Podcasts about missional

It's easy to say we want to live on mission. To make disciples, baptize, and serve the people around us. But if we're honest, most of us are waiting for someone else to do it. In Philippians 2, we see that Jesus didn't hold onto His position — He emptied Himself, became a servant, and humbled Himself to the point of death. His entire life was an expression of humility. And that changes everything for us. In this message, we explore why trying harder isn't enough, how true transformation comes through humility, and why becoming a humble person naturally produces a missional life. When we stop striving and start surrendering, we become the kind of people who lay down their lives for others, just like Jesus did.

Every human being is entrusted with some level of authority, yet we frequently distort this gift by judging others based on our own feelings and preferences. Until God finally arises to "judge the earth," we are called to judge justly, and Psalm 82 shows us how. In this sermon, we explore what it means to do justice in the world.

Prayer is humble submission to God's will and dependence upon His mercy and grace because my faith is rooted in Who God is.

Our daily lives are full of habits and routines that shape who we are becoming. To say it another way: we are liturgical creatures. Some of our life patterns are good; others aren't. In this sermon, we explore Psalm 81's invitation to build a better life liturgy: one that sings to God, tells His story, and submits to His authority.

God transforms me as I read His word, believe it, and live by it daily.

How do you read the Bible? Through what lens? This lesson explores a few of the incomplete habits we have when reading Scripture, a framework Jesus gave to his disciples to view Scripture (Luke 24:25-27, 44-47), and proposed missional hermeneutic. 

Every human being understands the longing to be seen. As Curt Thompson says, “We are all born into this world looking for someone looking for us.” In this sermon, we explore Psalm 80 and its plea to God: "let your face shine that we may be saved." We discover how longing for God's face to shine upon us finds its perfect, saving resolution in the ultimate Shepherd and True Vine, Jesus Christ.

As we allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts and the word of Christ to dwell richly within us, our everyday lives become opportunities to reflect the reign of King Jesus. Whether in our relationships, conversations, work, or service, we are called to do everything in His name. Living on mission begins with a heart surrendered to Christ's rule, allowing His Kingdom values to shape how we think, act, and engage with the people around us each day.

Missional (John Karmakar) | Summer in the Psalms

Those who have faith in the resurrection of Jesus are revolutionaries who change the world.

I can be a true friend to others only when I am secure in Christ.

One of the biggest problems in the world is the problem of "us" versus "them". Our human tendency is to respond to injustice by seeking retribution against our enemies. In this sermon, we explore Psalm 79, written after enemies had destroyed Jerusalem. The Psalm shows us how shifting our gaze from “them” to “us” to "you, O God" empowers us to seek justice while also loving our enemies.

The Lord's Prayer

It's easy to present a curated version of our lives. We often go through the motions, aiming our devotion at worldly idols and missing the profound grace given to those who stop pretending. In this sermon, we explore Psalm 78 and how being ruthlessly realistic about our hearts and lives is the only way to experience the relentless mercy and transforming grace of God.

(AUDIO ONLY, NO VIDEO) The Missional Church (Ephesians 3:8-11)

Every human being has troubles. And sometimes our troubles overwhelm us. We live in a culture that encourages us to turn inward and endlessly process our troubles, yet this self-focused rumination often distorts our theology and leaves us doubting God's goodness. In this sermon, we look at how Psalm 77 calls God's people to shift their gaze from their own internal pain to God's steady faithfulness.

MinistryWatch has long been a proponent of what some call the “New Paradigm” of missions. This New Paradigm has several components, but at its core is the notion that well-trained indigenous missionaries are better positioned to evangelize their neighbors than American missionaries who come from thousands of miles away with little knowledge of the language or culture of the people they hope to evangelize. The Institute for Great Commission Research (IGCR) at California Baptist University recently released “Missional Imagination: How the Next Generation Understands Missions.” Among the “top line” findings of this landmark study is this: “Supporting local Christians in their context is seen as the most trusted model of missions.” The study continued, “This preference reflects a strong concern for cultural legitimacy, partnership, and long-term witness, and signals a shift away from models centered on external control, short-term intervention, or visibility.” The man who led that study is my guest today. Dr. Matthew Niermann serves as Professor of Architecture and Associate Dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design at California Baptist University.  Niermann serves as a director of the Lausanne Movement and editor of the State of the Great Commission Report prepared for the 4th Global Congress in Seoul, Korea in 2024. Niermann holds a Ph.D. in Architectural Design from the University of Michigan, M.A. Apologetics from BIOLA, M.A. Theology and Th.M. of Missiology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.  

