What if every person in the world could walk to a healthy church in their community? In this episode of The Missional Life Podcast, Janice Rosser Allen, CEO of International Cooperating Ministries, shares how God is multiplying churches across the globe. With over 13,000 churches built and countless communities transformed, Janice reveals the power of partnerships and discipleship. You’ll hear inspiring stories from Rwanda, India, and beyond where hope replaced despair. Janice also opens up about her personal journey from oncology nurse to global ministry leader after walking through deep loss. Be encouraged that your “yes” to God can spark change far beyond what you imagine.

About the Guest

Janice Rosser Allen is the CEO and President of International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), a global ministry dedicated to equipping indigenous churches with permanent buildings and discipleship resources. With a background in oncology nursing and a personal story of perseverance through loss, Janice now leads ICM’s vision to see a healthy church within walking distance of every person worldwide. Her passion is to empower local leaders, multiply churches, and bring the hope of Christ to communities across the globe.

Reasons to Listen

1. Discover Global Impact – Learn how God is transforming entire communities through local partnerships, discipleship, and more than 13,000 churches planted worldwide.
2. Gain Practical Wisdom – Hear Janice share powerful insights on building healthy churches, choosing the right partners, and multiplying ministry that you can apply in your own faith journey.
3. Be Inspired by Hope – Encounter real-life stories of redemption, from rescued children to thriving villages, and be encouraged that your “yes” to God can spark lasting change.

Big Takeaways 

1. Say Yes to God – Even small steps of obedience can open the door for God to multiply your impact far beyond what you imagine.
2. Value Healthy Churches – A thriving church isn’t just about numbers; it’s about discipleship, evangelism, and transformation that ripple through entire communities.
3. Power of Partnerships – Ministry is stronger when we collaborate; choosing the right partners ensures long-term fruit and sustainable kingdom growth.
4. Hope Transforms Lives – Introducing the hope of Christ can completely change individual lives and entire communities, even in the darkest situations.
5. Use What You Have – God often uses the least likely people and simple tools, like audio Bibles or small acts of faith, to accomplish extraordinary kingdom work.

Missional Challenges

1. Step Out in Faith – Identify one area in your life where God is nudging you to say “yes,” and take a small but intentional step of obedience this week.
2. Encourage Someone’s Potential – Look for a person in your church or community with untapped gifts and speak words of encouragement that affirm their calling and value.
3. Invest in Community Impact – Pray about how you can give—whether time, resources, or prayer support—to a ministry or local project that is transforming lives for Christ.

Timestamps 

[00:00:00] Welcome & Guest Introduction – Meet Janice Rosser Allen, CEO of International Cooperating Ministries, and hear about ICM’s global mission.

[00:02:00] Building Healthy Churches – Defining what a healthy church looks like and why it matters for long-term transformation.

[00:04:00] Multiplication Through Partnerships – How ICM partners with local leaders to plant over 13,000 churches and multiply impact worldwide.

[00:12:00] Stories of Transformation – Inspiring testimonies from Rwanda and India showing how churches reshape communities and rescue lives.

[00:22:00] Beyond Buildings: Discipleship Tools – How audio Bibles, microSD cards, and digital tools empower pastors and believers in oral cultures.

[00:30:00] Local Ownership & Sustainability – The importance of accountability, congregational involvement, and national leadership in every project.

[00:34:00] New Opportunities to Partner – Introduction to ICM’s Community Impact Partner program and ways to get involved.

[00:36:00] Janice’s Personal Journey – From oncology nurse and widow to global ministry leader, learning to trust God through loss and calling.

[00:41:00] The Gift of Hope – How hope changes lives and why the gospel offers eternal transformation.

[00:44:00] Closing Questions & Reflections – Janice shares her favorite Bible character, projects she’d love to visit, and leadership influences. 

Links:

Website: www.icm.org

Linkedin: Janice Rosser Allen