Podcasts about premium subscribers

After two days of home repair nightmares, I am back with your Midnight Air and I might be going to West Virginia! I’ve also got stories from my trip to North Carolina, a gripe to pick with my Midwesterners, your emails, and my thoughts on Season 1 of Widows Bay! Plus the Holi-days like National Knife Day and the News From Germania! Bonus for Premium Subscribers of The Midnight Air, I have a very chill installment of “car windows down summer banger songs!” Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at mailto:themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Should Christians want to be losers? In this episode of The Missions Show, hosts Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford talk with pastor and author D. Michael Clary about the ideas behind his book, Loser Theology. Clary challenges the belief that Christians are somehow more faithful when they are suffering, struggling, or losing. Scripture teaches believers how to endure hardship faithfully, but that does not mean suffering should become the goal. For missionaries and ministry leaders, this distinction matters: faithfulness may require sacrifice, but Christians should not seek hardship simply to prove their devotion to Christ. The conversation also explores a healthier view of success in missions. Faithful ministry often means years of patient work with little visible fruit, and results ultimately belong to God. Yet that truth should not lead Christians to passivity. God calls his people to take initiative, use the gifts and opportunities he has given them, proclaim the gospel, love their neighbors, and pursue the Great Commission with courage. Key Topics: Why suffering should not become a measure of Christian faithfulness The danger of romanticizing martyrdom and difficult ministry How missionaries can remain faithful when they see little visible fruit Balancing God's sovereignty with human initiative and responsibility Why ordinary, faithful Christian service has eternal value Taking risks for the Great Commission while trusting God with the results 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.

Creepy things are afoot in Germania, WI! Plus I finally tell you about going to the biggest Sports Card show in the world and I read some messages from the mailbag along with covering the Holi-Days like National Topless Day. Bonus for Premium Subscribers of The Midnight Air, I have another installment in my “car windows down summer banger songs” for you to hear. It’s one of my favorites! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at mailto:themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

If the world is ending, why bother with missions? This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined in the ABWE studio by Benjamin Vrbicek, lead teaching pastor of Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and author of The Restoration of All Things (Baker Books). For most Christians, the doctrine of last things produces anxiety, charts, and headline-watching rather than comfort. Benjamin came to the subject the hard way, studying every major view of Christ’s return for his own ordination, and came out the other side convinced that the biggest truth in Scripture ought to be the brightest one. Together they trace what that hope does to the missionary task. If history is moving toward a designed conclusion rather than circling endlessly, then the work we leave unfinished is not brass polished on a sinking ship but the beginning of something Christ will complete. They talk through why the classic rapture passage lands on “therefore encourage one another,” how the promise of final justice gives wronged and weary believers room to forgive, and how to live ready for Christ to return today while still planning to disciple the nations for generations. Key Topics: Why studying every major view of Christ’s return for his ordination made the biggest truth the brightest truth How a designed end to history, rather than an endless cycle, reframes the missionary task Why 1 Thessalonians 4, the classic rapture passage, lands on “therefore encourage one another” How the promise of final justice helps suffering believers and abandoned missionaries forgive and endure Holding imminence and long-term faithfulness together: living ready while planning to disciple the nations for generations How to pastor people away from newspaper eschatology toward the blessed hope of Christ’s presence and the resurrection of the body 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.

I’m sitting in front of a River in Wisconsin to give you some Midnight Air! Tonight I’ve got messages from listeners, a story about my newest vinyl record and my personal Top-10 Live-Action Movie Villains! Plus the Holi-Days like National Bring Back Romance Week and the News From Germania thanks to our friend, Ronda! Bonus for Premium Subscribers of The Midnight Air, I’ve got my review of the Season 3 finale of House of The Dragon. Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at mailto:themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Does it take more than a calling to be a missionary? This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined by Matt Bennett and Ryan Robertson, co-authors of The Path to Being a Missionary, to explore a question that often gets overlooked: not simply, “Am I called?” but “Am I qualified?” Together, they discuss why churches should assess aspiring missionaries based on biblical character, sound doctrine, and proven competency rather than personal desire alone. Their conversation also looks at encouraging trends in missions today, including a renewed emphasis on theology, the local church, and careful missionary preparation. Matt and Ryan challenge churches to invest in developing future missionaries over time, helping them grow in character, convictions, and ministry skills before they are sent. Key Topics: Why qualification matters as much as a desire to serve in missions The difference between a missionary “calling” and a missionary aspiration How churches can better evaluate and prepare missionary candidates The role of character, convictions, and competency in missionary readiness Why God's glory—not simply human lostness—is the primary motivation for missions Practical encouragement for aspiring missionaries who are still preparing for future service 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.

