The Missions Show

As Christians, we hold the Bible in the highest esteem. But what happens when the people we are trying to reach have a primarily oral culture—how do we ensure that the message of Scripture is accurately transmitted and understood in cultures where literacy is not the norm? In this podcast interview with Jonathan Worthington, Ph.D., Director of Research at Training Leaders International, we explore the fascinating topic of orality in missions. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of engaging with oral learners, the role of stories and proverbs in communicating the gospel, and how to strike a balance between contextualization and biblical truth. Whether you're a seasoned missionary or simply interested in the intersection of orality and Scripture, this conversation is not to be missed.

Read Jonathan’s article on orality, “Orality’s Breadth and Depth,” in TLI’s theological journal.

Jonathan D. Worthington (Ph.D., Durham University) is Director of Research at Training Leaders International. He is the author of Creation in Paul and Philo and articles on creation in Paul and early Judaism, cross-cultural theological education, motivation theory, missions, and empathy. You can reach him at [email protected].

You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.

Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodstg.wpengine.com/rmc23.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Christians are people of the Book. Does that mean that we should pursue global literacy? Or can the Word of God thrive in oral cultures too? Joining this week to discuss is Jonathan Worthington, Ph.D., of Training Leaders International.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Are you struggling to deepen your relationship with God and wondering how to become the person He created you to be? Join Scott and Alex on The Missions Show as they interview Mason King, author of A Short Guide to Spiritual Disciplines and pastor at The Village Church, on the topic of spiritual disciplines. King offers a holistic approach that expands your thinking beyond basic spiritual practices and focuses on cultivating a full and flourishing life with God. Discover practical steps to consistently offer your attention, emotions, and limits to God and grow into the right kind of tree, bearing fruit in your spiritual life. Don't miss this episode to learn how to become a vibrant, healthy Christian and deepen your relationship with God.

Mason King serves as a pastor at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. He also serves as the Executive Director of The Village Church Institute, Groups, and Leadership Development. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in Church History from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a  D.Min. in Executive Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A native Texan, Mason and his wife Carly have three kids and two labs.

In this episode, we mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.

Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodstg.wpengine.com/rmc23.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Sometimes, those of us in ministry can easily avoid God out of a secret fear that he’s displeased with us. This week, author and pastor Mason King helps us unlearn some common misconceptions about spiritual disciplines.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Have we focused too much on contextualization and not enough on who God is? This week, we talk to J. Chase Davis, author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this episode, we explore how the doctrine of the Trinity can deepen our understanding of discipleship in the current cultural moment, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the missional movement, and explore the need for a common definition of discipleship. Discover the inspiration behind the book and gain practical insights on how churches can shift their focus back to making disciples. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on the heart of discipleship in today's world.

J. Chase Davis (M.Div, Th.M, Denver Seminary) is Lead Pastor of Ministry of The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado. Chase is married to Kim and they have two sons. He is the author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Spirit (2021). He also hosts the podcast Full Proof Theology. You can find more of Chase’s writing at jchasedavis.com.

Read Chase’s article on Mere Orthodoxy, Colonized by the City, here.

Watch this episode on ABWE’s YouTube channel here.

This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.

Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodstg.wpengine.com/rmc23.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Have we so emphasized contextualization that we’ve started to adopt a different persona altogether in the name of evangelistic effectiveness? J. Chase Davis, author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, answers in this week’s upcoming show.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean for global missions? In this thought-provoking podcast, Tim Bertolet (Ph.D., University of Pretoria), initiatives strategist with ABWE, dives deep into the importance of the resurrection and its relationship with redemption, evangelism, and our future hope. With insightful analysis of key verses from 1 Corinthians, Romans, and Acts, Bertolet unpacks the theological and practical implications of Jesus’ resurrection, exploring how it establishes his victorious kingship, motivates us to evangelize, and imbues believers with the power of God. Ultimately, Bertolet encourages listeners to incorporate the message of the resurrection into their own evangelism efforts and to find hope and inspiration in the truth of Jesus' resurrection.

Download Tim’s full lecture series unpacking the resurrection of Christ at abwe.org/resurrection. See more writing and interviews with Tim on ABWE’s blog here.

Tim Bertolet serves with ABWE as Initiatives Strategist. He previously served for sixteen years in pastoral ministry and has experience as an MK. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of Pretoria, a M.A.R. in Biblical Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor’s in Bible from Lancaster Bible College. He and his wife, Erin, have seven children. Tim enjoys reading, writing, theology, and is an avid fan of science fiction.

This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.

Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodstg.wpengine.com/rmc23.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Coming up on Easter Sunday: New Testament scholar Tim Bertolet, Ph.D., unpacks the powerful implications of Christ’s resurrection on the global missionary mandate.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

This is a special episode of the podcast featuring a sermon preached by Alex Kocman at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA on March 12, 2023. In this episode, Kocman provides insights from Romans 15, challenging us to have a greater passion for reaching the unreached with the gospel. Tune in to this inspiring sermon to learn more about our gospel obligation, the need for holy ambition, and taking action in fulfilling the Great Commission.

This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.

Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodstg.wpengine.com/rmc23.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

What role does desire play in the missionary call? We explore in this week’s upcoming episode.

Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.

The Missions Show is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].