The Missions Show

By Alex Kocman and Scott DunfordSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Philosophy

The Missions Show episodes

August 16The Ultimate Happily Ever After: Christ’s Return and the Great Commission
If the world is ending, why bother with missions?
This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined in the ABWE studio by Benjamin Vrbicek, lead teaching pastor of Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and author of The Restoration of All Things (Baker Books). For most Christians, the doctrine of last things produces anxiety, charts, and headline-watching rather than comfort. Benjamin came to the subject the hard way, studying every major view of Christ’s return for his own ordination, and came out the other side convinced that the biggest truth in Scripture ought to be the brightest one.
Together they trace what that hope does to the missionary task. If history is moving toward a designed conclusion rather than circling endlessly, then the work we leave unfinished is not brass polished on a sinking ship but the beginning of something Christ will complete. They talk through why the classic rapture passage lands on “therefore encourage one another,” how the promise of final justice gives wronged and weary believers room to forgive, and how to live ready for Christ to return today while still planning to disciple the nations for generations.
Key Topics:
Why studying every major view of Christ’s return for his ordination made the biggest truth the brightest truth
How a designed end to history, rather than an endless cycle, reframes the missionary task
Why 1 Thessalonians 4, the classic rapture passage, lands on “therefore encourage one another”
How the promise of final justice helps suffering believers and abandoned missionaries forgive and endure
Holding imminence and long-term faithfulness together: living ready while planning to disciple the nations for generations
How to pastor people away from newspaper eschatology toward the blessed hope of Christ’s presence and the resurrection of the body
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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].
29 min
August 09How to Know if You’re Ready to Be a Missionary
Does it take more than a calling to be a missionary?
This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined by Matt Bennett and Ryan Robertson, co-authors of The Path to Being a Missionary, to explore a question that often gets overlooked: not simply, “Am I called?” but “Am I qualified?” Together, they discuss why churches should assess aspiring missionaries based on biblical character, sound doctrine, and proven competency rather than personal desire alone.
Their conversation also looks at encouraging trends in missions today, including a renewed emphasis on theology, the local church, and careful missionary preparation. Matt and Ryan challenge churches to invest in developing future missionaries over time, helping them grow in character, convictions, and ministry skills before they are sent.
Key Topics:
Why qualification matters as much as a desire to serve in missions
The difference between a missionary “calling” and a missionary aspiration
How churches can better evaluate and prepare missionary candidates
The role of character, convictions, and competency in missionary readiness
Why God's glory—not simply human lostness—is the primary motivation for missions
Practical encouragement for aspiring missionaries who are still preparing for future service
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min
August 02What Comes Next in Africa With Ron Washer
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with veteran missionary Ron Washer to explore what God is doing across Africa after more than 50 years of ministry. From growing up as a missionary kid in Niger to serving in Togo and helping mobilize new workers, Ron shares how God has used faithful teams, medical ministry, church planting, and leadership development to establish thriving local churches.
Ron reflects on God's providence in opening doors for ministry in Togo and the lasting impact of investing in local believers who now lead the work. He also challenges common assumptions about missions in Africa. While the gospel has taken root in many places, the work is far from finished. Together, Alex and Ron discuss the ongoing need for discipleship, theological training, and partnership with national believers as they reach unreached communities throughout West Africa.
Key Topics
Ron Washer's missionary journey and three generations of ministry in Africa
How medical missions have helped plant churches and open doors for the gospel in Togo
Why missionaries are still needed alongside growing national churches
The importance of discipleship and theological training for healthy churches
Reaching unreached people through strategic ministry hubs in West Africa
Mobilizing the next generation to serve in God's global mission
29 min
July 26Ministry in Wartime: Challenges and Joys of Ministering in Ukraine
Four years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, daily life is still marked by air raid alerts, uncertainty, and loss. Yet ABWE missionary Mike Gustafson and Pastor Zhenya Yashchenko share how God continues to build his church in the midst of the conflict. They discuss the realities of serving while missiles fall, caring for families under constant stress, and shepherding a church whose members have been drafted to the front lines.
Despite the hardships, the gospel is reaching people who are searching for lasting hope. Through humanitarian outreach, church planting, and faithful gospel witness, many are hearing the good news for the first time and finding new life in Christ. Mike and Zhenya also share how believers around the world can pray, support local churches, and stand alongside their brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they continue the work of making disciples.
Key Topics
Living and serving faithfully during war
How local churches are meeting physical and spiritual needs
Stories of lives transformed by the gospel in Ukraine
Church planting and leadership development despite the ongoing war
Prayer and partnership opportunities for believers worldwide
Why now is still a strategic time for ministry in Ukraine
Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org.
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min
July 19Does Physical Fitness Matter for Missions?
Physical fitness may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about ministry, but should it be?
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore why caring for our bodies is part of faithfully stewarding God's calling. They discuss the relationship between physical health, spiritual discipline, and long-term ministry effectiveness, while avoiding legalism or unrealistic standards.
The conversation also tackles the unique challenges pastors and missionaries face, from food-centered hospitality to sedentary work and ministry stress. Alex and Scott share practical habits, biblical principles, and personal experiences that can help believers build strength, energy, and endurance so they are better prepared to serve their families, churches, and the mission God has given them.
Key topics:
Why physical fitness matters for long-term ministry
The biblical connection between stewardship, discipline, and the body
Common health challenges pastors and missionaries face
Practical habits for building strength and endurance
How physical health supports mental clarity and ministry effectiveness
Simple ways to stay active in every season of life
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
32 min
July 12Missions in Kenya: Reaching Youth Through Soccer and Discipleship With Reuben Gitonga
