Global Mission Toolbox

What does the global Church look like today, and where might it be headed tomorrow? In this episode, Maggie sits down with Dr. Gina Zurlo to explore insights from the World Christian Database, unpacking key trends shaping Christianity around the world and what they can teach us about the future of the global Church. Bio Dr. Gina Zurlo, is a Senior Researcher and Lecturer in World Christianity at Harvard Divinity School and an editor of the World Christian Database. Her work focuses on understanding the global Christian movement, including the growth and diversity of Christianity around the world and the role of women within it. She is the author of several books on World Christianity and was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2019 for her work in studying global religious trends. Resources www.worldchristiandatabase.org How you can connect with Dr. Zurlo [email protected] (best way to reach me) https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-zurlo-ph-d-58609278/ Email subscription: https://mailchi.mp/a2b91385f980/latest-news-from-the-center-for-the-study-of-global-christianity-6431614 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTexuoDS9c Topics: Missions Trends and Topics

What does it look like to care well for single missionaries? In this episode, Maggie sits down with Ruth Ann Graybill to explore the unique realities faced by single men and women on the mission field. Together, they discuss loneliness, community, accountability, friendships, and the practical ways churches can better support the singles they send. Ruth Ann also shares encouraging insights on moving from loneliness to solitude, building healthy support systems, and embracing the unique opportunities that singleness can bring in cross-cultural ministry. In This Episode: Challenges unique to single missionaries Why isolation can be difficult on the field The difference between loneliness and solitude Practical ways churches can support singles well Habits and support systems that help missionaries flourish The unique blessings of serving as a single missionary Key Takeaway - Single missionaries thrive when they are intentionally supported, meaningfully connected, and valued for who they are, not their marital status. Connect - For more resources on missions, missionary care, and sending well, check out our other resources on our website. Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you – our contact form is a great way to connect. Bio - Ruth Ann Graybill is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist based in Fullerton, California. Drawing on years of experience in both counseling and missions, she serves individuals, families, and missionaries through counseling, debriefing, crisis care, and training. Having lived and served on the mission field herself, she is deeply committed to helping people navigate life's challenges and flourish in their relationships and calling. You can connect with Ruth Ann Graybill through her email – [email protected] Resource - Emotional Needs of Women on the Mission Field : https://global-mission-toolbox.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/media/8bfcfaa6-9e96-417c-8d68-127de176f513-Emotional-Needs-of-Women-on-the-Mission-Field.pdf Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmDF5BtYRTo Topics: Member Care, Caring for Missions Workers

The local church is more than the place where a missionary’s journey begins. It plays a vital role in recognizing, preparing, supporting, and sending those who go. In this episode, Mags sits down with Elliot Clark to explore how churches can intentionally encourage aspiring missionaries. Elliot shares six practical habits that can help prepare someone for cross-cultural ministry, while highlighting the importance of faithful service, biblical grounding, relational maturity, practical skills, and patient preparation. Whether you are exploring missions yourself or helping someone in your church discern their next steps, this conversation offers practical encouragement for preparing and sending missionaries well. Bio - Elliot Clark (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) has served in international missions since 2009, first as a church planter in Central Asia, and then as a teacher equipping international church leaders. He currently serves with Reaching & Teaching and is the author of Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land (2019) and Mission Affirmed: Recovering the Missionary Motivation of Paul (2022). https://store.thegospelcoalition.org/tgc/products/4527/evangelism-as-exiles https://store.thegospelcoalition.org/tgc/products/11129/mission-affirmed Resources Reaching and Teaching - www.rtim.org Joshua Project - https://joshuaproject.net Emily Bennet - Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women Who Served Internationally - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/98181053-before-you-go Matt Bennett - Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Men on Serving Internationally: Wisdom from 10 men serving internationally - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198394114 Aaron Menikoff - Prioritizing Missions in the Church - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213898813 Upcoming book from Elliot Clark (March 2027): The Ordinary Missionary: Everyday Grace for an Extraordinary Work - https://www.crossway.org/books/the-ordinary-missionary-tpb/?srsltid=AU7gw4Vw3Y-nEmx6nGSO6yER2seUmTNzuZOwv2ay3j5Fo33eIe95Gn1D Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2UEGgRtxrI Topics: Calling and Preparation

In this conversation with Rich Noble and Jenny Karr, we explore the blessings found in support raising as well as the practical steps that goer and sender can practice in the process of support discovery. Rich bio: Richard Noble is the founder and director of the Center for Missional Engagement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and serves as the Global Neighbor Ministries Coordinator at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. Together Richard and Amy raised four children and gained three sons-in-law and five granddaughters along the way. Richard also serves as a mission's mobilizer with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, a regional coordinator for the Refugee and Immigrant Network of the C&MA, and adjunct faculty at Crown College and Geneva College. As a mission's mobilizer, his focus is graciously nudging pastors to lead their congregations into missions, as well as encouraging people from all ethnic groups to engage in God’s work around the world. This is how you can reach Rich Noble: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-noble-67544137/ Substack: https://substack.com/@ranoble412 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerformissionalengagement Jenny bio: Jenny Karr has been a fundraising trainer and coach for 13 years, starting while she and her family served as missionaries in Vietnam. That ministry experience developed in Jenny a passion for training, equipping, and supporting people in ministry and she currently serves at The Christian and Missionary Alliance teaching their roughly 650 international workers how to support raise. Show notes: This is how you can reach Jenny Karr: [email protected] Instagram @jennykarr LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-karr?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Jenny and Rich’s recommended resources from Part A: Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising Nathan Ball, A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition Steve Shadrach, The God Ask Betty Barnett, Friend Raising: Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts Scott Morton, Funding Your Ministry Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Reach out to our team: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DevcKeMTp0Q Topics: Support Raising, Caring for Missions Workers, Member Care, Prayer, Sending Church

