Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad

Kyle and Heather Farran
  • 5.0 (19)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad

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. JUL 1

    #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

  2. JUN 30

    #24: Before You Go: Men's Episode - Matt Bennett & Josh Bowman

    The missionary road is hard—this resource will help prepare you. In this episode of Missions Life, we talk with two seasoned missions practitioners and professors—Matt Bennett and Josh Bowman—about their book, Before You Go: Wisdom from 10 Men on Serving Internationally. Whether you're preparing to head overseas, mentoring others who are, or serving in a sending church, this conversation is packed with real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and biblical wisdom for the journey ahead. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Misconceptions about missions that often blindside new missionaries ✅ How missionaries can set realistic expectations ✅ How to discern your calling and prepare spiritually before heading to the field ✅ Key character traits and heart attitudes every missionary needs ✅ Common struggles in the first year—and how to prepare for them ✅ How to thrive on a team and avoid isolation or burnout ✅ The role of sending churches and how they can better care for missionaries Matthew Bennett and his family lived in North Africa and the Middle East for seven years. He is now an Associate Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville OH. He earned a PhD in Missiology at SEBTS and also holds an MA in Intercultural Studies and an MDiv in Intercultural Church Planting. Josh Bowman graduated from Southern Seminary in 2002, and then served as a rural church planter in Zambia with the International Mission Board. His passion is to see healthy churches led by theologically sound leaders reach those who have never heard the Gospel. After eight years in Zambia, the Lord led his family to South Asia to focus on church strengthening, leadership development, and unengaged people groups. He is now a professor at Cedarville University where his desire is to raise up students with a passion for Jesus and the nations. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/24-before-you-go-mens-episode-matt-bennett-josh-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.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!

    1h 15m

  3. JUN 3

    #23: The Unseen Struggles on Teams: Recognizing Small Traumas- Elizabeth Smith

    What if the greatest threats to your team’s health aren’t the obvious ones? In this episode with Elizabeth Smith, we talk about the often-overlooked impact of small traumas—the subtle, cumulative wounds that can quietly fracture trust and unity on a missions team. ✅ What “small traumas” are and why they matter in a missions context ✅ Real examples of how trauma can show up in leadership or daily team life without being recognized ✅ How unresolved pain shapes team dynamics, communication, and spiritual health ✅ Signs your team may be impacted by unspoken trauma ✅ The role of leaders in fostering psychological safety and building healing spaces ✅ Mistakes leaders often make that deepen trauma instead of addressing it ✅ Mindset shifts needed to lead with compassion and resilience Whether you're leading a team or serving on one, this conversation will help you navigate the hidden emotional challenges of life in ministry with greater empathy and intentionality. We’ve invited Elizabeth back because she recently wrote the book Trauma-Informed Leadership , which is a book that combines over a decade of leadership experience with her expertise as a certified Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner.  She equips leaders to identify and address the subtle, everyday traumas that can quietly undermine team trust and effectiveness.  Her leadership background includes ministry and missions work, as well as her current role as COO of TCK Training, a company recognized for its commitment to emotional safety in the workplace. As an international speaker and full-time traveler, Elizabeth brings a globally-informed perspective to the practical strategies she offers to missions leaders and teams looking to strengthen their team dynamics. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/23-the-unseen-struggles-on-teams-recognizing-small-traumas-elizabeth-smith 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!

    41 min

  4. MAY 5

    #22: The Heart of Spiritual Leadership- Richard Blackaby

    Today on the podcast, we have with us Richard Blackaby. Richard is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and the eldest son of Henry and Marilynn Blackaby. He holds a Ph.D. in church history from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as both a senior pastor and seminary president. Richard speaks internationally on topics such as spiritual leadership, experiencing God, revival, and God in the marketplace. He regularly works with Christian CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and hosts The Richard Blackaby Leadership Podcast. He and his wife Lisa live in Atlanta, and they are blessed with three children who all serve in ministry and eight grandchildren. In this conversation, we dive into the heart of Spiritual Leadership. We talk about how leadership isn’t just about vision, goals, or strategies—but about knowing and following God. Richard shares powerful insights on what makes spiritual leadership different from secular leadership, and why character, prayer, and obedience are at the core of leading well. ✅ How to define leadership from a biblical perspective ✅ How to balance wise planning with trusting God's direction ✅ How spiritual leaders can stand firm against the pressures of popularity and criticism ✅ Why spiritual maturity must be prioritized over visible success ✅ How to build a deep, resilient prayer life as a leader ✅ How to raise up the next generation of spiritual leaders If you want to grow into the kind of leader God can use, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Show notes and link: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/22-the-heart-of-spiritual-leadership-richard-blackaby 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 8m

