

The Missions Podcast
Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford
The Missions Podcast answers hard questions about theology, missions, and practice to help goers think and thinkers go. We are conservative, evangelical, and gospel-centered.
The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE International, a missions agency with a force of about 1,000 workers serving across 70 countries with a focus on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.
The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE International, a missions agency with a force of about 1,000 workers serving across 70 countries with a focus on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2023 • 27min
Why Penal Substitutionary Atonement? Aubrey Sequeira | Radius 2023
Is penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) a necessary, biblical doctrine, or is it an outgrowth of Western legal thinking? Is PSA on equal footing with honor- and shame-based approaches explanations of the cross, or is it a gospel non-negotiable? In this next exclusive from the 2023 Radius Conference, Aubrey Sequeira, pastor of Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi, explains the importance of this doctrine, responding in depth to the work of Brad Vaughn (f.k.a. Jackson Wu).
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jul 25, 2023 • 18min
Why Reach Japan? Joel Diffenderfer Shares | Radius 2023
What is the state of the church in Japan, and why is it sometimes regarded as the “graveyard” of missions? In our next installment from the 2023 Radius Conference, ABWE Missionary Joel Diffenderfer explains the island’s strategic significance for the Open Initiative, a program to prioritize often-overlooked unreached people groups.
Learn more at open.abwe.org.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jul 24, 2023 • 11min
Jonathan Master on the Missional Legacy of Old Princeton | Radius 2023
When we think of the legacy of old Princeton Theological Seminary—producing such towering spiritual giants as the Hodges and Warfields—we rarely think about their contribution to global missions. Yet, far from restricting themselves to ivory towers, these theologians were deeply concerned with the Great Commission. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Seminary, explains why in this exclusive interview from the 2023 Radius Conference.
Learn more about Greenville Seminary’s partnership with Radius International at gbts.edu/radius.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jul 23, 2023 • 14min
Chad Vegas on the Clarity of the Gospel | Radius 2023
We speak often about the need to right methods. But missions also depends upon having the right message. In our first exclusive interview from the 2023 Radius Conference, Pastor Chad Vegas joins to discuss the vision behind their conference theme: the clear gospel.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jul 16, 2023 • 36min
Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide: Advice from Tori Haverkamp for Parents and Grandparents
Are you a parent or grandparent grappling with the idea of your child or grandchild pursuing a missionary calling? Do you find yourself filled with questions and concerns about how to support them effectively? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, our host Scott Dunford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tori Haverkamp, founder of Parents of Goers Ministries and author of the new book Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide.
Tori, a mother of a missionary herself, brings her wealth of experience and empathy to the table as she shares insights on how parents and grandparents can send well. With over 30 years of ministry experience and a Master's degree in Theological Studies, Tori's wisdom and practical advice will help guide you through the challenging journey of supporting your loved ones in their missionary endeavors. Tune in as Tori shares her personal story, addresses common concerns, and sheds light on the process of sending well. Don’t miss this episode packed with invaluable guidance for those seeking to understand and navigate the “missionary mama” journey.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jul 12, 2023 • 53sec
The Holy Privilege of Raising MKs
In this week’s episode, Tori Haverkamp, author of The Missionary Mama's Survival Guide, shares why raising missionary kids on the field is not an inconvenience but an immense privilege and blessing.
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.

Jul 9, 2023 • 2min
What We’re Up To
No new episode this week, but stay tuned for an exciting series of exclusives that we captured while at the Radius Conference at the end of June. See you next week!
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jul 2, 2023 • 51min
Responding to the ‘No Shortcut to Success’ Controversy
In this thought-provoking episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott and Alex delve into a critical review of Matt Rhodes' book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes' response to the review. While they agree on various key points, such as the importance of deep language learning and solid biblical training, they also raise points of concern. Is slowness a virtue in missions? Should short-term missions focus on evangelism outside the heart language? What is the right balance between relational and cold contact evangelism? Join the conversation as they navigate these questions and encourage listeners to approach discussions with other believers lovingly and to think beyond labels and buzzwords.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.

Jun 30, 2023 • 48sec
About That ‘No Shortcuts’ Review…
This week, Scott and Alex wrestle with the critical review of Matt Rhodes' book, No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions, followed by Rhodes' response to the review. Be sure to tune in.
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.

Jun 25, 2023 • 1h
Apologetics in a Chaotic World
How should believers defend their faith in an increasingly hostile culture? And which apologetic methodology is most faithful to the spirit of Scripture? Join Alex Kocman as he explores the controversial topic of apologetics in a supposedly post-Christian context, exploring the Christian’s marching orders in 1 Peter 3:15 and evaluating classical, evidentialist, and presuppositional apologetics in light of God’s Word.
Also: Cloud of Witnesses is an upcoming podcast coming to the ABWE network. Learn more at 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.