Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad

Kyle and Heather Farran
  • 5.0 (19)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Join Kyle & Heather Farran as they share practical strategies, leadership insights, and encouragement for missionaries, ministry leaders, and faith-based workers. Through engaging interviews and real-life discussions, they explore team dynamics, leadership, cross-cultural living, resilience, raising MKs, and ministry challenges. Serving overseas since 2007 in South Africa, Tanzania, and Portugal, they bring real-world wisdom to help you thrive. Kyle is the Western Europe Regional Director for ABWE and author of Overflowing. Heather serves alongside him in leadership and is a Registered Nurse.

  1. FEB 3

    #32: Grounded In The Word: How To Endure Faithfully- E.D. Burns

    In this episode, we talk with E.D. Burns about why being deeply grounded in Scripture is essential for missionaries who want to endure faithfully for the long haul. Drawing from his book The Missionary-Theologian, Evan challenges common assumptions about preparation, ministry methods, and success in missions, pointing us back to a Word-centered vision shaped by theology rather than trends or results.In This Episode, We Cover:✅ The central message of the book and why theology matters for everyday ministry on the field✅ The dangers of shaping ministry methods around culture, trends, or measurable results instead of Scripture✅ What modern missionaries and everyday Christians can learn from the Word-centered lives of Adoniram and Ann Judson✅ How missionary methods reveal underlying theology—and practical ways to evaluate whether our approaches flow from biblical convictions or pressure for quick outcomes✅ Preparing the heart to endure suffering, weakness, and hardship without losing joy, hope, or faithfulnessThis conversation is a timely reminder that lasting fruit in missions does not come from clever strategies, but from leaders who are immersed in the Word, anchored in sound doctrine, and willing to endure faithfully for God’s glory.E.D. Burns is the executive director for training and development at ABWE, and  also directs the MA in Cultural Apologetics at Founders Seminary. He is on faculty at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, and he and his family live in a small hilltribe village in Northern Thailand, where he works with training and translating materials into hilltribe languages.We want to hear from you!Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farranWhether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.​Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad!

    1h 1m

  2. JAN 6

    #31: Godly Grit: Unshakable Resilience and Grit for Life and Leadership- Kyle Farran

    In this episode, we dive into how the right perspective on challenges can help you develop strength, resilience, and grit—essential qualities for anyone in missions and leadership. This conversation also lays the foundation for my upcoming book, Godly Grit, where I expand on these ideas and offer a practical framework for building resilient, faith-filled strength in life and leadership. This is the podcast episode I wish I had before starting my journey in missions. If you're a missionary, leader, or someone navigating a difficult season, you know how easily challenges can rob you of joy. A wrong mindset drains energy and motivation—but a biblical, resilient perspective can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Over the past few years, these life-shaping insights have been like water for my soul, reshaping how I face hardship. They form the backbone of Godly Grit, and I truly believe they can transform your mindset and impact your life too. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ How to reframe challenges to fuel growth, perseverance, and faith ✅ Why a negative perspective quietly drains joy and strength ✅ How to cultivate mental and spiritual resilience in leadership and missions ✅ How hardships can become stepping stones to deeper strength and grit If you’re facing resistance, fatigue, or discouragement, this episode—and the message behind Godly Grit—will help you build strength that lasts. Sign up to be reminded about Godly Grit when it launches: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/31-godly-grit-unshakable-resilience-and-grit-for-life-and-leadership-kyle-farran

    48 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    #30: Stewardship of the Body- Kyle Farran

    Stewarding your body isn’t about six-pack abs or fitting into a certain size of pants. It’s about being healthy enough to serve God well, for as long as possible. In this episode, we talk about “Stewardship of the Body” and how caring for your physical health is deeply connected to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I (Kyle) share some of my own journey of being flat on my back with debilitating back pain, migraines, and stress-related issues—and how that season became a turning point for me. This episode connects biblical stewardship with our motivation, and gives very practical steps you can start today in the areas of stress, food, exercise, and sleep. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ What “stewardship of the body” really means ✅ Why your body belongs to God, not you ✅ How neglecting your health can impact your “well done” ✅ Finding a deeper motivation than comfort or appearance ✅ Practical starting points in four key areas: Stress, Food, Exercise, and Sleep ✅ Why micro changes matter more than massive short bursts ✅ Why there is no “single solution” to health ✅ A sober reminder about eternity If you want to serve God for as long as you can, stewarding your body is part of your calling. Pick one thing you already know you should do—and start there. Join the Book Launch Team for Godly Grit Go to: https://www.kylefarran.com/launch-team.html Show Notes and Links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/30-stewardship-of-the-body-kyle-farran We want to hear from you! Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it. Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