Well I may be the ugliest hitch-hiker on the road but I’m back in the studio and reading your messages in the Midnight Mailbag, updating you on my injury, and covering the Holi-Days like National Hand Holding Day. And we close it out with Ronda and The Tribune! Bonus for Premium Subscribers of The Midnight Air, I give you my thoughts on seeing a movie in ScreenX and my feelings about the Hollywood Arclight Cinemas location! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at mailto:themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Four years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, daily life is still marked by air raid alerts, uncertainty, and loss. Yet ABWE missionary Mike Gustafson and Pastor Zhenya Yashchenko share how God continues to build his church in the midst of the conflict. They discuss the realities of serving while missiles fall, caring for families under constant stress, and shepherding a church whose members have been drafted to the front lines. Despite the hardships, the gospel is reaching people who are searching for lasting hope. Through humanitarian outreach, church planting, and faithful gospel witness, many are hearing the good news for the first time and finding new life in Christ. Mike and Zhenya also share how believers around the world can pray, support local churches, and stand alongside their brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they continue the work of making disciples. Key Topics Living and serving faithfully during war How local churches are meeting physical and spiritual needs Stories of lives transformed by the gospel in Ukraine Church planting and leadership development despite the ongoing war Prayer and partnership opportunities for believers worldwide Why now is still a strategic time for ministry in Ukraine Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org. 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.

Big news about the public version of this podcast feed at the start of this episode, plus I tell you all about Hub City Comedy Week and the man I “met” at 2AM. There’s also our Holi-Days like National Wine and Cheese Day and you all get a shout out from Ronda in The Tribune! And for Premium Subscribers of The Midnight Air, I have another instalment of my 1990’s Summer Windows-Down Bangers! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at mailto:themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

After being tortured by Priceline and injured in Chicago, this episode is finally out! I tell you the whole story from the lowest points of my last week but we still have a great time! Plus there’s our Holi-Days like National Tattoo Day and as always we’ve got Ronda and The Tribune! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at mailto:themidnightmailbag@gmail.com! And for Premium Subscribers of The Midnight Air, I give my midseason review of The House Of The Dragon and hit you with another 90’s Summer Windows Down Banger!

Physical fitness may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about ministry, but should it be? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore why caring for our bodies is part of faithfully stewarding God's calling. They discuss the relationship between physical health, spiritual discipline, and long-term ministry effectiveness, while avoiding legalism or unrealistic standards. The conversation also tackles the unique challenges pastors and missionaries face, from food-centered hospitality to sedentary work and ministry stress. Alex and Scott share practical habits, biblical principles, and personal experiences that can help believers build strength, energy, and endurance so they are better prepared to serve their families, churches, and the mission God has given them. Key topics: Why physical fitness matters for long-term ministry The biblical connection between stewardship, discipline, and the body Common health challenges pastors and missionaries face Practical habits for building strength and endurance How physical health supports mental clarity and ministry effectiveness Simple ways to stay active in every season of life 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.

How do you reach one of the youngest populations in the world with the hope of the gospel? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Reuben Gitonga, a Kenyan ministry leader serving with ABWE. Reuben shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Nairobi to leading a ministry that uses soccer, discipleship, and local church partnerships to reach young people living in Kenya's underserved communities. The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing Kenya's next generation, where many young people struggle with poverty, fatherlessness, and limited access to biblical teaching. Reuben explains how sports open doors for long-term discipleship, education, and gospel-centered community, while sharing powerful stories of transformed lives. Key Topics Reuben's testimony and call to ministry in Kenya Reaching Kenya's youth through soccer, discipleship, and local churches Addressing poverty, education, and family brokenness with the gospel Stories of life transformation through his ministry A vision for gospel saturation and church planting across Kenya Support the work that Reuben is doing in Kenya. Pray or give to his ministry here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/0172621 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.

Do you have what it takes to be a missionary? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification. The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church communities rather than waiting for formal titles or positions. They challenge listeners to take ministry preparation as seriously as other demanding professions, pursuing both practical experience and robust doctrinal training. Key Topics The difference between a desire to serve and true readiness for missionary ministry Cultivating personal holiness, self-control, and spiritual maturity Lessons from Hudson Taylor on intentional missionary preparation The importance of local church involvement and servant leadership Developing resilience, discipline, and ownership in ministry Why theological depth and doctrinal training matter for long-term missionary effectiveness Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme. 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.

