The Missions Show

ABWE
ABWE
  • 4.8 (246)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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. The Missions Show is powered by ABWE International, a missions agency with a force of more than 1,000 workers serving across 90+ countries with a focus on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

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  1. 5d ago

    The 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 Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium 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 alex@missionsshow.com.

  2. 5d ago ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    OT: Can a Missionary Team Disagree About the End Times? (Benjamin Vrbicek)

    Alex and Scott continue their conversation with Benjamin Vrbicek on how a church or a missionary team holds together when believers land differently on the end times, which convictions are worth drawing a line around, and how missionaries navigate sending churches, an agency, and a national church that may not all agree.

  3. Aug 9

    How 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 Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium 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 alex@missionsshow.com.

  4. Aug 9 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    OT: Are Creative Platforms a Distraction From the Missionary Task (Matt Bennett and Ryan Robertson)

    Alex and Scott continue their conversation with Matt Bennett and Ryan Robertson on the dangers of creative-access ministries and how to go after the least reached peoples in the world.

  5. Aug 3 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    OT: Share the Gospel Where You Work (Ron Washer)

    Alex and Ron Washer continue their conversation about how no matter your skillset, you can share the gospel in Africa.

  6. Aug 2

    What 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

  7. Jul 26

    Ministry 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. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium 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 alex@missionsshow.com.

  8. Jul 26 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    OT: What are the Needs of the Ukrainian Church?

    Alex continues his conversation with ABWE missionary Mike Gustafson and Ukrainian ministry partner and pastor Zhenya. They continue to talk about the realities of living and ministering in Ukraine and how others can help.

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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. The Missions Show is powered by ABWE International, a missions agency with a force of more than 1,000 workers serving across 90+ countries with a focus on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

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