In this interview, we hear from Erin Popova who is the Dean of Students of EnterMission. EnterMission is a guided gap year program that seeks to help students navigate life, faith, service, and their future. They partner with domestic and international partners to help their student discover how to live missionally wherever God takes them.

Who is Jesus, according to Jesus? We will answer that question by exploring seven scandalous claims he makes in the Gospel of John, known as the "I AM" statements.In John 15, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine." Often, we focus primarily on His command to "abide." We rightly understand that this passage holds a profound truth about our need to be rooted in Him as our ultimate source of rest and life. However, we sometimes overlook the fact that this text has just as much to say about what we produce. Because we are rooted in the vine, we inevitably "bear fruit" as we participate in the mission of God all around us.Ultimately, this is a message about rest and work—abiding and going. It challenges us to simultaneously dig deep into the source of life and reach out to offer that life to the world around us.

Whether we admit it or not, every human being is prone to fear. We often let the fear of what others think or of what we might lose shape our decisions and responses. In this sermon, we explore Psalm 76 and how cultivating a right fear of God is the only way to stop fearing everything else.

Some parts of the mission just can't be sacrificed.

This week, Alex and Scott tackle a difficult question from a missionary wife who, after experiencing significant trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, family challenges, and cultural stress during overseas service, no longer feels able to return to the mission field while her husband remains convinced they should continue. They explore the realities of missionary hardship, the emotional and spiritual toll of cross-cultural ministry, and the tension that can arise when spouses find themselves at odds over what they believe God is calling them to do. The conversation examines biblical concepts of calling, marriage, submission, family priorities, and the role of the local church in affirming missionary service. Alex and Scott encourage listeners to distinguish between personal desires, genuine calling, and God's providential limitations, while emphasizing that husbands and wives must seek unity, wise counsel, and pastoral guidance when navigating major ministry decisions. Key Topics Covered The emotional, relational, and spiritual impact of missionary trauma and culture shock. How to distinguish between personal desires, ministry ambitions, and biblical calling. The local church's role in affirming, evaluating, and guiding missionary service. Biblical perspectives on marital leadership, submission, and decision-making during disagreement. Balancing ministry commitments with responsibilities to spouse, children, and family health. Practical counsel for couples seeking unity when one spouse wants to continue missions and the other does not. Here's the conversation from Scott Dunford and his wife about missions. Do you love The Missions Show? 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 Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium 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 alex@missionsshow.com.

Whether it be graduation, tax day, or an important holiday, human beings intuitively understand what it means to live in light of a coming date on the calendar. In Psalm 75, God declares that he has appointed a day when he will judge with equity. In this sermon, we explore how living backward from the certainty of Judgment Day sets us free to walk in humility and hope.

Acts 2:1-13 - - Jun 26, 2016

Acts 1:6-11

Woman at the Well // 5-24-26John 4

Every human being wants a framework for a good life, often reducing faith to simply being a moral person, holding the right beliefs, or belonging to a community. But when our willpower fails or our doubts creep in, these superficial definitions leave us exhausted. The gospel subverts our striving by inviting us into a deeply personal union with Christ, where our old, corrupted self is crucified so that the living God can take up residence within us. In this sermon, we explore Galatians 2:20 and what it means for Christianity to be personal.

Launching our "Love Your Street 2026" mission month, this message unpacks Jesus' timeless call to live as both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Discover how pairing a faithful everyday presence with a bold voice for the Gospel can break through fear and bring Christ's transforming hope directly to our neighborhoods.

