The Missions Podcast

Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford
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Jun 21, 2023 • 42sec

What Romans 1 Means for Apologetics Today

Coming up this Sunday: how can missionaries do apologetics in today’s chaotic cultural landscape? What apologetic methodologies are most faithful to Scripture? Alex Kocman explores. 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.
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Jun 19, 2023 • 48min

China and the Future of Missions

In this episode of The Missions Podcast, tensions between the United States and China take center stage as Scott and Alex delve into the geopolitical rivalry’s impact on Christian workers in both countries with a world-class expert. With de-globalization and changing trends on the horizon, they explore the challenges missionaries face and offer strategies for effective navigation. From potential implications on religious freedom to long-term outcomes of these tensions, discover how missionaries can contribute to reconciliation and understanding between two cultures and nations. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on adapting strategies, fostering positive relationships, and preparing for potential challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of US-China relations. 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.
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Jun 16, 2023 • 48sec

We Can’t Be So Risk-Averse That We Do Nothing

Coming up, an expert guest sheds light on the unavoidable risks faced by missionaries in their work, particularly in the context of the rising tensions between the United States and China. Join us as we uncover the challenges, resilience, and unwavering faith required to navigate these risks and fulfill the call of spreading the gospel. 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.
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Jun 11, 2023 • 46min

Exposing Pastoral Blindspots: Paul Davis on Common Missions Mistakes

In this episode of the Missions Podcast, hosts Alex and Scott engage in a compelling conversation with ABWE President Paul Davis, delving into the blindspots that pastors often encounter when it comes to missions. Paul shares his observations and experiences from working with global teams and local churches, highlighting recurring areas where mission teams and church leaders tend to overlook important aspects of missionary support and care. From issues of over and under accountability to the impact of leadership transitions and church struggles on missionaries, Paul offers valuable insights to help pastors and church leaders navigate these blindspots and better understand the needs of their missionaries. For more resources and information, visit paulldavis.com. 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 this episode 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.
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Jun 9, 2023 • 46sec

What We Get Wrong About Accountability

Coming up: ABWE President Paul Davis joins us to explore a number of blindspots pastors and other church leaders have in dealing with their missionaries, including the complicated web of relationships involved in accountability. 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.
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Jun 5, 2023 • 31min

Why the Ascension Matters for Missionaries: Tim Bertolet

We explore the fascinating and often overlooked connections between the Book of Hebrews and the atonement of Jesus. Hebrews scholar Dr. Tim Bertolet, navigates the relationship between the cross, resurrection, and the ascension, particularly highlighting the significance of Jesus’ ascension for those well-versed in the power of the cross and resurrection but less familiar with the implications of the ascension. Discover how the ascension of Jesus influences missions, including the establishment of his reign over the nations, the transformative power of his intercession, and the outpouring of spiritual gifts on his people. You can watch the video version of this week’s episode at youtube.com/watch?v=N9qLrpAhfoY. 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 this episode 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.
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May 28, 2023 • 54min

The Cross in Context? Exploring Atonement and Contextualization with Brad Vaughn

Engage in a thought-provoking continuation of The Missions Podcast as we delve into the ideas presented by Brad Vaughn in his book The Cross in Context. Join hosts Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford as they explore various perspectives on the relationship between Christianity and Western culture, the diverse metaphors of sin and Christ’s atonement, and the significance of honor, shame, holiness, and purity in relation to the cross. Through engaging dialogue, we critically examine these viewpoints, challenging and offering alternative insights. Gain a deeper understanding of contextualization’s impact on theology and the importance of cross-cultural understanding of atonement. Tune in as we respectfully navigate these discussions. Brad Vaughn (f.k.a. Jackson Wu) worked for 15 years in East Asia, first as a church planter, then as a professor for a seminary for Chinese pastors. He serves on the Asian/Asian-American Theology Steering Committee for the Evangelical Theological Society. His books include The Cross in Context, Seeking God’s Face, Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, and Saving God’s Face. 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 this episode 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.
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May 24, 2023 • 49sec

Is All Theology ‘Contextual’?

This week, we’re continuing our discussion with Brad Vaughn. Subscribe now and stay tuned for a hard-hitting sit-down about contextualization, biblical theology, and the nature of the atonement through an honor-shame lens. 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.
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May 21, 2023 • 50min

Saving God’s Face? A Dialogue With Brad Vaughn on Honor and Shame

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Brad Vaughn, previously known as Jackson Wu. With his book Saving God's Face as the backdrop, we explore the concept of sin as a violation of God's honor, the overlap between Chinese and biblical culture, and the distinct differences in how Westerners and Asians understand honor and shame. Prepare to be captivated as they unravel the intricacies of honor, shame, and cultural perspectives, shedding new light on the timeless truths of the faith. Brad Vaughn (f.k.a. Jackson Wu) worked for 15 years in East Asia, first as a church planter, then as a professor for a seminary for Chinese pastors. He serves on the Asian/Asian-American Theology Steering Committee for the Evangelical Theological Society. His books include The Cross in Context, Seeking God's Face, Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, and Saving God's Face. Also in this episode: 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 this episode 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.
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May 19, 2023 • 42sec

Honor, Shame, and the Atonement

Missiologist and author Brad Vaughan, also known under his pseudonym Jackson Wu, shares his perspectives this week on honor, shame, and the nature of Christ’s death—including some opinions that have proven controversial in both missiological and theological circles. 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.

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