    39 min

  4. 11/04/2025

    #29: An Unhurried Life- Alan Fadling

    An Unhurried Life — with Alan Fadling In this episode, we talk with Alan Fadling, author of An Unhurried Life, about what it really means to slow down and lead from a place of rest. Alan reminds us that hurry isn’t just about a busy schedule—it’s about a busy heart. Together we explore what it looks like to follow a relaxed Savior, lead from stillness, and embrace the slow, deep work of spiritual growth. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ The difference between a disordered schedule and a disordered heart—and why hurry begins in the soul. ✅ How seeing Jesus as “relaxed” changes the way we view leadership and ministry. ✅ Why Jesus’ 30-year wait before ministry teaches us to trust God’s timing instead of forcing outcomes. ✅ How leading from stillness transforms our decision-making and dependence on God. ✅ The temptation to measure success by crowds instead of deep discipleship. ✅ What it means to welcome “holy interruptions” as part of God’s work. ✅ How to become “oaks of righteousness”—deeply rooted and slow-growing. ✅ The practice of Extended Personal Communion (EPC) days and learning to simply be with God. ✅ Seeing prayer as strategic leadership, not an afterthought. Alan’s insights invite us to live and lead at the pace of Jesus—unhurried, rooted, and deeply present. Alan Fadling (MDiv) is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc. in Mission Viejo, CA. He writes and speaks as an expert in the challenge of hurry in contemporary life and work and how to overcome it.  He consults and coaches leaders and their organizations in the U.S. and around the world, helping them work towards long-term productivity that lasts rather than settling for quick fixes that don’t work.  He is the award-winning author of six books including An Unhurried Life, An Unhurried Leader and A Non-Anxious Life. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/29-an-unhurried-life-alan-fadling We want to hear from you! Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it. Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad!

    58 min

  5. 10/06/2025

    #28: Do More Better- Tim Challies

    What does it mean to be truly productive in life and ministry? In this episode, we talk with author Tim Challies about his book Do More Better and explore how missionaries and ministry leaders can steward their time, energy, and resources for God’s glory and the good of others. Tim unpacks how productivity is not about doing more things—but about doing the right things, with the right heart, for the right reasons. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ How biblical productivity reshapes the way missionaries think about ministry ✅ Why busyness can be just as dangerous as laziness—and how both steal fruitfulness ✅ Why the absence of productivity is first a theological problem ✅ The principle of “planned neglect” and how missionaries can let go of good things to focus on the best things without guilt ✅ The key tools in Tim’s productivity system: task management, scheduling, and storing information ✅ Practical tips for managing email, WhatsApp, and multiple messaging platforms without drowning in digital clutter ✅ The importance of daily and weekly planning times Tim is husband to Aileen and father to two daughters who are young adults and one son who is waiting for him in heaven. He worships and serves as an elder at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Canada. He is the author of many books and a daily blog. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife We want to hear from you! Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@kyle.farran⁠ ​Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it. Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