  5. APR 14

    #21: Character: Why God Uses Some People More Than Others- Kyle Farran

    Based on the book Overflowing: Ministry and Missions That Flow From the Heart Topics: Spiritual Growth • Leadership Development • Missions • Christian Character • Heart Transformation In this episode, we talk about one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions in ministry and missions: Why does God use some people more than others? Drawing from the first chapter of Overflowing: Ministry and Missions That Flow From the Heart, we explore what sets certain individuals apart in God's plan—not in talent, platform, or performance, but in character. In this episode, we'll answer: ✅ What kind of person is God looking to use? ✅ Why is who you are more important than what you do? ✅ How can we become useful vessels for God’s purposes? ✅ What does 2 Chronicles 16:9 teach us about God's search for wholehearted servants? ✅ How do humility, holiness, and faithfulness prepare you for greater impact in ministry? We dig deep into how God’s strong support rests on those whose hearts are fully His, and how developing godly character is the foundation for fruitfulness in life and leadership. This episode is not just about doing more for God, but about becoming the kind of person God looks to use. If you’re in ministry, missions, or simply want to live a life that counts for eternity, this message will help you evaluate where you are—and where God is calling you to grow. If you want your life, ministry, or organization to be one that God uses and blesses with His strength—it all starts with character. This episode is based on Chapter 1 of my book, Overflowing. If you want to keep exploring what it means to become the kind of person God looks to use, you can get the full book on Amazon. 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!

    33 min

  6. MAR 31

    #20: Building Resilience: How to Strengthen and Sustain Your Ministry and Leadership– Tod Bolsinger

    Resilient leadership isn’t about toughness—it’s about strength, flexibility, and endurance. In this episode, we sit down with Tod Bolsinger, author of Tempered Resilience and How Not to Waste a Crisis, to discuss what it really takes to lead through challenges without burning out. Leadership is hard. How do leaders survive the pressure, setbacks, and stress of leading change?  In This Episode, We Cover: ✅  What it means to be “tempered” as a leader – strong yet flexible ✅  Why resilience is built through stress, not comfort ✅  How missionaries can develop a grounded identity under pressure ✅  The importance of rest rhythms in sustaining resilience ✅  How to grow through mistakes instead of being crushed by them ✅  Balancing mission work with self-care “The question is not ‘Can I learn the skills I need to lead?’ but ‘Can I survive it?’” – Tod Bolsinger Whether you're a missionary, church leader, or nonprofit worker, this episode will help you build resilience and sustain your calling through faith, wisdom, and healthy leadership habits. ​Listen now to learn how to strengthen your leadership without burnout! ​Tod Bolsinger has his MDiv, PhD, and is the co-founder and principal of AE Sloan Leadership, Inc, an executive coaching and consulting firm that works with church, non-profit, university, and marketplace leaders in leading change. He is also the Executive Director of the De Pree Center Church Leadership Institute and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Before his educational career, he served as a pastor for 27 years. Tod is the author of nine books, including Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change, and the Practicing Change Series. Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/-20-building-resilience-how-to-strengthen-and-sustain-your-ministry-and-leadership-tod-bolsinger 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!

    55 min

  7. MAR 12

    #19: Practical Steps to Start Gospel Conversations- Kyle Farran

    Starting a gospel conversation can feel intimidating. How do you go from everyday small talk to talking about faith, Jesus, and the gospel? Most evangelism tools help us share the gospel once a conversation is already happening, but many of us struggle with how to start those conversations in the first place. In this episode, I share practical ways to connect with unbelievers and real-world strategies to naturally start gospel conversations without awkwardness. In This Episode We Cover:✅ How to build connections with unbelievers in everyday life✅ Simple, effective ways to transition into a spiritual conversation✅ Practical steps to start gospel conversations with confidence Whether you're new to faith conversations or looking to be more intentional in sharing the gospel, this episode will equip you with real, actionable strategies to start meaningful discussions about Jesus. I hope this is a blessing to you! Show notes and links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/19-practical-steps-to-start-gospel-conversations-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!

    21 min

  8. MAR 4

    #18: The Humility We Need, The Pride We Must Leave Behind- Peg Forrest

    Pride is one of the greatest dangers in ministry—so how do we recognize and root it out? In this episode of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad, Heather sat down with Peg Forrest to discuss the vital role of humility in ministry and the hidden ways pride can creep in, especially for women in missions. Peg shares why humility is a non-negotiable, how unchecked pride can mirror the enemy, and the most common pride struggles women in ministry face. We also dive into practical ways to expose pride, cultivate genuine humility, and stay spiritually healthy while serving in cross-cultural ministry. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why humility is essential for effective ministry and leadership✅ How pride subtly infiltrates our hearts—and why it’s so dangerous✅ The sobering truth: “We are never more like Satan than when we operate in pride”✅ Common pride struggles among women in ministry✅ Practical ways to identify and overcome pride in our lives✅ Encouragement for women serving on the mission field Peg has a deep passion for teaching and discipling women. With years of experience as a missionary in Kenya, a counselor, a Bible study teacher, and the Dean of Women at Arizona Christian University, she brings wisdom and insight to this discussion. She and her husband, a former 6'10" NBA center for the Phoenix Suns, founded FOCUS Ministries in 1992 after returning from Africa. Together, they travel the world, sharing the gospel and teaching about Christ through their life stories and experiences. Show notes and link: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/18-the-humility-we-need-the-pride-we-must-leave-behind-peg-forrest 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!

    57 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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