The Missions Podcast

In this conversation with Ed Smither, we delve into the evangelical tradition of honoring figures like William Carey and Lottie Moon, exploring how we can respect the past without veering into hagiography. Key discussion points include uncovering lesser-known missionaries who inspire, acknowledging the failures of past missions, and learning from historical examples, including Roman Catholic missionary monks. Ed also shares insights from his latest book, Missionary Monks, and the vital lessons modern evangelicals can glean from their legacy. Ed Smither is professor of intercultural studies and history of global Christianity, and dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. He served for 14 years in intercultural ministry in France, North Africa, and the U.S. His books include Christian Martyrdom (2020), Christian Mission: A Concise Global History (2019), and Mission in the Early Church (2014). This show is brought to you in part through partnership with Midwestern Seminary. Learn more about Midwestern and their For the Church Institute at ftcinstitute.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Coming up this week: Ed Smither explains what evangelical missionaries today can learn from the monastic movements of Christendom, despite theological disagreements. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

In this dynamic episode of The Missions Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Voddie Baucham to explore the intersection of education, mission, and Christian culture-building. Dr. Baucham, a respected figure in pastoral work and theological education, currently shaping minds at the African Christian University in Zambia, brings his unique perspective to the table. The discussion navigates through his journey from a non-Christian background to becoming a key influencer in Christian education. We examine how classical Christian education serves as a cornerstone for establishing a robust Christian culture, going beyond mere constitutional declarations of Christianity, as exemplified by Zambia. Delving into the cultural and spiritual landscapes of Zambia and the United States, Dr. Baucham shares the significant challenges and triumphs of his ministry, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to discipleship and theological education. Dr. Voddie T. Baucham, Jr. is a former pastor, church planter, author, and professor, currently lecturing at the African Christian University in Zambia. Raised in a non-Christian home, he converted during college, leading to a distinctive approach in his teachings. Baucham is known for addressing a range of topics, from biblical interpretation to social issues, emphasizing the Bible's relevance to everyday life. He holds degrees from several institutions, including a D.Min. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, Baucham is a martial artist, having opened a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Zambia. He and his wife, Bridget, are parents to nine children and three grandchildren. This show is brought to you in part through partnership with Midwestern Seminary. Learn more about Midwestern and their For the Church Institute at ftcinstitute.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Is missions only for the elite few? Or is there more to being a part of the mission of God, even from the pew? It’s one of the many topics coming up in this Sunday’s conversation with Dr. Voddie Baucham. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

In part two of our insightful discussion with Dr. Glenn Sunshine, we shift our focus to the present, exploring the practical lessons that today's evangelicals can learn from medieval missionary endeavors. Dr. Sunshine, drawing from his extensive study of Christian history, highlights how the methodologies and theological understandings of early missionaries like Saints Boniface and Patrick can inform and inspire current global missions. This episode offers a unique perspective on engaging diverse cultures and contexts, emphasizing the timeless relevance and impact of medieval missions in contemporary evangelism. Dr. Glenn Sunshine, a respected historian and Christian thinker, is the president of Every Square Inch Ministries and a retired professor from Central Connecticut State University. His work with Reflections Ministries and the Colson Center for Christian Worldview has made significant contributions to understanding the Christian worldview. He is the author of several books, including 32 Christians Who Changed Their World, and a cohost on The Theology Pugcast. Dr. Sunshine's global teaching and speaking roles underscore his commitment to applying historical wisdom to modern Christian life​. This show is brought to you in part through partnership with Midwestern Seminary. Learn more about Midwestern and their For the Church Institute at ftcinstitute.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Did earlier generations of Protestants truly fail at the missionary task, as we’ve often been led to believe? This week, we resume our conversation with Glenn Sunshine as we glean lessons from church history for today’s missions endeavors. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Part one of our engaging conversation with Dr. Glenn Sunshine takes us into the heart of medieval missions, focusing on influential figures like Saint Boniface and Saint Patrick. Dr. Sunshine, with his deep knowledge of European history, paints a vivid picture of the missionary landscape during the early medieval period. This episode delves into the strategies, theological perspectives, and historical contexts that defined this era, contrasting them with later missionary movements. Discover the rich heritage and the often-overlooked depth of medieval missions, and understand the misconceptions surrounding these pivotal moments in Christian history. Dr. Glenn Sunshine, the founder and president of Every Square Inch Ministries, is a retired professor of European history from Central Connecticut State University. As a Ministry Associate at Reflections Ministries, and a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Dr. Sunshine is widely recognized for his expertise in integrating Christian faith with historical insights. He is an author of notable books, including the recent 32 Christians Who Changed Their World, and a cohost of The Theology Pugcast. His work spans continents, reflecting his commitment to a global Christian perspective​. Do you love The Missions Podcast? 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 Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast 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@missionspodcast.com.

Coming up: historian Glenn Sunshine sets the record straight on how Christianity has spread through the ages. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

In this festive episode of The Missions Podcast, we unwrap the topic of outreach during the Christmas season and beyond—from shoeboxes to food drives to capital campaigns and, of course, door-to-door caroling. We explore each method’s effectiveness, asking the tough questions: Are we truly meeting needs or just fulfilling our own holiday expectations? Are there better ways to connect, share, and serve during this time of year? How can we ensure our efforts lead to lasting impact rather than just seasonal goodwill? Join us as we rethink how we can truly be a light in our communities during the Advent season. Did you know that there’s a new addition to the ABWE podcast lineup? Search for Cloud of Witnesses in your favorite app, or visit cloudofwitnessespodcast.com. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. You can also watch The Missions Podcast on ABWE’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/abweinternational. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

This week, Alex and Scott talk about how Christian tradition around the holidays can be an evangelistic tool in drawing the lost to the community of faith. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.