The Missions Show

In this special episode of The Missions Show, recorded at Missionary 2026, Alex and Scott sit down with veteran missionary and Radius International leader Brad Buser to discuss the challenges of developing biblical leadership on the mission field. Drawing from his 20 years of church planting among the Eteddi people of Papua New Guinea, Buser emphasizes the importance of patience, discipleship, and spiritual maturity when raising up indigenous church leaders. He challenges modern missions methodologies that prioritize rapid multiplication, explaining why godly character, biblical qualifications, and long-term faithfulness must take precedence over natural leadership ability or quick results. The conversation also explores one of the most difficult aspects of missionary work: knowing when and how to leave. Buser explains why missionaries must intentionally prepare local believers to take ownership of their churches while resisting the temptation to leave prematurely or create unhealthy dependence. Ultimately, this episode offers practical wisdom for missionaries, pastors, and church leaders seeking to build healthy, sustainable churches that will continue faithfully proclaiming the gospel for generations. Key Topics: Developing Biblical Church Leaders: Why spiritual maturity and godly character matter more than natural leadership abilities. The Danger of Rapid Church Planting: Examining the weaknesses of speed-driven missions methodologies and premature leadership appointments. Preparing Indigenous Churches for Independence: Equipping local believers to take ownership of their churches and raise up future generations of leaders. Knowing When to Leave the Mission Field: Balancing the dangers of leaving too early with the need to avoid long-term dependency on missionaries. The Emotional Cost of Missionary Transitions: Navigating grief, lost relationships, cultural readjustment, and the challenges of returning home. Endurance and Long-Term Faithfulness: Why effective missions requires perseverance, deep relationships, and a lifelong commitment to the church. Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

In this special episode of The Missions Show, recorded live at Missionary 2026, Alex and Scott sit down with missionary and author Paul Schlehlein to explore the cost of following Christ and the lasting impact of faithful missionaries. Drawing from his years of ministry in Africa and his study of Scottish missionary John Paton, Paul shares how the examples of past missionaries can inspire Christians today. From Paton’s remarkable courage in the face of suffering to his commitment to preaching the gospel, Paul highlights why missionary biographies should do more than inform us, they should inspire us to act. Paul also shares practical lessons from raising nine children on the mission field, planting churches led by local believers, and reaching communities where the gospel has yet to take root. He discusses the importance of patient evangelism, the role of family worship in raising future missionaries, and the need for more gospel workers in Africa. Key Topics: How stewardship and gratitude for God’s blessings can motivate missions Lessons in courage, suffering, and faithfulness from missionary John Paton Why missionary biographies can inspire the next generation of gospel workers Raising a family on the mission field and navigating the risks of missionary life Planting self-sustaining churches through patient evangelism and discipleship Why Africa still needs missionaries and the challenges of reaching underserved communities Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

What does it mean to boldly proclaim the gospel in a culture that often rejects biblical truth? In this episode of The Missions Show, hosts Alex and Scott talk with evangelist, church planter, and author Ryan Denton about recovering the art of pleading with unbelievers to repent and trust in Christ. Drawing from his experience in prison ministry, open-air preaching, and church planting, Ryan shares why direct gospel proclamation remains essential and how he has seen a growing openness to bold evangelism, especially among younger generations. Ryan also discusses his new book, Turn, Dear Reader: The Call of Christ to a Dying World, and the importance of addressing difficult questions without losing sight of the gospel. From doubts about Scripture to cultural debates over sexuality and politics, he explains how Christians can engage thoughtfully with unbelievers while keeping the conversation focused on sin, salvation, and the hope found in Jesus Christ. This conversation challenges believers, pastors, and missionaries to proclaim the gospel with courage, compassion, and confidence in God's power to save. Key Topics Recovering bold, biblical evangelism and the art of pleading with unbelievers Lessons from open-air preaching, prison ministry, and church planting Growing cultural openness to gospel proclamation, especially among young adults Addressing objections to Christianity while keeping the gospel central Balancing cultural understanding with a clear call to repentance and faith Sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

What does it take to go from feeling called to missions to actually reaching the field? And how can you trust God through the challenges of raising support? In this episode of The Missions Show, hosts Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford welcome Ken Lorow, Director of PreField Ministry at ABWE, who helps prepare and coach new missionaries. Together, they discuss the steps toward missionary service, the biblical foundation for raising support, and why having someone walk alongside you can make all the difference. Through personal stories of God's faithfulness, including a young boy's gift of two pennies, Ken shares how God uses the support-raising journey to build faith, deepen relationships, and prepare missionaries for long-term ministry. They also offer practical advice for inviting others to partner in missions and explain why prefield ministry is about much more than raising funds. Whether you're exploring a call to missions or preparing to go, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step in faith. Key Topics How ABWE coaches prepare and support missionaries before and after reaching the field Why raising financial support is biblical and an invitation to partner in God's work Stories of God's provision during seasons of uncertainty Practical tips for building relationships and inviting ministry partners How prefield ministry builds faith, confidence, and spiritual maturity The value of prayer, church partnerships, and depending on the body of Christ Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

