Heart of Mission

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Heart of Mission is a podcast about God's amazing global mission. The Heart of Mission podcast is packed with valuable global mission conversations that you won't find anywhere else – hear from CMS missionaries, global mission experts, and pastors. Listen in for insightful conversation, talks, panels, live stories and more, all focussing on God's global mission. For a world that knows Jesus.

  1. 5D AGO

    Local Churches Partnering with Global Mission | Ben Woodd & Shane Ellery, Pastors

    S8E03 - What happens when local church leaders are given the time and space to step back from the demands of ministry and engage deeply with global mission thinking? In this episode, we hear from Ben Woodd and Shane Ellery, two Adelaide Senior Ministers who took part in a week-long intensive at St Andrew’s Hall, Melbourne. This intensive became a unique opportunity for Australian ministry leaders to reflect on mission, culture, and the local church in today’s complex and changing world. Ben and Shane describe the experience as a gift — a rare chance to slow down, learn alongside leaders from different contexts, and engage with rich theological teaching. From daily devotions to sessions on worldview, poverty, and mission in the 21st century, the intensive challenged familiar assumptions and encouraged deeper reflection. Reflecting on their own ministry contexts, both pastors share how the intensive prompted fresh eyes toward their local communities and congregations. They discuss the tension between belonging and openness, and what it might look like for churches to be a foretaste of God’s kingdom — a community shaped by every tribe, tongue, and nation. This episode offers thoughtful insight for anyone seeking to lead faithfully in cross-cultural, post-Christian contexts.

    41 min

  2. FEB 8

    Lives Transformed: Stories from the Heart of Namibia | Dan and Olivia Webster, Missionaries

    S8E02-In this episode, we explore what God is doing in Namibia through the work of Dan and Liv. Liv is using her skills as a physio and Dan teaches at NETS (Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary). They share stories that reveal both the beauty and the challenges of ministry in a country marked by strong nominal Christianity, deep spiritual need, and significant social and economic contrasts.  We hear about the remarkable journey of Tom, a police officer whose bold evangelism has led to churches springing up in remote villages—and how theological training is now equipping him to return and strengthen those churches with a deeper understanding of God’s word.  Liv gives insight into everyday life in Namibia and her physiotherapy work among women and people with disability. Through stories she highlights how her expertise and compassionate care offered in Jesus’ name can transform lives.  Dan reflects on the role of NETS in shaping future Christian leaders, the joy and challenge of discipling students from diverse backgrounds, and the ongoing need for workers who can support grassroots training and pastoral formation.  Whether you’re interested in mission, theological education, or the lived reality of serving overseas, this episode offers a grounded and encouraging look at how God is at work in Namibia.

    37 min

  3. FEB 1

    The Faith of our Nearest Neighbours | Keith Birchley, Missionary

    S8E01- “They really do cry out to our Father in heaven because they have no one else to cry out to” – Keith Birchley  Keith, and his wife Marion, have spent ten years serving university students in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.  The people of PNG live with a trust in God that is both humbling and deeply instructive for the average Aussie Christian.  In this episode Keith unpacks what it means to follow Jesus in a context where poverty, corruption, tribal tension, and political unrest can interrupt daily life. He also reflects on the slow, patient work of coming alongside to support the rebuilding of a student movement. We hear how good theology can anchor and bolster student ministry while still valuing sharing experiences, song, and relationships.  This conversation offers an honest glimpse into the faith of our nearest neighbours - where God shines through the their hope and dependence in Him.

    45 min

  4. 08/10/2025

    Cross-Shaped Mission in Chile | Chris & Stef Overhall, Missionaries

    S7E06 - Chris and Stef Overhall, have been serving in Chile for seven years. They share the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry, from learning a new language to raising children in a foreign context. Chris discusses his work teaching theological education in Spanish through the Center for Pastoral Studies (CEP), highlighting the value of slow, humble service in gospel training. Stef reflects on how vulnerability in language and culture has reshaped their ministry approach—slowing them down, fostering deeper relationships, and teaching them to listen and ask better questions. Through stories of friendship and discipleship with local women they reveal how everyday gospel conversations can flourish in an unfamiliar context. They also explore shifts in Chilean society with growing secularism, stress, and spiritual hunger—and how the local church continues to hold out Christ. This episode offers a moving glimpse of faithful mission shaped by dependence, long-term investment, and the transforming power of God’s word.

