Episodes
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New Name, Same Show
New year, new name. The Missions Podcast is now The Missions Show. Why the change? We’re stepping into a video-first world. The show is now on NRBTV, with Lighthouse TV launching soon in central Pennsylvania. We’ve been on YouTube for some time, and this rebrand reflects a move beyond audio-only...
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If Bible Colleges Close, What Happens to Missions? With Dr. Jim Lytle
Are small Bible colleges on life support in America? In this week's episode, Alex and Scott welcome Dr. Jim Lytle, former president of Clarks Summit University and former ABWE missionary to South Africa, to discuss the enduring importance of Christian institutions and the plight facing Bible...
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Bringing Christ to the Frontlines: Stories From North Africa
What does being a missionary look like among a totally unreached Muslim majority people group? In this week's episode, Alex and Scott sit down with Alan, an ABWE missionary serving in North Africa, who shares his experience of seeing God work in incredible ways among an unreached people group....
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AI Translation, Culture, and the Myth of Missions Shortcuts
Can AI technology shortcut language barriers for the gospel? Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore the connection between language, culture, and gospel communication. They discuss Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 with Live Translation and explain why technology can’t replace the slow, intentional work…
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The Sin of Empathy? Leadership, Sabotage, and Missions With Joe Rigney
Can empathy be a bad thing? This week, Alex and Scott sit down with Joe Rigney, Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrew's College and pastor, as they explore the challenges of Christian leadership, ministry, and missions, and the dangers of emotional sabotage and untethered empathy. Rigney…
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Missions and Philosophy: Does it Matter for Missionaries? With Dr. David Talcott
Does studying classical philosophy have any relevance for missions today? In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. David Talcott, a philosopher and faculty member at New Saint Andrew’s College, to discuss the intersection of philosophy, culture, and missions. They ask the famous question…
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Penal Substitutionary Atonement and Theories of the Cross
How do you fully understand and explain the work of Jesus on the cross? In this episode, Alex and Scott explore the doctrine of the atonement, focusing on the concept of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) and contrasting it with other historical and theological views. The discussion walks...
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Babies, Schools, and Church Planting in Papua New Guinea: Bill and Lori Smith
What does ministry fruitfulness look like in Papua New Guinea? Alex Kocman talks with Bill and Lori Smith, veteran ABWE missionaries who have served in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for nearly 40 years. The Smiths share their journey into missions, the unique cultural and spiritual challenges in PNG…
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The Theology of AI With C.R. Wiley
How do we theologically look at AI? Alex and Scott sit down with C.R. Wiley, an author, pastor, and podcaster on the theological and cultural implications of artificial intelligence (AI). Wiley outlines how AI—particularly large language models—presents both a technological revolution and a...
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The Dangers of Muslim Insider Movements and Translations With Dr. Ant Greenham
What constitutes a Muslim idiom Bible translation, and why is it dangerous? Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Ant Greenham, a retired professor of Islamic Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, to address the theological and missiological dangers associated with Muslim Insider...
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Cultural and Social Realities of Ministry in South Africa With Nate Bell
In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Nate Bell, an ABWE missionary serving in Cape Town, South Africa. Nate shares his current focus on church planting and ministry among South Africa’s diverse people groups. He explains the historical complexities of South Africa’s racial and cultural...
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What Is a Nation and Why Does It Matter?
We are called to make disciples of all nations, but what is the biblical definition of a nation? Alex and Scott explore the complex question of what defines a "nation" and why it matters for missions. They discuss the popular idea that America is merely "an idea," challenging this reductionist…
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Motherhood on Mission: Purpose Amid the Mundane With Simona Gorton
How can the mundane of motherhood be extraordinary? Alex and Scott talk with Simona Gorton, an author, wife, and mother deeply engaged in local church ministry and missions. Drawing on her experiences with 9Marks and her work translating resources into over 60 languages, she emphasizes the...
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Why Every Missionary Should be a Theologian
What are the implications if missionaries don't know their theology? Alex and Scott tackle the essential question of whether every missionary should also be a theologian. Drawing from personal experiences and their work with ABWE, they emphasize that missionaries often find themselves as the...