How should missionaries teach deep biblical truth in cultures where storytelling, rather than reading, is the main way people learn? In this week's episode, Alex and Scott explore “character theology”—using the people, events, and overarching story of Scripture to help believers understand who God is and what he has done. They discuss why missionaries should resist choosing between biblical stories and systematic theology. Instead, the stories of Scripture can give life and context to doctrines that might otherwise seem abstract. Alex and Scott also consider what this means for pastors, teachers, and everyday Christians. From God’s holiness to Christ’s finished work, the Bible teaches theology through a sweeping story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. By becoming better biblical storytellers, Christians can help people better understand sound doctrine, see how all of Scripture points to Christ, and grasp the good news in a way that engages both the mind and the heart. Key Topics: Teaching theology in oral and preliterate cultures Balancing Bible storytelling with systematic theology How Scripture’s stories reveal the character of God Using chronological Bible storytelling in missions Connecting the Bible’s overarching story to Christ Applying biblical storytelling in preaching, discipleship, and evangelism Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

What is God’s mission—and how does the church fit into it? Christians often talk about being “on mission,” but before asking what we should do, we need to understand what God is doing. In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Justin Schell, author of The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church, about the biblical story of God revealing himself and drawing people into communion with him. From Genesis to the Great Commission, they trace how God’s desire to dwell with his people shapes our understanding of both the church and missions. The conversation also explores the church’s role as God’s witness in the world. Good works can display something true about God, but people need the proclaimed gospel to know the saving work of Jesus Christ. Rather than viewing the church simply as a tool for accomplishing mission, Schell explains how God’s mission leads to a people who know him, worship him, and invite others to share in that joy. Key Topics: What we mean by “the mission of God” God’s desire for communion with his people Why the church is more than a means to accomplish mission The church’s calling to bear witness to Christ The relationship between good works and gospel proclamation How the Great Commission fits into the whole story of Scripture Explore your calling to global missions at ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO event. These events, held throughout the year, help individuals and churches explore how they can help fulfill the Great Commission and explore God's calling on their life and church. Learn more at https://demo.abwe.org. Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

In the final installment of the Defining the Missionary Task series, Alex and Scott explore what it means to entrust the mission to others. The missionary task doesn’t end when people are evangelized, churches are established, and leaders are equipped. Healthy churches should grow into sending churches—taking responsibility for making disciples, planting churches, and carrying the gospel to other peoples and places. But multiplication rarely happens overnight. Alex and Scott discuss why lasting missions movements are built through patient, faithful work rooted in Scripture rather than shortcuts or strategies designed to produce quick results. Missionaries must lay strong foundations while trusting God for the fruit, helping churches mature enough to carry the mission forward. The result is a growing, global partnership in which churches that once received missionaries become churches that send them. Key Topics Entrusting the Great Commission to local churches and leaders Why healthy churches should become sending churches Pursuing multiplication through patient, faithful ministry Building strong biblical foundations for future generations Balancing the needs of mature churches with reaching the unreached Measuring faithfulness without relying only on numbers or quick results Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

Are missionaries doing their job if they never work themselves out of one? In part three of the Defining the Missionary Task series, Alex and Scott turn to a vital part of church planting: equipping local leaders. Healthy churches need qualified men who can shepherd, teach, and lead God’s people. Drawing from Jesus’ example with the disciples and Paul’s investment in leaders like Timothy and Titus, they discuss why missionaries must do more than carry out ministry themselves. They must prepare others to carry it forward. Alex and Scott explore how missionaries can identify, train, and gradually entrust responsibility to local leaders without abandoning them or holding on to control. They discuss the importance of biblical and theological training, character, mentorship, teamwork, and giving developing leaders room to grow and make mistakes. Ultimately, equipping leaders is about preparing faithful believers who can shepherd healthy churches, raise up more leaders, and help the gospel continue to spread. Key Topics Why healthy churches need equipped local leaders Analysis of Jesus’ and Paul’s models for developing leaders Knowing when to release responsibility to local leaders Training leaders without paternalism or condescension Prioritizing biblical knowledge, character, and hands-on mentorship Preparing leaders to equip the next generation Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

Why must missionaries seek to establish churches? In part two of a four-part series on the missionary task, Alex and Scott move from evangelism to the next step: establishing healthy local churches. They explore why the church is not a Western institution or an optional addition to missions, but central to God’s plan for his people. Those who trust in Christ are saved into a community where believers gather to hear God’s word, observe baptism and the Lord’s Supper, care for one another, and grow together in faith. Alex and Scott also discuss what a biblical church can look like across cultures and why missionaries should focus on more than seeing individuals come to faith. Without healthy churches, new believers can lack the teaching, leadership, fellowship, and accountability they need to mature and reach others with the gospel. And while not every missionary will serve as a church planter or pastor, every missionary can use his or her gifts to help establish and strengthen local churches that worship God and make disciples. Key Topics Why establishing churches is central to the missionary task What Scripture teaches about the nature and purpose of the church The biblical marks of a healthy local church Adapting church forms across cultures without losing biblical foundations The dangers of making disciples without establishing healthy churches How every missionary can play a role in church planting and growth Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].

What is at the heart of the missionary task? In the first episode of a four-part series, Alex and Scott explore why essential to the missionary calling is that they must clearly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and call people to repent and believe. While mercy ministries, relationships, and other forms of service have an important place in missions, they cannot replace sharing the gospel in words. Alex and Scott also discuss what faithful evangelism looks like across cultures. Missionaries must learn the language, understand how people view God and sin, ask good questions, and patiently help people understand the story of Scripture. Yet cultural sensitivity should never become an excuse for silence. Whether the fruit comes quickly or takes years, missionaries are called to faithfully make Christ known and trust God with the results. Key Topics Why evangelism is essential to the missionary task Proclaiming the gospel through both words and actions Calling people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ Overcoming fear, rejection, and distractions in evangelism Sharing the gospel clearly across languages and cultures Using the story of Scripture to build a foundation for understanding the gospel Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon. Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow. 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 [email protected].