The Missions Show

Christian missions has never existed in a cultural vacuum. From William Carey’s role in ending widow burning in India to Gladys Aylward confronting foot-binding in China, the spread of Christianity has often transformed entire societies. But where is the line between gospel transformation and cultural imperialism? When missionaries challenge practices rooted in paganism, are they discipling nations or exporting Western assumptions? In this episode, Alex and Scott explores the missionary task through the lens of Scripture, church history, and cultural theology. Looking at both Scripture and missions history, we explore: What parts of culture must be rejected? What parts can be redeemed? How should missionaries approach technology, literacy, family structures, and social customs? And how can Christians avoid simply replacing old idols with modern Western ones? Key Topics: The balance between gospel proclamation and cultural transformation Historical examples of Christianity influencing societal change The danger of exporting Western or personal cultural preferences The importance of developing indigenous expressions of Christianity The role of institutions (schools, hospitals, state) in missions work Practical guidance for missionaries engaging with local cultures We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com Do you love The Missions Show? 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 Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Did Canada just pass a bill that outlaws particular Bible teaching? This episode of The Missions Show explores the implications of Canada’s Bill C9 (the “Combating Hate Act”) and its potential impact on religious freedom, gospel proclamation, and missions. Guest John Taylor, ABWE missionary in Canada, explains that while the bill aims to curb violence and protect marginalized communities, its vague definition of “hate” and removal of key legal protections for religious expression raise serious concerns. The conversation highlights how this cultural and legal shift may affect both local churches and global missions efforts. John encourages believers to remain faithful, proclaim the full counsel of God with humility and love, and avoid allowing cultural pressures to dictate the message of the gospel. Together they emphasize that missions must continue through both word and deed—demonstrating Christ’s love while clearly communicating humanity’s need for salvation. Key Topics: Overview of Canada’s Bill C9 and its legislative status Definitions of “hate” and concerns about vague legal language Potential classification of biblical passages as hate speech Removal of legal protections for religious expression Tension between religious freedom and evolving cultural norms Balancing cultural awareness with biblical faithfulness If you'd like more information on Bill C-9, check out these resources: CcccBill C-9: Passes Third Reading with Key Changes - CCCC Blogs EvangelicalfellowshipEFC - Religious Freedom in Canada - EFC Protects Religious Rights in Canada Do you love The Missions Show? 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 Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

In this special, unplanned episode, Alex and Scott share their raw reflections on this week’s wicked events and how mission-minded Christians must respond in the present hour.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in one of the most dangerous places in the world? How do believers live out their faith in Gaza—caught between Hamas, Israeli forces, and deep cultural hostility? This week, Alex and Scott sit down with Pastor Hanna Massad, former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, to hear his firsthand story of shepherding believers in a context of persecution, poverty, and war. Pastor Hanna shares the history of the Christian presence in Gaza, the challenges of ministering in “three fires,” and how even today the small evangelical community continues serving their neighbors with food, water, and the hope of Christ. Together, they explore the heartbreaking realities of life in Gaza, the opportunities for the gospel in the midst of conflict, and the importance of remembering our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer far from the world’s headlines. Key Topics Covered The history and decline of the Christian presence in Gaza Life and ministry in “three fires”: militant Islam, Israeli presence, and tension with traditional Orthodox churches Stories of persecution, loss, and God’s sustaining grace How Gaza Baptist Church continues serving through relief and gospel witness What Western Christians need to understand about Palestinian believers today This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books, publisher of How to Lead Your Family by Dr. Joel Beeke—a short, practical guide to biblical leadership in the home. Use code LEADABWE at RHB.org for 20% off through September 30. With more than 3 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus, the harvest is still plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37–38). Is God calling you to the mission field? Visit abwe.org/SendMe to begin the conversation. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Support the show and get access to bonus content, a private Signal thread, webinars, and more by becoming a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium. The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Catch the third and final season of Cloud of Witnesses at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.

Do you know what your pastor is looking for in a missionary? In this week's episode, Alex travels to Ft. Myers, Florida to visit the studios of Founders Ministries and interviews Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden. Together they discuss the office of pastor in the church, what pastors should look for in missionaries, and how the work of evangelism is integral to both pastors and missionaries. Tom Ascol is President of Founders Ministries and The Institute of Public Theology. He also serves as pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida. Graham Gunden has held a variety of roles with Founders Ministries, serves as Dean at The Fletcher School, and is Assistant Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida. Together, Tom and Graham host a weekly podcast called The Sword and The Trowel Want to hear more? Join our Premium Subscribers and get access to the Overtime Episode where Alex goes deeper with Tom and Graham. Become a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium. Do you love The Missions Show? 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 Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].