey Vice President and Executive Director When I was two years old, my parents were divorced and I was reared by my grandparents who faithfully sent me to church. At twelve years of age, I accepted Christ as my Savior; however, it was not until I was sixteen that I became serious about serving the Lord. While I was attending a funeral, God called me to preach—a decision I made public in the next church service. I began to study my Bible and to listen to Oliver B. Green, Harold Sightler, Dr. M. R. DeHaan and other great preachers on the radio. I also began to read books by Dr. John R. Rice, R. A. Torrey and other great preachers. The Lord revolutionized my life! At age seventeen I joined the United States Marine Corps as an opportunity to serve my country and be a witness to my fellow Marines. I married Linda Burrell in 1969 and we set out to serve the Lord together. In 1970 we moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to attend Tennessee Temple University. Before I took my first class, God used a small article in the Baptist Bible Trumpet, published by Dr. John Waters, to burden my heart about reaching Muslims in the Sahara. The article was written by Dr. Dan Truax, who became my Director for many years. I graduated from Tennessee Temple with a Bachelor's degree in Missions. In December 1973 we joined Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI). After a year of deputation, we arrived in Albertville, France, to study the French language. We spent a year and a half in France and then took a ship down to the country of Senegal, where we worked until 1990. God blessed our years there. Two of our five children were born in Senegal. While there we learned the Wolof language and had the privilege of seeing Muslims come to know Christ. At the request of BIMI, we moved to the country of Zaire in 1991 to reopen the work of missionary Anton Andersen. Just two weeks after our arrival in the village of Tshene, serious fighting broke out in the country. The next eighteen months were filled with many dangers, culminating in our family being airlifted from the country in 1993. During the time we spent in Zaire, we learned another language (Kikongo), saw many people saved, and worked with the many believers who were there. When we arrived back in America, we were going to take a year's medical leave; however, God had other plans for us. Our home church, Grace Baptist Church of Landrum, South Carolina, called me to be their pastor. At the same time, Ambassador Baptist College was in need of an experienced missionary to add to their teaching faculty. For the next nine years I pastored a growing church, taught at Ambassador two days a week, and served on the Executive Board or as an officer of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools. In August 2001 Dr. Les Frazier asked if I would pray about becoming Far East Director with BIMI. After seven months of prayer and much heart searching, I accepted this position. I resigned as pastor of my church and as instructor at Ambassador in May 2002. For ten years I served as Far East Director. In the summer of 2011, I was asked to serve as Vice President and Executive Director at BIMI. I took that position in January 2012. My tasks are many. We spend time out on the mission fields assisting our missionaries. I do the “Moments for Missions” radio broadcasts. Most weeks I preach in a missions conference or on a college campus. There are also many projects on which I work for Dr. David Snyder at the World Missions Center. We count it a blessing and a privilege to serve a wonderful group of missionaries and the churches which send them out.

J. B. Godfrey is a veteran missionary, pastor, and missions leader with decades of service around the globe. He and his wife Linda served for many years in North Africa and later helped mobilize missionaries across Asia and the Muslim world. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of BIMI’s Far East and Southeast Asia Fields, encouraging and equipping the next generation of missionaries. A passionate speaker and storyteller, J. B. brings deep insight into cross-cultural missions, spiritual warfare, and the joys and costs of gospel work.

Alex Kocman is a Christian, husband, father of four, student, writer, podcaster, church leader, missions advocate, and voice on the biblical and cultural issues affecting us today. He received his M.A. in Media and Communication Studies and B.S. in Biblical Studies through Liberty University, where he also served as an online evangelism and apologetics instructor with Liberty University Online from 2012-2014. From there, he spent two years as a Student Ministry Coordinator at a large, multisite church. He now serves as Director of Communications and Engagement for ABWE, a theologically conservative church-planting missions agency with about 1,000 missionaries reaching nearly 90 countries. Since 2017, he has cohosted The Missions Podcast with Scott Dunford, interviewing notable guests across the evangelical and missiological worlds. In 2023, he also began hosting Cloud of Witnesses, ABWE’s show highlighting stories of veteran missionary faithfulness, and in 2024, he launched The World View on YouTube. He is the co-author with Chad Vegas of Missions by the Book: How Theology and Practice Walk Together (Founders Press, 2021), which argues for a biblical vision of the missionary task driven by historic Protestant orthodoxy bounded by the regulative principle. He is also the author of Striving for the Faith: A Journey Through Philippians for Life on Mission (Founders Press), which is now available for preorder and slated for release in February 2025. His other miscellaneous writings have been featured in various outlets, including The Gospel Coalition, For the Church, 9Marks, Biblical Missiology, Founders Ministries, Doctrine and Devotion, Message Magazine and ABWE’s blog, Liberty University News, American Bible Society’s Record Magazine, and Christian Life News. He resides with his wife and four children in York, Pennsylvania, where he spends his free time studying theology, weightlifting, and nursing a heavy coffee addiction. He adheres to the 1689 London Baptist Confession and serves as an elder at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, where he leads the missions team and serves as director of communications and worship.