    43 min

  6. 09/01/2025

    #27: Courage and Risk in the Great Commission- Scott Brawner

    Risk is an unavoidable part of following God’s call—especially in missions. But how should believers think about risk, make wise decisions, and find the courage to keep going when challenges feel overwhelming? In this episode, Kyle talks with Scott Brawner, the founder of Concilium—an organization committed to equipping believers with practical tools and biblical wisdom for navigating risk in global ministry. Together, we explore what risk really means, how the Bible shapes our perspective, and practical frameworks for decision-making in uncertain or dangerous contexts. Whether you’re preparing for the mission field, already serving, or sending others, this conversation will help you evaluate risk with wisdom, courage, and faith. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ How to define “risk” and why the world’s definition differs from a biblical perspective ✅ Truths to encourage believers who feel fearful about taking a step of faith ✅ The role of God’s calling when facing risky decisions ✅ A practical framework for deciding which risks are worth taking ✅ The importance of resilience in missions ✅ Ways to endure daily risk without losing heart—both theological encouragement and practical habits Scott Brawner is the President/CEO of Concilium, a global nonprofit ministry helping Christians thrive where the Lord has called them and remain effective where He plants the. Scott is also the Executive Director of the Risk Management Network, a network of security professionals serving in Great Commission organizations. Scott is a theologically trained security practitioner who combines sound theological perspective with security best practices for Christian churches, mission agencies, humanitarian organizations, and persecuted Christians around the world. Scott lives in the Midwest with his wife and three children. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/27-courage-and-risk-in-the-great-commission-scott-brawner We want to hear from you! Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@kyle.farran⁠ ​Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it. Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

    1h 7m

  7. 08/04/2025

    #26: Replenishing Your Soul for Ministry- Lance Witt

    If you’ve ever felt soul-weary while still showing up for others, this conversation with author and former pastor Lance Witt will be like water for your soul. His wisdom, honesty, and practical tools will encourage any leader in ministry—especially those on the front lines of missions. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Early warning signs of soul neglect and how leaders can drift into running on skill instead of the Spirit ✅ Why soul health is the most powerful leadership tool a pastor or missionary can develop ✅ How the pace of Jesus challenges our addiction to hurry—and the disciplines that help slow us down ✅ What Sabbath rest teaches us about trust, identity, and letting go of control ✅ A better pursuit than growth: choosing godliness over size and applause ✅ How to discern between wisdom and fear when facing hard leadership decisions ✅ Practical ways to invest in the spiritual and relational health of your team Lance is the founder of REPLENISH ministries. Replenish is dedicated to helping people live and lead from a healthy soul. Along with speaking and consulting, Lance does individual life coaching and team development. Lance's newest book is called Your ONE Life: Own it, Live it, Love it. He is also the author of Replenish and High Impact Teams. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/26-replenishing-your-soul-for-ministry-lance-witt We want to hear from you!Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran​Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

    1h 12m

  8. 07/01/2025

    #25: Before You Go: Women’s Episode- Emily Bennett & Amy Bowman

    In this episode, we talk with authors and veteran missionaries Emily Bennett and Amy Bowman about their devotional Before You Go, written by women, for women preparing to serve cross-culturally. With warmth and transparency, they share the heart behind the book and how God used the stories of ten women to minister to others walking the same path. Whether you're preparing to go, already serving, or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers wisdom, clarity, and encouragement for the journey. We also talk about the vital conversations couples and families should have before stepping into life overseas—and how anchoring your soul in Christ is the key to thriving in ministry, not just surviving. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ What they wish they had known before going to the mission field ✅ Key insights and standout wisdom from the book that every missionary woman should hear ✅ Crucial conversations husbands and wives should have before leaving for the field ✅ What to talk about with your kids as you prepare for overseas life ✅ The importance of clinging to Christ—and how that shaped their journey as wives, mothers, and missionaries Emily Bennett, along with her husband and three children served in North Africa and the Middle East for 7 years. She currently lives in Cedarville, OH where she works with an organization helping refugees and immigrants acclimate to life in the States.  She is the editor of the book Before You Go, which seeks to equip aspiring missionaries.  Amy Bowman, along with her husband and four children, served internationally for 17 years with the International Mission Board in rural Zambia and later in South Asia. Amy currently lives with her family in Cedarville, Ohio, where her husband is a professor at Cedarville University. They work remotely for Radius International and love mentoring the next generation who are called to the unreached. Shownotes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/25-before-you-go-womens-episode-emily-bennett-amy-bowman We want to hear from you! Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it. Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

    42 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Join Kyle & Heather Farran as they share practical strategies, leadership insights, and encouragement for missionaries, ministry leaders, and faith-based workers. Through engaging interviews and real-life discussions, they explore team dynamics, leadership, cross-cultural living, resilience, raising MKs, and ministry challenges. Serving overseas since 2007 in South Africa, Tanzania, and Portugal, they bring real-world wisdom to help you thrive. Kyle is the Western Europe Regional Director for ABWE and author of Overflowing. Heather serves alongside him in leadership and is a Registered Nurse.

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