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The Missions Show: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford
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- Yesterday28 min
Crisis Response and First Responder Ministry
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with ABWE’s Director of International Security and Crisis Management, Bill Gruppen, to discuss the difficult balance between missionary safety and gospel risk-taking in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Drawing from decades of experience in law enforcement, emergency response, and security, Bill shares how God redirected his professional skill set into missions work through TACTICA Ministries and ABWE. Together, they explore how missionaries prepare for crises, make difficult stay-or-go decisions in conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine, and seek to remain faithful witnesses without embracing unnecessary danger. Bill explains how emergency response ministries can strengthen long-term church planting efforts by building relationships, serving communities in moments of suffering, and opening doors for gospel ministry. Key Topics: Why missionary safety and gospel risk must be held in biblical balance How ABWE missionaries navigate conflict zones and crisis situations Bill Gruppen’s journey from law enforcement and emergency response into missions The role of TACTICA Ministries in reaching first responders with the gospel ABWE’s vision for disaster relief and crisis response teams Encouragement to pray for missionaries and first responders serving under pressure If you would like to know more about International Security and Crisis Management, visit International Security and Crisis Management. Support the work of Bill and Cindy Gruppen at Bill and Cindy Gruppen | give.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.
- 1 weeks ago29 min
How Missionaries Transform Cultures
Christian missions has never existed in a cultural vacuum. From William Carey’s role in ending widow burning in India to Gladys Aylward confronting foot-binding in China, the spread of Christianity has often transformed entire societies. But where is the line between gospel transformation and cultural imperialism? When missionaries challenge practices rooted in paganism, are they discipling nations or exporting Western assumptions? In this episode, Alex and Scott explores the missionary task through the lens of Scripture, church history, and cultural theology. Looking at both Scripture and missions history, we explore: What parts of culture must be rejected? What parts can be redeemed? How should missionaries approach technology, literacy, family structures, and social customs? And how can Christians avoid simply replacing old idols with modern Western ones? Key Topics: The balance between gospel proclamation and cultural transformation Historical examples of Christianity influencing societal change The danger of exporting Western or personal cultural preferences The importance of developing indigenous expressions of Christianity The role of institutions (schools, hospitals, state) in missions work Practical guidance for missionaries engaging with local cultures We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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 weeks ago28 min
Engaging Islam with the Truth of the Trinity With Dr. Imad Shehadeh
How do you explain the Trinity to Muslims? On this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Imad Shehadeh, founder and president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, to explore what it means to faithfully articulate and defend the doctrine of the Trinity in a Muslim-majority context. Drawing from decades of theological education and ministry, Shehadeh explains how misunderstandings about the Trinity and the assumption that Christians believe in three gods. He emphasizes that the core differences between Islam and Christianity ultimately stem from contrasting views of God’s nature, particularly whether God is relational in His essence. The conversation also underscores the importance of deep theological clarity in missions work. Dr. Shehadeh describes how training leaders at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary involves translating complex doctrine into accessible truth while fostering respectful, bridge-building dialogue. Key Topics: Explaining and defending the Trinity in Muslim contexts Theological differences between Islam and Christianity (nature of God, salvation, revelation) Why God’s relational nature is central to the gospel message Misconceptions about Christian beliefs within the Muslim world Training pastors and leaders for ministry in the Middle East Practical approaches to evangelism marked by humility and clarity We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.
- 3 weeks ago28 min
How Christ Transformed a Former Iranian Revolution Leader With Dr. Shayesteh
In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Daniel Shayesteh. Dr. Shayesteh shares his powerful journey from a radical Muslim involved in the Iranian Revolution to a follower of Christ. Raised in a devout Islamic context that viewed Christianity as corrupt, he rose to prominence as a religious figure and political activist under Ayatollah Khomeini. But after witnessing deception and oppression, he became disillusioned, was imprisoned, and narrowly escaped execution before fleeing Iran. In Turkey, Shayesteh’s academic studies and unexpected encounters with Christians began to reshape his worldview. Drawn initially by practical needs, he encountered the love, freedom, and relational nature of God in Christianity, ultimately leading to his conversion. His story highlights the transforming power of the gospel and challenges believers to engage Muslims with truth and compassion. Dr. Daniel Shayesteh leads the ministry Exodus From Darkness. Key Topics: Background in Islam and role in the Iranian Revolution Disillusionment with Khomeini’s regime Escape from Iran and life in Turkey Comparative study of religions Encounters with Christians and conversion Missions implications for reaching Muslims We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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 weeks ago30 min
Are Church Planting Movements Bad?