I can’t wait til you all hear the News From Germania in this week's episode. Plus we have a Midnight Mailbag episode and we hit the Holi-Days National Compliment Your Mirror Day! And then it’s Ronda and The Tribune! And for Premium Subscribers we talk about the first 2 episodes from the latest season of The House of The Dragon! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

What does everyday ministry look like in South Asia? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with K.Y., a ministry partner serving in a predominantly Muslim country in South Asia, to discuss the realities of gospel ministry in one of the world's most challenging mission fields. K.Y. shares how his ministry integrates theological education, discipleship, and church planting to strengthen local believers and equip leaders for faithful witness amid persecution and social pressure. K.Y. explains the risks Christians face when sharing their faith, the challenges posed by radicalized elements within society, and the importance of relationship-based evangelism that demonstrates Christ's love through everyday interactions. The conversation also highlights encouraging evidence of God's work as people from Muslim backgrounds come to faith in Christ through personal relationships, transformed lives, and, at times, extraordinary spiritual encounters. Key Topics: Ministry in a majority-Muslim South Asian context and the challenges of evangelism The role of theological education, discipleship, and church planting in strengthening the church Persecution, social pressures, and the realities facing Muslim-background believers Relationship-based evangelism and the importance of Christian character and witness Spiritual realities, including encounters with spiritism and testimonies of conversion Opportunities for prayer, support, and ministry partnership with local believers and church leaders Support the vital work that K.Y. is doing in training pastors, theological education, and planting churches in the 10/40 window. Give to his ministry by visiting: https://give.abwe.org/projects/south-asia-discipleship 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.

That episode title is extremely accurate. Tonight I’m telling the story of my jam-packed Saturday and how I ended up in a stranger’s basement and why I have come to love collecting sports cards. Spoiler alert, it's the people. Plus I talk about the great shows I had in Wisconsin and we hit the holidays like Bourdain Day! All that before closing it out with Ronda and The Tribune! And for Premium Subscribers we talk about the season 1 finale of The Sopranos and you get another installment of one of my favorite 1990s-Windows-Down-Summer-Bangers!Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Are short-term missions trips more helpful or hurtful? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Scott McCoy, LaunchPoint Missions Lead at ABWE, to discuss one of the most debated topics in modern missions: short-term mission trips. McCoy shares why he believes short-term missions remain valuable when they are thoughtfully designed around the needs of missionaries, local believers, and participating churches. The conversation explores common pitfalls churches should avoid, including cultural insensitivity and creating ministry models that local believers cannot sustain. McCoy emphasizes the importance of partnering closely with missionaries, preparing teams well, and viewing mission trips as discipleship opportunities that develop future ministry leaders and missionaries. Key Topics The ongoing debate over the value and effectiveness of short-term mission trips How churches can design trips that create lasting impact for missionaries and local believers Common mistakes teams make when serving cross-culturally Using short-term missions as a tool for discipleship and leadership development Why short-term trips often become a stepping stone toward long-term missionary service Is your church considering a short-term missions trip? Check out LaunchPoint Missions to find current opportunities and connect with our team on how you can host your own trip. 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 demo.abwe.org. 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.

After a slight technical difficulty, I’m back! And I’ve got a story about Rochelle, IL! But first, I tell about manual labor at the cabin and the highlights from my family reunion. Then it’s the Midnight Mailbag the Holi-days like National Swim A Lap Day before closing it out with The Tribune! And for Premium Subscribers we talk about The Sopranos and you get the first installment of some of my favorite windows-down-summer-bangers! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Can compassion ministry and gospel proclamation work together? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dave Phillips, founder and president of Children's Hunger Fund (CHF), to explore the relationship between gospel proclamation, mercy ministry, and the local church. Dave shares the remarkable story behind CHF's founding, beginning with a life-changing visit to a pediatric cancer ward in Honduras and culminating in a providential donation of life-saving medicine that confirmed God's call to launch the ministry. What started as a small step of faith has grown into a global ministry serving suffering children and families through partnerships with local churches in more than 30 countries. The conversation also tackles some of the most important debates in modern missions: the balance between word and deed ministry, the dangers of prosperity theology, the role of parachurch organizations, and how churches can engage in poverty alleviation without undermining local congregations. Key Topics Dave Phillips' testimony and the founding story of Children's Hunger Fund How God used a providential donation of cancer medication to confirm CHF's mission The relationship between gospel proclamation and mercy ministry Why addressing spiritual poverty must remain central to poverty alleviation efforts The biblical role of the local church versus parachurch organizations in missions Lessons from When Helping Hurts, short-term missions, and serving the poor with sound theology 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.