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Missions and Animation: Examining the iBible With Steve Cleary
Can Scripture be translated into animation and be faithful to the text? In this episode of the Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Steve Cleary, founder of Revelation Media, about his groundbreaking work in creating the iBible—an animated, visual translation of the entire biblical…
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What New Data Says About Gospel Opportunity With Dr. Adam Rasmussen
What does the data say about Christianity in the American church today? In this episode, Alex and Scott explore the emerging cultural and spiritual shifts among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, with guest Dr. Adam Rasmussen, Cultural Research Fellow and Dean of Arts & Humanities at…
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Should Christians Read Fiction Books? With Dr. Marvin Newell
Why should Christians spend time reading fiction books? In this episode of the Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. Marvin Newell, an accomplished missiologist, author, and missionary as they explore Newell's recent foray into fiction writing with his novel Taking You Under My Skin, a...
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Mega Episode: HeartCry, Humility, and the Great Commission with Paul Washer
In this special extended episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and ABWE president Paul Davis engage in a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation with Paul Washer of HeartCry Missionary Society. Washer recounts the founding and growth of HeartCry, emphasizing the importance of supporting both...
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Theology of Money and Prosperity With Josiah Stowe
Should Christians reject or embrace wealth and prosperity? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott talks with Josiah Stowe, co-founder of Dominion Wealth Strategists, on the often-overlooked yet vital subject of money and prosperity theology in the context of missions and ministry. Their...
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The Forgotten Attributes of God With Peter Sammons
Has modern evangelicalism forgotten about key aspects of who God is? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott welcome Dr. Peter Sammons, Associate Director of Academic Development at Founders Seminary, to discuss the "forgotten attributes" of God—those less-discussed incommunicable...
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Persecution, Sensationalism, and the Reality in Syria and Nigeria With Andy Coleman
Are we thinking about persecuted Christians incorrectly? What should our and the church's response be? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Andy Coleman, president of the Christian Emergency Alliance and author of the new book In Days of Darkness: A Manual for…
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Engaging the Heart in Missions With E.D. Burns (Part 2)
How can missionaries use the prevailing cultural narratives and longings of the heart to awaken others to the gospel without sacrificing the truth? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott continue their conversation with Dr. E.D. Burns, focusing on cultural apologetics and its...
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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....
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How to Handle Theological Conflict With Joshua Howard
What doctrinal disagreements are driving wedges into your ministry? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Joshua Howard to discuss how to handle theological conflict among Christians. They hit on topics of theological triage, hierarchies of theological...
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Ministry in Asia: Translation Work and Equipping the Asian Church (Part 2)
What is going on in the Asian church? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with an ABWE missionary to East Asia. He details the translation work he did during his time on the field as well as the current needs and struggles of the Chinese church. This ABWE...
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Ministry in Asia: The Realities of Family Life (Part 1)
What does missionary life look like in a hard place like East Asia? In this week's episode, Alex and Scott sit down with two ABWE missionaries to East Asia. Together they talk about what ministry looked like during their time in Asia, the benefits and struggles of living on the field with kids…
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Big News (If True)
Big News for Apple Podcasts Listeners! We’ve been talking about it for months—and it’s finally here. You can now support The Missions Podcast and access the Overtime bonus show directly in Apple Podcasts with a $9.99/month premium subscription. No extra logins. No separate websites. Just more...
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A Light on a Hill: What Washington, D.C. Taught One Church About Missions With Caleb Morell
Are our strategies of evangelism getting in the way of God's strategy to advance the gospel? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with returning guest Caleb Morrell, Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Together they talk about the...
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Who Is a Missionary? With Matthew Ellison and Denny Spitters
Who gets to call themselves a missionary, and why does it matter? In today's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Matthew Ellison and Denny Spitters to revisit the question, "who is a missionary?" There is still great confusion in the church about what the Great…
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Striving for the Faith in Philippians
Have you ever read Philippians through a missional lens? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott dive into Alex's new book, Striving For The Faith: A Journey through Philippians for Life on Mission, and how Paul's letter to the Philippian church is so much richer when...
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Theology of the Church in Illegal Contexts
Do you know your theology of the church? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with AW, missionary with Reaching and Teaching, who lives in North Africa. Together, they discuss the Biblical theology of the church, the differences and similarities of the North African...