Josh and Erik share a topic not often discussed by missionaries: how to conduct funerals on the mission field. 

Keith Mead has served as a pastor for over 40 years. He is now retired. His wife and two of his four children are with the Lord. Pastor Mead was not only Josh's pastor when he was a child but is Josh's grandfather. 

D.J. Harry is the pastor of Needhams Grove Baptist Church in Seagrove, North Carolina. His undergraduate training was in science education which led him to teach high school chemistry, biology, and physics for eight years. However, in 2005, God directed his steps into pastoral ministry. He received his M.Div. from Piedmont International University and will complete his D.Min. in 2025. A featured speaker at marriage conferences, parenting conferences, and camps, DJ is known for his Bible-centered preaching and for his passion for the Lord. DJ and his wife, Lorrie, were married in 1997. They have four adult children that are all serving the Lord!

Erik and Josh answer questions sent in by a college student

Erik and Josh answer questions sent in from a college student.

Adam and Esther were married on June 13, 2008, in Salem, Oregon, after God brought them together with a beautiful love story of purity, answered prayer, and parent and pastoral counsel. Under the direction and mentoring of Dr. Paul Chappell, senior pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church, both Adam and Esther served faithfully with bus children and in the music and Spanish ministries. The personal mentoring and ministry involvement during their childhood and teen years, and then the multitude of ministry experiences at LBC, has prepared them for entering a lifetime of service on the mission field. With the assistance of Baptist International Missions, Inc., the Fridenstines are planting and seeing churches grow in El Salvador while directing a Christian school and Bible Seminary to raise, mentor, and see future generations sent to the harvest field of souls.

Erik and Josh catch up after a four-week break from podcasting. 

Josh and Erik discuss the planning before hosting a mission trip and what happens when everyone goes home.

Erik interviews his close friend, Branden Lawrence. Branden is an assistant pastor who has served at Temple for 20 years! He is also the missions pastor, music pastor, head of AWANA, and head of VBS! Branden always finds a way to choose joy and see the bright side of things, and he is such a fun person to know.

Erik interviews his close friend, Branden Lawrence. Branden is an assistant pastor who has served at Temple for 20 years! He is also the missions pastor, music pastor, head of AWANA, and head of VBS! Branden always finds a way to choose joy and see the bright side of things, and he is such a fun person to know.

Erik and Josh respond to more questions about missionary life. 

Erik and Josh answer questions submitted by a supporting church. 

Erik and Josh continue their in-person conversation about what they love about working on missions.

Josh and Erik sit down together in Martinsburg, West Virginia to discuss what excites them about serving the Lord in World Evangelism.

Pastor Todd offers invaluable insight into balancing work, family life, and ministry.  Pastor Todd addresses the need for husbands and wives to cultivate godly personal relationships. The episode illuminates the strains young couples and missionaries face and offers guidance for maintaining a godly marriage in the face of adversities.

In this episode, they interview Daniel Jenkins, a veteran missionary actively working in the Gambia, as they explore the profound journey of world evangelism. They revisit the events since their previous meeting with Daniel, shedding light on the intricacies of their indispensable work. Get an exclusive peek into the Biblical Faith Seminar Daniel hosted in the Gambia. Learn about their progress as they record numerous gospel sessions in various languages for distribution across West Africa, their triumphs and challenges, and the unwavering commitment to spreading the Word of God. Daniel gives a personal snapshot of his family life in Gambia as missionaries since 2019, and relays their experiences with language immersion and cultural adaptations needed for effective missionary work. Be inspired by their dedication in planting a church amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the impressive growth within their congregation. They shed light on the religious landscape in Gambia, mainly a dominantly Islamic nation, and their efforts to engage with the population effectively. Delve deeper into the journey of establishing a church in Busambala, Africa and the challenges faced while advocating for biblical faith in a culture often resistant to non-traditional religious beliefs. Listen to the stories of transformation, community enrichment, and the significance of making the Bible central to teachings. Dive into the discussion about the critical role missionaries play in cultivating new believers' faith and identity, particularly in Muslim countries. The episode highlights the importance of church identity, collaboration with local leadership, and initiatives for believers' self-sustainability. Discover why places like Gambia offer immense opportunities for those called to serve in missions. Join in for an enlightening dialogue that outlines the complexities of missionary work and the essence of taking Christ to non-believers.