Is Peru as reached as we think? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott talk with veteran ABWE missionary Stephen Douglas to explore more than four decades of gospel ministry in Peru. Stephen shares how God led him and his wife Debbie to the city of Arequipa—a historic Roman Catholic stronghold known as the “Little Rome of Peru”—and how a small church-planting team, where no evangelical churches existed before, grew into a network of dozens of churches throughout the region. Stephen also recounts powerful stories of lives changed through discipleship, leadership development, and church planting, including Peruvian believers who have become pastors and missionaries serving around the world. While Peru and South America still have significant gospel needs, Stephen casts a compelling vision for the future: strengthening local churches, training national leaders, and equipping Latin American believers to become a launching force for global missions. Key Topics Stephen Douglas's call to missions and journey to Peru Church planting in Arequipa, Peru's historic Catholic stronghold The growth from a pioneering work to a regional church-planting movement Stories of Peruvian pastors and missionaries impacting the nations Challenges and opportunities in reaching modern Peruvian culture A vision for Peru and Latin America as a launching pad for global missions Support the work of Steve and Debbie Douglas as they continue to plant churches, train leaders, and send out Peruvian missionaries to the world - https://give.abwe.org/worker/stephen-and-debi-douglas Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org. 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.

Back in 2021, I got a great email from a young bootmaker named Nathan Florsheim who wanted to chat. Boy am I glad I took that call. About a year later I had Nathan—great great great grandson of Milton Florsheim, yes, THAT Florsheim—on the Shoecast. Four years and 130 handmade pairs later, Nathan is absolutely rolling as a custom bootmaker who has truly seemed to find his own space, one that so many clients want to inhabit as well. So along with the man they call Ticho, we caught up about what's changed in that time with his technical and ordering process, why slow is actually really good, how he finally set up a workshop that really works for him, the tallest man in the world's Florsheim boots, and obviously, plenty more. Also Nathan just so happened to open his order books right when this episode dropped, but it's not THAT easy to get onto his client list. So of course we made a second bonus episode for subscribers in which Nathan shares the best ways to have success putting in for an order. That one's available on our Premium Subscribers feed—check out Stichdown.com to learn more about Stitchdown Premium, our very excellent private discord, and how to get access to that episode. https://nfbootmaker.com/https://www.stitchdown.com/join-stitchdown-premium/ Support the Shoecast, get full bonus episode access, and join the most interesting shoe-and-boot-loving community on the internet with a Stitchdown Premium membershiphttps://www.stitchdown.com/join-stitchdown-premium/A website. We have one.https://www.stitchdown.com/We'd better see you at Stitchdown Chicago 2026—the world's fair of shoes and boots and leather and more—Nov 6-7 at Artifact Events.https://www.stitchdownbootcamp.com/

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.

This week, EconoFact Chats features an abridged version of an Ask Me Anything Webinar with Binyamin Appelbaum. The discussion touched on a range of issues, including whether AI will prove labor-enhancing or labor-replacing, how a shrinking immigrant workforce will affect a labor market already facing a crunch, why oil markets are seemingly underpricing supply shocks, and whether the central bank can maintain its independence in the face of mounting political pressure to lower interest rates. Binyamin is the lead writer on economics and business for the New York Times editorial board, and the author of The Economists' Hour. EconoFact's monthly Ask Me Anything Webinars are exclusively available to Premium Subscribers. The $50 annual fee for becoming a Premium Subscriber helps EconoFact bring timely, accessible, unbiased, and nonpartisan analyses on important economic and social policy issues to the public. You can sign-up for a Premium Subscription here: https://secure.touchnet.net/C21525_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=157

Running through my favorites of the king of breakfast treats tonight! Plus I’m heading to Florida for a wedding and NEED to talk to you about this song I heard over the weekend. Hope you celebrated National Towel Day and I end the episode with Rhonda and The Tribune. Premium Subscribers, get to stick around for thoughts on my favorite episode from season 1 of of The Sopranos, "Nobody Knows Anything” and listen to the song that messed me up for days! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome pastor, author, and former missionary J. Chase Davis to discuss the crisis of biblical masculinity and its implications for the church and missions. Drawing from his book Offensive Christianity, Davis argues that the modern church has often replaced robust discipleship with therapeutic, “nice” Christianity that neglects courage, conviction, and a biblical understanding of manhood. The conversation explores how theological anthropology, cultural movements like pietism, and modern evangelical trends have contributed to an increasingly feminized church culture that often struggles to challenge men toward sacrificial leadership and spiritual maturity. From a missions perspective, together they examine how an overemphasis on comfort and safety can weaken the church's vision for gospel advance. Key Topics The theological roots behind the modern crisis of masculinity Why “nice Christianity” can undermine bold discipleship The difference between meekness and weakness in missions How evangelical culture became increasingly “feminine coded” Recovering courage, risk, and conviction in missionary service Why churches must cast a stronger vision for men in missions Learn more and get your copy of Chase's book, Offensive Christianity here. Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org. 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.