Can church planting be done wrong? This episode of The Missions Show explores the debate around Church Planting Movements (CPMs), interacting with a Lausanne article that presents them as a highly effective missions strategy. Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explain what CPMs are and why they generate both enthusiasm and concern, especially regarding their emphasis on rapid multiplication and minimal training. Alex and Scott raise key theological and practical questions about doctrine, discipleship, and the definition of the church. While affirming the desire for gospel growth, they caution against prioritizing speed and numbers over biblical faithfulness, urging listeners to focus on sound doctrine and trust God for lasting fruit. Key Topics: What Church Planting Movements (CPMs) are Why CPMs are controversial in missions Speed vs. depth in discipleship and church growth The importance of doctrinal accountability Evaluating success beyond numbers We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.
- Apr 12, 202628 min
Canada’s C9 Bill – Is God’s Truth Being Outlawed?
Did Canada just pass a bill that outlaws particular Bible teaching? This episode of The Missions Show explores the implications of Canada’s Bill C9 (the “Combating Hate Act”) and its potential impact on religious freedom, gospel proclamation, and missions. Guest John Taylor, ABWE missionary in Canada, explains that while the bill aims to curb violence and protect marginalized communities, its vague definition of “hate” and removal of key legal protections for religious expression raise serious concerns. The conversation highlights how this cultural and legal shift may affect both local churches and global missions efforts. John encourages believers to remain faithful, proclaim the full counsel of God with humility and love, and avoid allowing cultural pressures to dictate the message of the gospel. Together they emphasize that missions must continue through both word and deed—demonstrating Christ’s love while clearly communicating humanity’s need for salvation. Key Topics: Overview of Canada’s Bill C9 and its legislative status Definitions of “hate” and concerns about vague legal language Potential classification of biblical passages as hate speech Removal of legal protections for religious expression Tension between religious freedom and evolving cultural norms Balancing cultural awareness with biblical faithfulness If you'd like more information on Bill C-9, check out these resources: CcccBill C-9: Passes Third Reading with Key Changes - CCCC Blogs EvangelicalfellowshipEFC - Religious Freedom in Canada - EFC Protects Religious Rights in Canada 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.
- Apr 5, 202628 min
A Defense Against Missions as Colonialism
How do you respond when people say that missions is colonialism? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the increasingly common claim that missions is inherently colonialistic with guest Will Maxson. Prompted by real-world examples and cultural trends, they explore why this critique has gained traction, even within Christian institutions. Maxson acknowledges that while missions and colonial expansion sometimes overlapped historically, the popular narrative often exaggerates or misunderstands that connection. He argues that Christianity’s missionary impulse is fundamentally different from colonialism, rooted not in coercion but in persuasion and respect for human dignity. They also examine difficult topics like the Crusades, cultural Christianity, and accusations of cultural erasure. Ultimately, they contend that authentic Christian missions do not destroy cultures but redeem them, affirming human agency and the image of God in all people. Key Topics Covered Why missions is often labeled as colonialism in modern culture Historical overlap—and key differences—between missions and colonial expansion The distinction between persuasion (evangelism) and coercion (colonialism) Christianity is the first truly transcultural religion How the missionary impulse promotes human dignity, freedom, and equality Evaluating the Crusades and other historical events without oversimplification We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.
- Mar 29, 202631 min
Sustaining Grace Through Tragedy: The Bowers Shoot Down, 25 Years Later
In April 2001, tragedy struck deep in the jungles of Peru when a missionary flight carrying the Bowers family was mistakenly shot down during a counternarcotics operation gone wrong. Roni Bowers and her infant daughter, Charity, were killed. Jim Bowers and his young son survived. Twenty-five years later, Jim joins Alex and Scott to reflect on that day and what Jim has learned about loss, faith, and God’s sustaining grace. While the incident drew international attention and remains a sobering example of the dangers missionaries face, this episode moves beyond the news cycle. Jim shares what it has looked like to walk the long road of grief, forgiveness, and trust in God’s providence. Key Topics Jim Bowers recounts the tragic events of that day Recognizing God's sovereign plan and sustaining grace since the incident The risk of glamorizing hardships for attention How missionaries should count the cost of following their call to missions In this week's Overtime episode, Alex, Scott, and Jim talk about the confusing and misleading accounts from the CIA about the incident, the need for accountability within the government, and how to view recent political and military events. Get access to that episode by joining our Premium Subscribers at missionsshow.com/premium. We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.
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About The Missions Show
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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It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Missions Show as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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