Living missionally as a family starts with recognizing where God has placed you and being intentional in those everyday spaces. Whether it is running errands, attending playdates, sitting at sports practices, or connecting with neighbors, each moment becomes an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ to others. What if we began each day asking God for divine appointments and open hearts to the people around us?How can we model integrating our values and faith by demonstrating practical ways to serve, give, and engage in the needs in our community? As we live this way, we're also modeling faith for our children. They're watching us learn what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just on Sundays, but in the everyday rhythms of life. Living missionally doesn't require grand gestures; it simply takes hearts that are willing to be intentional, obedient, and led by the Holy Spirit right where God has placed us.Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast-The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson-The Hidding Place by Corrie Ten Boom-God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew-Gifted Hands by Ben Carson-George Meuller the Guardian of Bristol's Orphans

Familiarity with Jesus is not the same thing as following Jesus. Human beings love what is familiar. But familiarity can lead to complacency and apathy. The people of Jesus' hometown missed the miraculous power of God because they couldn't see past the ordinary carpenter they grew up with. In this sermon, we examine three ways to reject Jesus and what it means to actually receive his gracious authority.

Every human being is a disciple or a learner, constantly shaped and trained by the culture around us — from the algorithms on our phones to the expectations of our family of origin or careers. True discipleship, however, requires actively submitting ourselves to the training of Jesus, allowing him to shape our understanding so we can bring out the treasure of his truth to a hungry world. In this sermon, we explore what it means to be a disciple who understands, trains, and shares the ancient and new promises of the gospel.

Erik continues our sermon series on 1 Peter, "Stand Firm In True Grace", with a sermon on 1 Peter 2:11-17. (May 10, 2026)

In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon's newest team member, John Frick, Senior Director of Development, for a thoughtful conversation on stewardship through the lens of Scripture and mission.What begins as a discussion about giving quickly expands into a deeper exploration of what it truly means to live as stewards of everything God has entrusted to us—time, resources, influence, and life itself. Drawing from Jesus' teaching on loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, John unpacks how stewardship is not limited to finances, but is instead a full-life posture of surrender and obedience.He reflects on the biblical foundation of stewardship beginning in creation, where humanity was entrusted with the care of God's world, and how that calling continues today. From there, the conversation turns to how Western Christianity often narrows stewardship into a financial concept, while Scripture presents something far more holistic and transformative.John also shares his perspective on Heart for Lebanon, highlighting how the ministry uniquely integrates both Gospel proclamation and practical care—feeding the hungry while also making disciples, in the spirit of both Matthew 25 and Matthew 28. He describes this as a “holistic Kingdom approach,” one that reflects the way Jesus Himself ministered.Having known Heart for Lebanon's founder Camille Melki for over a decade, John speaks to the ministry's impact in Lebanon and why he felt called to join the team. He emphasizes that what is happening through Heart for Lebanon is far beyond human explanation—evidence of God's hand at work as grassroots leaders are equipped, disciples are made, and communities are transformed.The episode closes with a challenge to listeners: to step into where God is already at work. As John echoes Henry Blackaby's well-known principle, stewardship ultimately becomes about joining God in His mission and faithfully offering Him all that we have.Show NotesWhat is Biblical Stewardship?Stewardship includes far more than moneyRooted in Jesus' command to love God fully (heart, soul, strength)Everything we have belongs to GodDiscipleship is lived through obedience, not partial surrenderA Whole-Life Understanding of StewardshipTime, talent, influence, and resources all belong to GodTithing is not the limit of obedience—it is the beginning of surrenderTrue stewardship flows from recognizing God as the owner of all thingsBiblical FoundationsCreation mandate: humanity called to steward God's worldGenesis shows stewardship continues even after the FallJesus' teaching: “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?”Heart for Lebanon's Model of MinistryIntegrates physical care and Gospel proclamationReflects both Matthew 25 (compassion) and Matthew 28 (disciple-making)Built on a holistic Kingdom vision, not separated ministriesKingdom Impact in LebanonGod is raising up grassroots leadersDiscipleship happens in homes and communitiesGrowth is described as beyond human explanation—“punching above its weight”A Call to ParticipationFind where God is already at workJoin Him rather than trying to lead independentlyStewardship is ultimately about obedience and participation in God's missionKey TakeawayStewardship is not about managing a portion of what we own—it is about surrendering all of who we are and joining God in what He is already doing.Connect & Pray With Us

Most church leaders are leading inside a model they never chose and rarely understand. In this episode, Todd Wilson, founder of Exponential, walks through the true history of the modern church: Church Growth, Seeker Sensitive, Attractional, Missional—and what's coming next.  This is the seminary class no one got, but every church leader needs.