Before jumping into the definitive Wisconsin Fun List, we’ve got a fun email from a listener about their first CD, and I'll tell you about my HOA meeting and the joys of Hot Dog Day. Plus we hit the Holi-Days like Brown Bag It Thursday and end it with Rhonda and The Tribune. Bonus for Premium Subscribers, we’re talking about Episode 10 of The Sopranos, "A Hit Is A Hit.” Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with ABWE's Director of International Security and Crisis Management, Bill Gruppen, to discuss the difficult balance between missionary safety and gospel risk-taking in some of the world's most dangerous places. Drawing from decades of experience in law enforcement, emergency response, and security, Bill shares how God redirected his professional skill set into missions work through TACTICA Ministries and ABWE. Together, they explore how missionaries prepare for crises, make difficult stay-or-go decisions in conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine, and seek to remain faithful witnesses without embracing unnecessary danger. Bill explains how emergency response ministries can strengthen long-term church planting efforts by building relationships, serving communities in moments of suffering, and opening doors for gospel ministry. Key Topics: Why missionary safety and gospel risk must be held in biblical balance How ABWE missionaries navigate conflict zones and crisis situations Bill Gruppen's journey from law enforcement and emergency response into missions The role of TACTICA Ministries in reaching first responders with the gospel ABWE's vision for disaster relief and crisis response teams Encouragement to pray for missionaries and first responders serving under pressure If you would like to know more about International Security and Crisis Management, visit International Security and Crisis Management. Support the work of Bill and Cindy Gruppen at Bill and Cindy Gruppen | give.abwe.org. 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.

I finally saw The Devil Wears Prada just in time to see The Devil Wears Prada 2! I’ve also got some great emails from some of you in The Midnight Mailbag! And I cover the Holi-Days like, “Relive Your Past by Listening to the First Music You Ever Bought No Matter What It Was no Excuses Day” and we end with Rhonda and The Tribune. Bonus for Premium Subscribers, we’re talking about Episode 9, "Boca" of The Sopranos. Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Christian missions has never existed in a cultural vacuum. From William Carey's role in ending widow burning in India to Gladys Aylward confronting foot-binding in China, the spread of Christianity has often transformed entire societies. But where is the line between gospel transformation and cultural imperialism? When missionaries challenge practices rooted in paganism, are they discipling nations or exporting Western assumptions? In this episode, Alex and Scott explores the missionary task through the lens of Scripture, church history, and cultural theology. Looking at both Scripture and missions history, we explore: What parts of culture must be rejected? What parts can be redeemed? How should missionaries approach technology, literacy, family structures, and social customs? And how can Christians avoid simply replacing old idols with modern Western ones? Key Topics: The balance between gospel proclamation and cultural transformation Historical examples of Christianity influencing societal change The danger of exporting Western or personal cultural preferences The importance of developing indigenous expressions of Christianity The role of institutions (schools, hospitals, state) in missions work Practical guidance for missionaries engaging with local cultures We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

Netflix Is A Joke Festival is over and my show was great! I give you the details plus tell ya how I did in Vegas, and read a bunch of your emails from The Midnight Mailbag! There’s also the Holi-Days like, National Miniature Golf Day, and we close it out with Rhonda and The Tribune. Bonus for Premium Subscribers, we’re talking about Episode 8, "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti" of The Sopranos. Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

How do you explain the Trinity to Muslims? On this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Imad Shehadeh, founder and president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, to explore what it means to faithfully articulate and defend the doctrine of the Trinity in a Muslim-majority context. Drawing from decades of theological education and ministry, Shehadeh explains how misunderstandings about the Trinity and the assumption that Christians believe in three gods. He emphasizes that the core differences between Islam and Christianity ultimately stem from contrasting views of God's nature, particularly whether God is relational in His essence. The conversation also underscores the importance of deep theological clarity in missions work. Dr. Shehadeh describes how training leaders at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary involves translating complex doctrine into accessible truth while fostering respectful, bridge-building dialogue. Key Topics: Explaining and defending the Trinity in Muslim contexts Theological differences between Islam and Christianity (nature of God, salvation, revelation) Why God's relational nature is central to the gospel message Misconceptions about Christian beliefs within the Muslim world Training pastors and leaders for ministry in the Middle East Practical approaches to evangelism marked by humility and clarity We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