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Building Christian Community in a Muslim Majority Country
How do you cultivate a mature Christian community in a Muslim-majority country? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with William (name changed for security), who is an ABWE missionary in South Asia. They discuss challenges that national believers and…
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Aaron Renn: Has the ‘Negative World’ Come to an End?
How is the church to respond in a negative world? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with returning guest Aaron Renn. Aaron's "three worlds" model gives a framework on how to understand the cultural attitude toward Christianity in the United States. Together they...
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Is Singleness a Gift? With Mandi Vermilyea
Why does it seem like singleness is the gift that no one wants? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit done with ABWE missionary Mandi Vermilyea to talk about singleness on the mission field. They discuss advantages and disadvantages of being single in ministry, false...
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The Gift of Singleness
In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Mandi Vermilyea to talk about singleness on the mission field. 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…
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How to Start Doing Evangelism Today With Jim Murphy
Do you struggle with evangelism? You're not alone. In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Jim Murphy, from My Circle Training, as they talk about why evangelism can be so difficult. They analyze the cultural mindsets, training pitfalls, and even the church...
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Don’t Make Evangelism a Transaction
This week on The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Jim Murphy from My Circle Training to discuss why evangelism can be so difficult in today's world. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to:...
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Apologetics 101, Wesley Huff, Joe Rogan, and Presuppositionalism
Since Joe Rogan interviewed Wesley Huff, there has been a renewed interest in Christian apologetics and culture. But what exactly is apologetics? Alex and Scott dive into the controversy of different apologetic schools of thought, the pros and cons of each, and how moments like these can start to...
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A New Apologetic for Africa With Dr. Kevin Muriithi
How do we approach apologetics in different contexts? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. Kevin Muriithi, an author and lecturer in Kenya, on how to approach apologetics in an African context. They discuss the spiritual, cultural, and historical…
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The Need for an African Apologetic
In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. Kevin Muriithi to discuss the critical perspectives, history, and questions that inform African apologetics. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium...
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Essential Lessons From Pastors to Missionaries
The Missions Podcast goes on the road! This week Alex talks with Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden from Founders Ministries in their studio to talk about essential lessons and traits of pastors that translate to missionary work. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then...
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Telling Effective Missionary Stories with Tim Keesee
How do you effectively tell Christian stories from around the world? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex sits down with Tim Keesee, founder of Frontline Missions and Writer/Producer of several Christian documentaries. Together, they talk about how Dispatches From The Front got started,...
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Missionary Stories the Church is Hungry for
In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex sits down with Tim Keesee, Writer/Producer of Dispatches From The Front docu-series and founder of Frontline Missions International to talk about the necessity of effective storytelling in missions. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been...
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Top 10 Missions Books to Read in 2025 with Chris Howles
What missiology books belong on your bookshelf? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with Chris Howles for the 2025 edition of essential reads in global missions. Chris offers a knowledgeable, diverse, and thought-provoking list of books that any serious...
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Essential Books on Missions
In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott sit down with returning guest, Chris Howles, as he talks about the must-read books for any missions-minded reader in 2025. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium...
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The Best of 2024 – Year End Wrap Up
What have we learned from studying giants of the faith in 2024? In this special episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott analyze key takeaways from their favorite guests and topics in 2024. They discuss important figures in missions history, impactful guests on the show, and reveal their...
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What We Learned This Year
In this week's episode, Alex and Scott reflect on the theme for 2024 of "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" and all of the things they've learned by talking about heroes of the faith. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium...
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How to Reach Tribal People With Steve Sanford
How do you reach a people group with no written language or Bible translation? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott Dunford sits down with Steve Sanford, CEO of Ethnos360, as he talks about his experience reaching a tribal group and the unique complexities and methodologies…
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The Supernatural Act of Raising Up New Believers to Leaders
This week's episode of The Missions Podcast features Ethnos360 CEO, Steve Sanford, as he talks about his personal experience reaching unreached people groups and church planting methodologies. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!...
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Reliance on God and the Importance of Faithful Men in Missions With Paul Washer at Missionary
What kind of men do we need going to the mission field? In this exclusive interview from Missionary Conference, Alex and Scott sit down with Paul Washer as he discusses the role that ABWE missionaries had on this life, the type of men that should be going to the mission field, and crucial words...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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HOSTED BY
Alex Kocman & Scott Dunford
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The Missions Show currently has 682 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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