Global Missions Podcast

In this episode, Ellen Livingood returns to share thoughtful, practical insight on the four core responsibilities of a missions team: members, media, missionaries, and money. She challenges churches to more deeply engage their people, communicate effectively, care for missionaries, and cultivate generous, mission-minded communities.

In this special 250th episode of the Global Missions Podcast, we’re joined by Kyle Farran to explore the growing challenge of missionary attrition and the deeper need for resilience on the field. Drawing from his book Godly Grit, Kyle shares why perseverance matters to God, what causes many to leave prematurely, and how both individuals and churches can better prepare the next generation. This episode offers a compelling call to raise the standard and intentionally develop lasting, faith-filled endurance in those we send.

Good News from the Field is a new short-form series highlighting encouraging updates from missionaries serving around the globe. In this first episode, Dave Coles shares about a movement among Muslims in East Africa.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ann Bowman shares her journey as a mother learning to release her daughters to God’s call overseas. Together, Mags and Ann explore the transformative power of prayer, how churches can support the families of mission workers, and the courage it takes to say yes when obedience changes the life you thought you’d have.

In this conversation, Thomas and Hanni share why member care is truly a life-and-death issue for mission workers. Together with Mags, they unpack the biblical foundation and calling of member care and offer practical steps churches can take to build a culture where the whole body actively supports and sustains those they send.

In this episode of the Global Missions Podcast, Mags talks with Jaci Hutchcraft and Jayne Russell Olson about the heart behind Kids’ Kairos, a brand-new missions curriculum designed to help churches disciple children into God’s global story. They share the vision, the journey behind creating it, and why they’re hopeful about welcoming the next generation into the Great Commission.

In this conversation, we slow down and bring clarity to business as mission, exploring how faith, work, and mission can function together as a holistic calling. Matt shares insights for those discerning this path and for churches learning how to walk thoughtfully with those they send. [et_social_share]

In this episode of the Global Missions Podcast, Maggie sits down with Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison to unpack key findings from a Barna study on U.S. Protestant pastors and explore the heart behind their book The Sending Shepherd. Together, they discuss how pastoral leadership and church culture shape global missions engagement—and offer practical encouragement for pastors and missions-minded believers seeking to embody the Great Commission. [et_social_share]

Howard Dueck joins us to unpack the growing movement of education as mission, offering a vision for teaching and training can bless churches, shape communities, and advance the Kingdom. Join us as we explore why education matters, how God is using it around the world, and what it might look like for your church to catch this vision. [et_social_share]

This episode explores the growing movement of co-vocational ministry, a model that intentionally integrates one’s everyday work with missional engagement in both local churches and global contexts. Dr. Brad Brisco joins the conversation to unpack the theology of work, clarify the differences between bi-vocational and co-vocational ministry, and share why this long-term approach can strengthen church planting, missionary sustainability, and missional imagination. [et_social_share]

In this episode, Dr. Craig Ott unpacks what it means for churches to be truly transformational—rooted in personal and corporate spiritual renewal that reflects God’s glory to the world. He and Mags explore how a church’s communal witness can become a tangible expression of the Kingdom, inspiring believers to live out and multiply transformational mission globally. [et_social_share]

In this episode, Billy McMahan invites church leaders to see the potential of Gen Z—the “Dreamer Generation”—and challenges us to disciple and send them with intentionality and hope. Together, we explore what this generation is longing for, the shifts churches can make to engage them deeply, and how mentorship can unlock their passion for God’s mission [et_social_share]

Discover how Global Switchboard is connecting everyday professionals with global mission workers who need practical support. Heather Trumpfheller shares inspiring stories and simple ways your unique skills—whether in design, admin, or tech—can make a real difference from the home front. [et_social_share]

This episode features Michèle Phoenix discussing her book Pieces of Purple, where she shares personal stories and practical insights on the challenges and beauty of growing up as a Missionary’s Kid, offering guidance for churches and individuals to better understand, support, and care for Third Culture Kids with empathy, intentionality, and grace. [et_social_share]

Welcome to our 10th Season! Join us as John Darnell from Global Outreach International (GOI) unpacks God’s heart for the nations and the vital role of the local church in sending well. Together we’ll explore how churches can build intentional, prayerful partnerships with mission agencies that keep the Church at the center of missions. [et_social_share]

In this short episode, we introduce our producer, Maggie Green, who’s been working behind the scenes and will be joining Mags as a co-host in the future. We also explore a glimpse into our team, process, and a look ahead at our seasons to come!  [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

What if your next short-term mission trip could do more than just impact a few participants, it could actually help mobilize your entire church? In this episode, we’re joined by Jeannie Marie, author of Across the Street and Around the World, to explore how churches can approach short-term missions with clarity, intentionality, and long-term vision. [et_social_share]

In this episode, we talk with Johnny Peebles of Greater Europe Mission about how short-term teams can engage in evangelism with care, clarity, and courage. Johnny shares practical ways to prepare goers for Gospel conversations and highlights how street evangelism can spark lasting discipleship—both on the field and back home. Whether you’re serving, sending, or supporting, this conversation will help you think intentionally about proclamation on your next short-term mission. [et_social_share]

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of involving teenagers in short-term missions with Tristan Kruse, who’s spent years walking with youth in this space. From planning and preparation to ethics and discipleship, you’ll hear thoughtful insights on how the Church can steward these experiences well for the good of the teens and the global Church alike. [et_social_share]

This is the first episode in our special mini-series on short-term missions, featuring pastor and author Clint Archer. He shares a thoughtful strategy to making short-term trips as fruitful as possible—for both goers and hosting mission workers. Whether you're preparing to serve or sending a team, this conversation lays a strong foundation for long-term impact. [et_social_share]

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! [et_social_share]

Today, our guest Brian Gibbison 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! [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

In today's conversation, Kathy Mort shares how churches can perform an audit of their short-term missions program. She explains the reasons such an audit could be beneficial. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

Our conversation with Kyle Farran focuses on caring for missionaries by helping them serve from the heart. Kyle shares practical tips like using evaluation tools before sending missionaries overseas, providing ongoing coaching calls, and encouraging rest. For both missionaries and their supporters, Kyle offers insights on developing an overflow of holiness, humility and faith through prioritizing one's relationship with Christ. [et_social_share]

Sharon Hoover shares three key ideas to help missions committees work well together. Sharon's insights from her book "Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy" will empower your church's mission efforts. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

Peter Greer addresses the reality of disillusionment in missions work and provides insights about how mission workers and believers can sustain a lifetime of service for the Lord. Peter cautions about succumbing to cynicism, and encourages us to find enduring hope amid challenges. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

Marvin Newell, ambassador at Large of Mission Nexus, shares with us five practical ways for the church to strengthen its global Missions programs. Regardless of church size, or leadership type, there is something here for everyone to take away from! [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

In this episode, Tracy shares many practical suggestions of how churches can care for their missionaries. Tracy gives ideas along with detailed explanations of how her church has applied the opportunities and principles discussed in today’s episode. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

In this informative, inspiring, and challenging episode, Nik shares about the conversations he has had with believers in persecution. Nik shares many insightful thoughts and lessons that can encourage our faith and apply to our lives. [et_social_share]

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!

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.

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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. [et_social_share]

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! [et_social_share]