I’m going to Vegas this weekend and telling you the 10 places I will mostly likely go to! I also have a great news update from Rochelle, IL and we have the Holi-Days like, National No Pants Day, and I end the episode as we always do, with Rhonda and The Tribune. Bonus for Premium Subscribers, I’ve got a Denver news report on why people are too dumb to zipper-merge and how they are trying to fix that. Thank you to the 2nd member of this 2-man show, Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Daniel Shayesteh. Dr. Shayesteh shares his powerful journey from a radical Muslim involved in the Iranian Revolution to a follower of Christ. Raised in a devout Islamic context that viewed Christianity as corrupt, he rose to prominence as a religious figure and political activist under Ayatollah Khomeini. But after witnessing deception and oppression, he became disillusioned, was imprisoned, and narrowly escaped execution before fleeing Iran. In Turkey, Shayesteh's academic studies and unexpected encounters with Christians began to reshape his worldview. Drawn initially by practical needs, he encountered the love, freedom, and relational nature of God in Christianity, ultimately leading to his conversion. His story highlights the transforming power of the gospel and challenges believers to engage Muslims with truth and compassion. Dr. Daniel Shayesteh leads the ministry Exodus From Darkness. Key Topics: Background in Islam and role in the Iranian Revolution Disillusionment with Khomeini's regime Escape from Iran and life in Turkey Comparative study of religions Encounters with Christians and conversion Missions implications for reaching Muslims We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

Can church planting be done wrong? This episode of The Missions Show explores the debate around Church Planting Movements (CPMs), interacting with a Lausanne article that presents them as a highly effective missions strategy. Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explain what CPMs are and why they generate both enthusiasm and concern, especially regarding their emphasis on rapid multiplication and minimal training. Alex and Scott raise key theological and practical questions about doctrine, discipleship, and the definition of the church. While affirming the desire for gospel growth, they caution against prioritizing speed and numbers over biblical faithfulness, urging listeners to focus on sound doctrine and trust God for lasting fruit. Key Topics: What Church Planting Movements (CPMs) are Why CPMs are controversial in missions Speed vs. depth in discipleship and church growth The importance of doctrinal accountability Evaluating success beyond numbers We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

This week, EconoFact Chats features an abridged version of an Ask Me Anything webinar with John Cassidy of The New Yorker focusing on his new book, 'Capitalism and Its Critics: A History from the Industrial Revolution to AI.' Cassidy discusses why capitalism has proved resilient, mutating in times of crisis rather than collapsing, what challenges AI could pose over the coming years, and how the system might adapt. John is a staff writer at The New Yorker. His previous book, 'How Markets Fail: The Logic of Economic Calamities,' was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. EconoFact's monthly Ask Me Anything Webinars are exclusively available to Premium Subscribers. The $50 annual fee for becoming a Premium Subscriber helps EconoFact bring timely, accessible, unbiased, and nonpartisan analyses on important economic and social policy issues to the public. You can sign-up for a Premium Subscription here: https://secure.touchnet.net/C21525_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=157

Relive Dazed and Confused and run down the Top-10 Fads form the 1970s with me! I also wanna talk about traffic patterns and read your emails from the Midnight Mailbag. Plus we have the Holi-Days like, National Cheeseball Day, and I end the episode with Rhonda and The Tribune. Premium Subscribers can stick around for my thoughts on Episode 7 of The Sopranos! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

Did Canada just pass a bill that outlaws particular Bible teaching? This episode of The Missions Show explores the implications of Canada's Bill C9 (the “Combating Hate Act”) and its potential impact on religious freedom, gospel proclamation, and missions. Guest John Taylor, ABWE missionary in Canada, explains that while the bill aims to curb violence and protect marginalized communities, its vague definition of “hate” and removal of key legal protections for religious expression raise serious concerns. The conversation highlights how this cultural and legal shift may affect both local churches and global missions efforts. John encourages believers to remain faithful, proclaim the full counsel of God with humility and love, and avoid allowing cultural pressures to dictate the message of the gospel. Together they emphasize that missions must continue through both word and deed—demonstrating Christ's love while clearly communicating humanity's need for salvation. Key Topics: Overview of Canada's Bill C9 and its legislative status Definitions of “hate” and concerns about vague legal language Potential classification of biblical passages as hate speech Removal of legal protections for religious expression Tension between religious freedom and evolving cultural norms Balancing cultural awareness with biblical faithfulness If you'd like more information on Bill C-9, check out these resources: CcccBill C-9: Passes Third Reading with Key Changes - CCCC Blogs EvangelicalfellowshipEFC - Religious Freedom in Canada - EFC Protects Religious Rights in Canada 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.