What happens when you visit 33 different churches in a year? Richard Riccardi, author of The Wandering Worshipper, shares his journey of exploring worship spaces, the surprising power of radical hospitality, and how authentic community can transform even the most unexpected visitor.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Richard Riccardi describes walking into 33 places of worship and discovering that churches are gardeners of fruitful communities.Churches serve as places where everyone can belong, and everyone needs a place to belong.Richard Riccardi intentionally attended a wide variety of worship services, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Baha'i gatherings.A welcoming environment across different places of worship made a strong positive impression, regardless of faith tradition.Richard Riccardi recounts a rare instance where a welcome felt too aggressive, serving as a caution about coming on too strong with visitors.Church members often believe their enthusiastic friendliness is always positive, but it can sometimes overwhelm newcomers.Experiences of deep hospitality and acceptance can transcend racial, cultural, and religious boundaries.Richard Riccardi explains that styles of worship that encourage relationship and participation engaged him more than rigid, predictable rituals.A diversity of approaches is needed in church messaging and environment to reach both newcomers and longtime members.Markus Watson and Richard Riccardi discuss the importance of “sacred listening” and tailoring responses to visitors' backgrounds and spiritual needs.Being sensitive about criticizing other faiths or denominations can foster genuine community and dialogue.Authentic community in churches is demonstrated when people support each other in times of need, as seen in the care Richard Riccardi's mother received near the end of her life.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINK:Richard RiccardiWebsite - https://thewanderingworshiper.com/Books mentioned:The Wandering Worshipper, by Richard RiccardiBeyond Thingification, by Markus WatsonRelated episodes:167. Called to Each Other218. Trust, Teams, and Transformational Leadership222. Building a Multi-Inclusive ChurchSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Who is Jesus, according to Jesus? We will answer that question by exploring seven scandalous claims he makes in the Gospel of John, known as the "I AM" statements.In John 8, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world." Interestingly, this is the only "I AM" statement he also attributes to his followers (Matt. 5:14). We are called to be the light of the world as we walk alongside the ultimate Light.The interactions surrounding this claim demonstrate that light reveals what is hidden—not to destroy, but to restore; not to shame, but to heal. We can only effectively fulfill our calling to be "light" if we first step into that light ourselves, experiencing the full weight of Jesus' love and grace.

Being in the church is not the same thing as being in God's kingdom. Everyone sorts. Whether it's laundry, your recycling, or the people you spend time with, most of us have a deep-rooted instinct to sort the things in our lives. Through the parable of the net, Jesus warns that this period of grace will eventually give way to a final sorting. In this sermon, we explore the importance of responding to Jesus' kingdom invitation while there is still time.

In this episode, we break down a practical framework for moving from church activity to real mission through a balanced missional ecosystem. Instead of viewing church as a collection of programs, we explore four connected spaces that help people be encountered, discipled, and ultimately multiplied.We talk through how mission happens in everyday life, how relational environments help people explore faith, and how intentional discipling spaces lead to real transformation. We also highlight the role of gathered worship as a place of encounter and alignment.If you're looking to move beyond busyness and lead people into deeper discipleship and multiplication, this episode offers both clarity and practical direction.

The kingdom of heaven is irresistible to those who find it. We all seek something — a career, a relationship, or status — that makes life's sacrifices feel worthwhile and brings us joy. But when we glimpse the incomparable value of Jesus, "selling everything" no longer feels like a sacrifice; it becomes irresistible. In this sermon, we examine the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, and the irresistible joy found in Christ and his kingdom.