    41 min

  5. 08/03/2025

    War-Torn but Worshiping: Stories from Democratic Republic of the Congo | David and Jennifer Juniper, Missionaries

    S7E05 - Meet David and Jenny, serving with CMS in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the region’s ongoing conflict, instability, and poverty, they paint a picture of vibrant faith, rich community, and deep thankfulness among the Congolese people. Jenny shares her ministry with women—widows and church groups—where relationships, prayer, and practical service flourish even amidst hardship. Learning Swahili, she now teaches on the character of God to help ground women's heartfelt cries in biblical truth. David focuses on training church leaders and evangelists, bringing clarity around the gospel of grace in a context shaped by legalism and spiritual fear. They reflect on challenges—security risks, navigating cultural expectations, and language barriers—and the joys of seeing hearts transformed by God's Word. Their story is one of long-term faithfulness, humility, and a willingness to serve where the needs are great. The episode offers a glimpse into life and ministry in the DRC and invites others to consider joining the work. With over half the population under 16 years old and churches full of young people, the opportunities are wide open—and the harvest is plentiful.

    39 min

  6. 07/30/2025

    Hospitality and Faith in ministry amongst Muslims | Ben, Mission Specialist

    S7E04 - For the past 15 years, Ben and his wife Sally have been living and serving among Muslim communities in South-West Sydney—sharing the hope of Jesus and walking alongside believers from Muslim backgrounds. In this episode, Ben shares some incredible stories from his ministry, showing how God is at work in unexpected ways - through refugee movements, the internet, and everyday friendships - drawing Muslims to Himself, often over many years. Ben talks honestly about just how long and challenging that journey can be for many Muslims. He encourages us to approach these friendships with patience, grace, and a deep trust that God is always at work—even when we can’t see it. Ben highlights about the deep identity struggles many believers from Muslim backgrounds face, and the vital role that church communities can play in welcoming, loving, and including them. Ben also shares a challenge for the wider church: there’s a huge need to focus more prayer and mission efforts on reaching Muslim communities. Drawing from his own experience, both in Sydney and in the Middle East, Ben offers godly wisdom on loving Muslim friends with sensitivity, compassion, and long-term faithfulness.

    43 min

  7. 07/20/2025

    Gospel Hope in Japan’s Student Movement | Kellie Nicholas, Missionary

    S7E03 - Kellie Nicholas, has served for over 13 years with KGK, Japan’s IFES-affiliated student movement. Kellie shares about the joys and challenges of student ministry in Japan, where many students have never seen a bible or heard of Jesus beyond vague Western Christmas references, even confusing him with Santa. There is a long, relational nature of evangelism in Japan, where spiritual journeys often take years or even decades. Kellie explains the unique dynamics of university ministry, where student groups are small, spread across multiple campuses, and led by students themselves. She shares stories of people coming to faith, including a woman whose journey began when her husband became a Christian after being inspired by Elvis’ gospel songs. This conversation highlights the importance of patient, long-term ministry, cultural sensitivity, and faithful prayer. Listeners are encouraged to pray for student leaders, new friendships, and perseverance in a culture where spirituality exists, but conversion to Christianity is slow and complex.

    37 min

  8. 07/13/2025

    Beyond Medicine: How a Hospital Became a Spiritual Home | Tim & Olivia Mulherin, Missionaries

    S7E02 - Tim and Olivia Mulherin share their life and ministry at Mercy Medical Center (MMC), Christian hospital in Cambodia. MMC has the dual purpose of training Cambodian Christian doctors and providing holistic, gospel-hearted healthcare. Through mentorship, spiritual care, and medical training, they are empowering local doctors, and their families, to have strong faith and leadership skills.   Hear how an unexpected health crisis meant that Tim had to become a patient himself and he was able to experience deep care from the very doctors he mentors and trains. This was a great lesson in vulnerability and mutual dependence. Olivia shares her own reflections on this time, emphasizing the strength of local community support and the importance of accepting help.  Tim and Olivia are involved in holistic mission - where medical care, counselling, and spiritual support come together to meet deep physical and emotional needs.

    51 min
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About

Heart of Mission is a podcast about God's amazing global mission. The Heart of Mission podcast is packed with valuable global mission conversations that you won't find anywhere else – hear from CMS missionaries, global mission experts, and pastors. Listen in for insightful conversation, talks, panels, live stories and more, all focussing on God's global mission. For a world that knows Jesus.

Information

  • Creator
    CMS
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 CMS SANT
  • Show Website
    Heart of Mission