I have had a week! I finally get to tell you a little bit about the project I’ve been working on and why this episode wasn’t posted earlier in the week. Then, our main topic is straight from The Midnight Mailbag! Plus, I took my mom to Cheesecake Factory, and I saw Project Hail Mary twice! We also hit our holidays like, National Hug Your Dog Day, and close it all out with The Tribune. Premium Subscribers can stick around for my review of the new HBO show, Born To Bowl! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

How do you respond when people say that missions is colonialism? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the increasingly common claim that missions is inherently colonialistic with guest Will Maxson. Prompted by real-world examples and cultural trends, they explore why this critique has gained traction, even within Christian institutions. Maxson acknowledges that while missions and colonial expansion sometimes overlapped historically, the popular narrative often exaggerates or misunderstands that connection. He argues that Christianity's missionary impulse is fundamentally different from colonialism, rooted not in coercion but in persuasion and respect for human dignity. They also examine difficult topics like the Crusades, cultural Christianity, and accusations of cultural erasure. Ultimately, they contend that authentic Christian missions do not destroy cultures but redeem them, affirming human agency and the image of God in all people. Key Topics Covered Why missions is often labeled as colonialism in modern culture Historical overlap—and key differences—between missions and colonial expansion The distinction between persuasion (evangelism) and coercion (colonialism) Christianity is the first truly transcultural religion How the missionary impulse promotes human dignity, freedom, and equality Evaluating the Crusades and other historical events without oversimplification We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

I’m back in the podcast seat and telling you about my past week on the road! I’ve also got some listener emails, and we hit our holidays like, National Film Score Day, before we say goodnight with Rhonda Goldsmith and The Tribune. Premium Subscribers, stick around for my review of New Haven Pizza! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

In April 2001, tragedy struck deep in the jungles of Peru when a missionary flight carrying the Bowers family was mistakenly shot down during a counternarcotics operation gone wrong. Roni Bowers and her infant daughter, Charity, were killed. Jim Bowers and his young son survived. Twenty-five years later, Jim joins Alex and Scott to reflect on that day and what Jim has learned about loss, faith, and God's sustaining grace. While the incident drew international attention and remains a sobering example of the dangers missionaries face, this episode moves beyond the news cycle. Jim shares what it has looked like to walk the long road of grief, forgiveness, and trust in God's providence. Key Topics Jim Bowers recounts the tragic events of that day Recognizing God's sovereign plan and sustaining grace since the incident The risk of glamorizing hardships for attention How missionaries should count the cost of following their call to missions In this week's Overtime episode, Alex, Scott, and Jim talk about the confusing and misleading accounts from the CIA about the incident, the need for accountability within the government, and how to view recent political and military events. Get access to that episode by joining our Premium Subscribers at missionsshow.com/premium. We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

How should we view Roman Catholicism on the mission field? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the complex and often sensitive question of how Protestant missionaries should engage with Roman Catholics in the context of global missions. They emphasize that missions is not just about generic belief in Jesus, but about faithfully communicating the true gospel with doctrinal clarity. Alex and Scott explore key theological differences, especially regarding authority and salvation. The episode concludes with practical missiological insights, stressing the need to avoid assuming the gospel in any context and to engage both formal Catholic doctrine and “folk Catholicism” with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to proclaiming the biblical gospel. Key Topics The missionary challenge of engaging Roman Catholics and Orthodox believers Why doctrinal clarity (not just belief in Jesus) matters in missions Distinguishing individuals from theological systems The role of church history vs. the authority of Scripture The role of sacraments, merit, and perseverance in Catholic theology The importance of not assuming the gospel—even in “Christian” contexts We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com 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.

The perfection of one of my favorite foods is thanks to US Military! I’ve also got a few listener emails, and I turn this episode into a garage sale before I cover the Holi-Days like, Lips Appreciation Day. Then we close it out with The Tribune! Premium Subscribers, stick around for my thoughts on episode 6 of The Sopranos! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott speak with ABWE missionaries “Will and Beth McAuliffe” (pseudonyms) about their long journey toward serving among Arabic-speaking people. After years of preparation and ministry in the Middle East, their plans were unexpectedly disrupted when their daughter was born extremely premature with significant medical complications. The experience forced them to leave the field and wrestle with whether their missionary calling had changed, ultimately leading them to new refugee ministry opportunities in Europe. Now living in Berlin, Germany, where thousands of Arabic-speaking refugees have settled, Will and Beth are creating unique opportunities for gospel ministry. Despite the challenges of a deeply secular culture and compassion fatigue toward refugees, they are building relationships, showing practical love, and pursuing church planting among Arabic-speaking communities across the city. Key Topics Will and Beth's lifelong calling to missions and ministry in the Middle East Navigating family hardships and their missionary calling after a medical crisis Reaching Arabic-speaking refugees in Germany The spiritual challenges of secular Europe and refugee ministry 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.