Jesus invites us into a life of hopeful realism. To be human is to wrestle with the presence of evil in a world we wish were different. We often feel an urgent pressure to "fix" the world by taking matters into our own hands. Yet Jesus, through the parable of the wheat and weeds, offers a path of hopeful realism. In this sermon, we explore the nature of hopeful realism as the kingdom develops from small beginnings into a global harvest.

We can be faithful because we've been forgiven, we can be teachable because we're secure in Jesus, and we can be filled because his Spirit now lives in us. Pastor Alex Hitchens continues our series through Acts—and delivers his first Reality LA sermon!—with a teaching from Acts 18:18 - 19:10.

A fruitful life comes from standing under the word of God.Every human is listening to someone or something. And how we listen to the word of God makes all the difference. In this sermon, we explore Jesus' famous Parable of the Sower, which shows what happens when the seed of the gospel lands on the soil of our hearts. In this parable, Jesus teaches that a fruitful life comes from standing under the word of God. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Pastoral ministry is both a sacred joy and a heavy burden. Kurt Fredrickson, Associate Dean for Professional Doctoral Programs at Fuller Seminary, discusses the struggles pastors face, how church leadership is shifting in a changing culture, and why creating life-giving congregational environments matters more than ever.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson introduces the episode by referencing the book That Their Work Will Be a Joy and asks why it needed to exist.Kurt Fredrickson describes how the book originated from pastors resonating deeply with the challenges and joys of ministry in a seminary lunch discussion.Ministry is tough and filled with conflicts on the outside and fears within, as reflected in Paul's writings.Despite challenges, pastors find joy in being gripped by God and walking with people through both the best and hardest moments of life.Markus Watson shares his personal experience of moving through seasons of fear and joy in ministry, appreciating moments of goodness and kindness in congregational life.Ministry leaders enter sacred spaces in people's lives, highlighting the privilege of bringing gospel and good news during life's milestones and struggles.The Doctor of Ministry program provides “fire for ministry” and “oxygen for your soul,” supporting pastors with new skills and spiritual renewal.The Doctor of Global Leadership degree equips marketplace leaders and executives to integrate faith with work by tackling practical ministry challenges in their workplace.Pastors face unique challenges, including constant 24/7 expectations from both themselves and their congregations, often making it difficult to “take off the uniform.”Kurt Fredrickson shares an honest story of vulnerability with another pastor, revealing the value of mutual support and truthful conversations.Cohort-based models in Doctor of Ministry programs foster deep relationships and provide safe spaces for pastors to remove their masks and find encouragement.Ministry flows from the inside out, and leaders must be in a healthy place themselves to minister well and avoid causing harm within congregational cultures.Every congregation possesses its own culture, shaped by leaders, and has the potential to be either kind and life-giving or toxic and harmful.Being vulnerable as a pastoral leader is necessary, but requires discernment, as oversharing can sometimes lead to painful repercussions.Kurt Fredrickson emphasizes that pastors ultimately seek internal growth and love within their congregations, and asks congregants to be kind as pastors strive to embody what they teach.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Kurt Fredrickson – kurtf@fuller.eduFuller Doctor of Ministry ProgramFuller Doctor of Global Leadership ProgramBooks mentioned:That Their Work Will Be a Joy, by Kurt Fredrickson and Cameron LeeRelated episodes:103. Willingness to Adapt: The Church After Covid, with Kurt Fredrickson and Cameron Lee109. Leadership as Learning, Part 2: Coaches and Cohorts, with Tod Bolsinger113. Flourishing Leadership, wSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the ground of all Christian hope. Because Jesus conquered death, we will too — that's the conviction that has unified and strengthened Christians around the world and across the ages. In this Easter 2026 sermon, we examine what 1 Corinthians 15 reveals about the implications of Jesus' resurrection.

How should we relate to Jesus? Not by holding out or cleaning up, but by drawing near.Not everyone who knows ABOUT Jesus knows Jesus. It's possible to be religious, to know the Bible, to participate in church activities — and still remain outside God's family. In Matthew 12, religious leaders demand signs from Jesus, yet they miss what's right in front of them. In this sermon, we explore three different ways of relating to Jesus: holding out, cleaning up, or drawing near.