Jenny Karr and Rich Noble join us to trace the biblical foundation of support raising, exploring God’s pattern of generosity and provision from the Old Testament through the early church. Together, they consider what Scripture reveals about why God invites His people to participate in providing for those He calls and sends. Rich bio: Richard Noble is the founder and director of the Center for Missional Engagement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and serves as the Global Neighbor Ministries Coordinator at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. Together Richard and Amy raised four children and gained three sons-in-law and five granddaughters along the way. Richard also serves as a missions mobilizer with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, a regional coordinator for the Refugee and Immigrant Network of the C&MA, and adjunct faculty at Crown College and Geneva College. As a missions mobilizer, his main focus is graciously nudging pastors to lead their congregations into missions, as well as encouraging people from all ethnic groups to engage in God’s work around the world. Jenny bio: Jenny Karr has been a fundraising trainer and coach for 13 years, starting while she and her family served as missionaries in Vietnam. That ministry experience developed in Jenny a passion for training, equipping, and supporting people in ministry and she currently serves at The Christian and Missionary Alliance teaching their roughly 650 international workers how to support raise. This is how you can reach Jenny Karr: [email protected] Instagram @jennykarr LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-karr?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Show notes: Jenny and Rich’s recommended resources: Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising Nathan Ball, A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition Steve Shadrach, The God Ask Betty Barnett, Friend Raising: Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts Scott Morton, Funding Your Ministry Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Reach out to our team: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GelYTRUVSSM Topics: Support Raising, Biblical Foundation

Join Heather Dellamater of Global Outreach International as she shares encouraging stories of God's faithfulness and the ways He is growing His Church across the Maasai people in Kenya. Show notes: Learn more about GOI at https://globaloutreach.org Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Topics: Mission Field

Join Shirley Anne Caballero of SIM as she shares encouraging stories of God's faithfulness and the ways He is growing His Church across Paraguay. Bio: Shirley Anne and her husband, Fernando, live in rural Paraguay doing church planting work through outreach to our neighbors and among the Deaf community nearby. Over the last 9 years in Paraguay, Shirley Anne has grown to love the people and the culture, encouraged by seeing the Hope of Jesus reach difficult places. She loves sharing terere, the local tea drink, with friends and relaxing under a mango tree in the summer heat. Show notes: Learn more about SIM at www.simusa.org/connect-with-us/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XTyavvLX8M Topics: Mission Field

Join Alex Logan of SEND International as he shares encouraging stories of God’s faithfulness and the ways He is building His Church across Japan. Bio: Alex and Laura live in Hino, about an hour west of downtown Tokyo, with their three young sons, all of whom were born in Japan. Together they serve in outreach and discipleship as part of the early stages of a church plant, with Alex leading Bible studies and mentoring men while Laura uses her TESOL training, hospitality, and family life to build relationships and create natural opportunities to share the gospel. Show notes: Learn more about SEND International at https://www.send.org/unitedstates Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw7t0jS68cM Topics: Mission Field

Join Abigail Stairs of Greater Europe Mission Canada as she shares encouraging stories of God’s faithfulness and the ways He is building His Church across Scotland. Bio: Abigail lives in the Central Belt of Scotland as a missionary. Her passion for disability ministry and making the church an inclusive space has shaped her ministry. Where she trains and equips churches to be accessible for people with disabilities through trainings, resource development, and leading accessible programs. Show Notes: Learn more about Greater Europe Mission Canada at https://gemission.ca Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyhzzHce1g Topics: Mission Field

As the global Church continues to grow and change, what does faithful partnership look like today? Josh Irby takes us through the life of Barnabas to show how humility, encouragement, and mutual collaboration can reshape the way we send, serve, and work alongside believers around the world. Bio: Josh Irby serves with Cru and is the co-host of The Mission Shift podcast. Josh served on the field in the Balkans for more than a decade. He is the author of The Barnabas Factor, where he explores the biblical model of partnership through the life of Barnabas and encourages the Church to pursue humble, collaborative ministry alongside the global body of Christ. Show Notes: Email [email protected] for the chance to receive a free copy of The Barnabas Factor! Purchase The Barnabas Factor here: The Barnabas Factor: How Crosscultural Partnership Amplifies Global Mission: Borthwick, Paul, Irby,… Listen to The Mission Shift Podcast: https://www.cru.org/communities/city-missionshiftpodcast/ Connect with Josh Irby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshirby/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vM2hOBXWZ4 Topics: Global Church