A listener suggested that I do my Top-10 Most Annoying Things About Travel! And boy do I have a lot to say! And I do it all on camera! But I also read your emails, ask you about movie soundtracks and we cover the Holi-Days like, Smart & Sexy Day. Plus, I read The Tribune with Rhonda’s review of my show! And for you Premium Subscribers, we’re covering episodes 4 and 5 of the Soprano! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

How does Scripture order our affections? In this episode, Alex and Scott unpack the historic Christian concept of the ordo amoris—the “order of loves”—and why it matters for missions today. Drawing from Alex's new book Ordered to Love, they explore how Scripture and theologians like Augustine and Aquinas teach that our loves must be rightly ordered, beginning with God and flowing outward to family, church, nation, and the nations. Together they address current cultural tensions—nationalism, global instability, and missionary urgency—and ask how Christians should prioritize their responsibilities in a limited, embodied life. Alex and Scott clarify that grace does not destroy nature but restores it—meaning allegiance to Christ rightly orders, rather than erases, our natural relationships. Key Topics: What the ordo amoris is and why it matters to missions Family, church, nation, and global mission in proper relationship Missionary guilt vs. faithful obedience Grace restoring (not erasing) natural relationships 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.

How do we exercise discernment on the mission field? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott examine common misunderstandings about global persecution and why discernment is essential when evaluating reports of suffering in the church. Drawing from missionary experience, they explain that persecution is not always dramatic or violent, but often appears as marginalization, stigma, or family rejection. They caution against glamorizing persecuted believers or assuming their theology is automatically superior. The conversation also explores a biblical theology of generalizations and discernment, looking at Titus 1 and Philippians 1 as guides for thinking clearly and loving wisely. Rather than reacting to headlines or stereotypes, believers are called to exercise Spirit-shaped discernment—rejecting error, approving what is excellent, and praying faithfully for the global church amid complex situations. Key Topics: Misconceptions about persecution in American evangelicalism The many forms persecution can take The danger of romanticizing suffering Biblical generalizations and cultural discernment (Titus 1) Discernment as a pathway to mature love (Phil. 1) Applying discernment to modern persecution claims (e.g., Nigeria) 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.

How do believers respond to the situation in Iran? In this episode, Scott Dunford talks with “Sam,” an ABWE missionary serving Persian and Iranian communities, about the crisis gripping Iran. Looking at ancient Persia's biblical roots, home of Daniel and Esther, to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that installed a Shiite theocracy, Iran's story is both historic and volatile. Sam explains the regime's ideology, the nationwide uprisings across hundreds of cities, and the crushing reality facing ordinary Iranians amid economic collapse and violent repression. Yet in the shadows of persecution, the gospel is advancing. Iran's underground house church movement continues to grow despite infiltration, imprisonment, and the killing of pastors and believers. Drawing from firsthand connections inside the country, Sam calls the global church to pray, stand with suffering Christians, and boldly engage Iranian neighbors with truth and hope. Key Topics Iran's biblical and ancient Persian heritage The 1979 Islamic Revolution and rise of the ayatollahs Shiite apocalyptic theology and its political implications Widespread protests and violent government crackdowns Economic crisis, corruption, and regional proxy conflicts The growth of Iran's underground house church movement Practical encouragement for connecting with Iranian neighbors *The views expressed in this episode are those solely of the participants and do not necessarily align with the views of ABWE or all of its representatives. 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.

This week Alex and Scott are joined by ABWE missionary and Western Europe regional director Kyle Farran to explore what true, godly grit looks like in ministry. Rather than defining resilience by personality or overcoming high-pressure moments, they discuss grit as being formed through daily faithfulness, perseverance in the mundane, and steady trust in the Lord. Farran shares insights from Scripture and decades of missionary experience to show that spiritual grit is earned over time, not summoned on demand. This conversation challenges pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders to embrace hard things with confidence rooted in who God is, not merely in understanding His plans. Key Topics The difference between worldly grit and biblical resilience Why daily faithfulness matters more than dramatic moments Trusting God's character in seasons of uncertainty How adversity forms long-term ministry endurance Balancing courage, character, and consistency in leadership Find more from Kyle Farran by visiting kylefarran.com. You can pre-order his new book, "Godly Grit: Unshakable Resilience and Grit for Life and Leadership" on Amazon. 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.

I’m finally back home in LA but for one night! Gonna tell you about my car getting broken into and how I’m a bit under the weather before I read your emails, and cover the Holi-Days like Yodel for Your Neighbors Day! Then I give you my Sick Day Top 10 and as always, I close out the show with Ronda and The Tribune! And for Premium Subscribers, I’ve got last week’s News From Germania that I didn’t get to read! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!