How do you reach one of the youngest populations in the world with the hope of the gospel?
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Reuben Gitonga, a Kenyan ministry leader serving with ABWE. Reuben shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Nairobi to leading a ministry that uses soccer, discipleship, and local church partnerships to reach young people living in Kenya's underserved communities.
The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing Kenya's next generation, where many young people struggle with poverty, fatherlessness, and limited access to biblical teaching. Reuben explains how sports open doors for long-term discipleship, education, and gospel-centered community, while sharing powerful stories of transformed lives.
Key Topics
Reuben's testimony and call to ministry in Kenya
Reaching Kenya's youth through soccer, discipleship, and local churches
Addressing poverty, education, and family brokenness with the gospel
Stories of life transformation through his ministry
A vision for gospel saturation and church planting across Kenya
Support the work that Reuben is doing in Kenya. Pray or give to his ministry here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/0172621
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min
July 05What You Need Before Becoming a Missionary
Do you have what it takes to be a missionary?
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification.
The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church communities rather than waiting for formal titles or positions. They challenge listeners to take ministry preparation as seriously as other demanding professions, pursuing both practical experience and robust doctrinal training.
Key Topics
The difference between a desire to serve and true readiness for missionary ministry
Cultivating personal holiness, self-control, and spiritual maturity
Lessons from Hudson Taylor on intentional missionary preparation
The importance of local church involvement and servant leadership
Developing resilience, discipline, and ownership in ministry
Why theological depth and doctrinal training matter for long-term missionary effectiveness
Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme.
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min
June 28What God is Doing in South Asia
What does everyday ministry look like in South Asia?
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with K.Y., a ministry partner serving in a predominantly Muslim country in South Asia, to discuss the realities of gospel ministry in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. K.Y. shares how his ministry integrates theological education, discipleship, and church planting to strengthen local believers and equip leaders for faithful witness amid persecution and social pressure.
K.Y. explains the risks Christians face when sharing their faith, the challenges posed by radicalized elements within society, and the importance of relationship-based evangelism that demonstrates Christ’s love through everyday interactions. The conversation also highlights encouraging evidence of God’s work as people from Muslim backgrounds come to faith in Christ through personal relationships, transformed lives, and, at times, extraordinary spiritual encounters.
Key Topics:
Ministry in a majority-Muslim South Asian context and the challenges of evangelism
The role of theological education, discipleship, and church planting in strengthening the church
Persecution, social pressures, and the realities facing Muslim-background believers
Relationship-based evangelism and the importance of Christian character and witness
Spiritual realities, including encounters with spiritism and testimonies of conversion
Opportunities for prayer, support, and ministry partnership with local believers and church leaders
Support the vital work that K.Y. is doing in training pastors, theological education, and planting churches in the 10/40 window. Give to his ministry by visiting: https://give.abwe.org/projects/south-asia-discipleship
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min
June 21Are You Doing Short-Term Missions Trips Right?
Are short-term missions trips more helpful or hurtful?
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Scott McCoy, Launch Point Missions Lead at ABWE, to discuss one of the most debated topics in modern missions: short-term mission trips. McCoy shares why he believes short-term missions remain valuable when they are thoughtfully designed around the needs of missionaries, local believers, and participating churches.
The conversation explores common pitfalls churches should avoid, including cultural insensitivity and creating ministry models that local believers cannot sustain. McCoy emphasizes the importance of partnering closely with missionaries, preparing teams well, and viewing mission trips as discipleship opportunities that develop future ministry leaders and missionaries.
Key Topics
The ongoing debate over the value and effectiveness of short-term mission trips
How churches can design trips that create lasting impact for missionaries and local believers
Common mistakes teams make when serving cross-culturally
Using short-term missions as a tool for discipleship and leadership development
Why short-term trips often become a stepping stone toward long-term missionary service
Is your church considering a short-term missions trip? Check out Launch Point Missions to find current opportunities and connect with our team on how you can host your own trip.
Explore your calling to global missions at ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO event. These events, held throughout the year, help individuals and churches explore how they can help fulfill the Great Commission and explore God's calling on their life and church. Learn more at demo.abwe.org.
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min
June 14Helping the Poor Without Hurting the Mission
Can compassion ministry and gospel proclamation work together?
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dave Phillips, founder and president of Children's Hunger Fund (CHF), to explore the relationship between gospel proclamation, mercy ministry, and the local church. Dave shares the remarkable story behind CHF’s founding, beginning with a life-changing visit to a pediatric cancer ward in Honduras and culminating in a providential donation of life-saving medicine that confirmed God’s call to launch the ministry. What started as a small step of faith has grown into a global ministry serving suffering children and families through partnerships with local churches in more than 30 countries.
The conversation also tackles some of the most important debates in modern missions: the balance between word and deed ministry, the dangers of prosperity theology, the role of parachurch organizations, and how churches can engage in poverty alleviation without undermining local congregations.
Key Topics
Dave Phillips’ testimony and the founding story of Children’s Hunger Fund
How God used a providential donation of cancer medication to confirm CHF’s mission
The relationship between gospel proclamation and mercy ministry
Why addressing spiritual poverty must remain central to poverty alleviation efforts
The biblical role of the local church versus parachurch organizations in missions
Lessons from When Helping Hurts, short-term missions, and serving the poor with sound theology
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
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].
29 min

About The Missions Show

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The Missions Show answers hard questions about theology, missions, and practice to help goers think and thinkers go. We are conservative, evangelical, and gospel-centered.