Erik and Josh discuss finances in light of the missionary's furlough ministry. 

Erik and Josh share tips on being a wise steward of your finances while on Deputation.

Ron & Donna Bragg Africa International Representative Emeritus • Ron and Donna Bragg became BIMI missionaries in 1973 and served faithfully for 46 years. • After language school in France, Ron and Donna started a work along the Sahara Desert in the Moslem country of Senegal. • God blessed and after 16 years, their small congregation voted to buy land and begin to build their own church building in 1991 with their tithes and offerings. The African Baptist Church of Saint Louis, Senegal, continues to be a Gospel witness in a very difficult place. • In 1991, Ron Bragg was appointed as the second Africa Director for BIMI, serving in this capacity until June 2012. He was given the responsibility for 43 missionary families across the continent of Africa. • Dr. Bragg traveled extensively across the continent of Africa, opening new fields for BIMI and helping national pastors and missionaries. • The next five years Dr. Bragg served BIMI as the Africa International Representative, continuing his ministry of helping the BIMI missionaries and recruiting new missionaries for Africa. • Their daughter Hannah and her husband, Luke Townsley, served in the Dominican Republic as missionaries with BIMI. The Braggs’ son, Hiram, and his wife, April, also served as missionaries in Senegal, Africa, under BIMI. Their son, Luke, is minister of music at Faith Baptist Church, Belleville, Illinois, and Kelly and Kory faithfully serve in their local churches. • On December 31, 2017, Dr. Bragg transitioned into the position of Africa International Representative Emeritus.

Erik and Josh discuss the importance of being a good steward of finances, especially if you're a missionary.

Josh and Eric continue their discussion on Mission Conferences 

We are sometimes asked by supporting pastors what they can do better for their next mission conference. In this episode, Erik and Josh discuss what they enjoy about the mission conference experience from a missionary perspective.

Erik continues his conversation with Pastor Dennis Harry. This time, they discuss how missionaries and pastors can improve their communication.

Dennis Harry is the Pastor of Needham's Grove Baptist Church.

Kevin Folger currently serves as Pastor Emeritus of Cleveland Baptist Church and North America Director of Spiritual Leadership Asia. You will be blessed as he shares insight from 40+ years of ministry. Contact Kevin Folger Email | [email protected] Website | https://kevinfolger.com/  | https://sl-asia.com/ Podcast | Laborers in the Harvest

Erik and Josh discuss the important role food plays in the culture of your host country. 

Matthew and Susanna are preparing to serve the Lord in Côte d'Ivoire with Baptist World Mission. Matthew spent a year working in the country and even picked up the French language along the way. Susanna grew up as an MK in Côte d'Ivoire and looks forward to returning to serve the Lord in her home country.

Dr. Bud Steadman began his ministry as mission mentor on April 1, 2023 after fulfilling the role of executive director of Baptist World Mission beginning April of 2009. Prior to coming to BWM he served for thirteen years as the senior pastor of Community Baptist Church of South Bend, Indiana.

David Edens served for over 40 years in the country of Niger. 

Part One of our interview with Missionary David Edens. David served for over 40 years in Niger. BIMI missionaries have served in Niger since 1971. This has been one of our most difficult fields, and staunch Moslems that live nomadic lives populate the desert region where our missionaries work. Conversions have been few and far between, but God is beginning to move in an exciting way in this desert country. Bible translation work has been done for years into the Tamajaq language and now it is being broadcast by radio to a possible listening audience of 2 million people. This weekly broadcast is also heard in Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, and Mali, which have extensive Tamajaq-speaking populations. Many encouraging reports are coming in as a result of these Bible broadcasts and the Bible translation work continues, along with the preaching and teaching of the Word of God in Agadez and surrounding villages. Laborers are desperately needed in this field because it appears God is on the verge of doing something great in this staunch Moslem area. Could it be that God would have you volunteer to reach the Muslim people of Niger?

Josh and Erik are back after 8 months to update their listeners on their family and ministry life. They are excited to be back and are looking forward to sharing more stories and insights with their audience.