How Missionaries Transform Cultures

How Missionaries Transform Cultures

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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.com/]. 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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.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 [https://missionsshow.com/premium] The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org [https://www.abwe.org/]. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com [alex@missionsshow.com].

Engaging Islam with the Truth of the Trinity With Dr. Imad Shehadeh

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 [https://jets.edu/], 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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.com/]. 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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.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 [https://missionsshow.com/premium] The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org [https://www.abwe.org/]. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com [alex@missionsshow.com].

How Christ Transformed a Former Iranian Revolution Leader With Dr. Shayesteh

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 [https://www.exodusfromdarkness.org/]. 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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.com/]. 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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.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 [https://missionsshow.com/premium] The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org [https://www.abwe.org/]. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com [alex@missionsshow.com].

Are Church Planting Movements Bad?

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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.com/]. 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 [https://www.oakparkwoodworks.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 [https://missionsshow.com/premium] The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org [https://www.abwe.org/]. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com [alex@missionsshow.com].

Canada’s C9 Bill – Is God’s Truth Being Outlawed?

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 [https://www.cccc.org/news_blogs/legal/2026/03/27/bill-c-9-passes-third-reading-with-key-changes/] * EvangelicalfellowshipEFC - Religious Freedom in Canada - EFC Protects Religious Rights in Canada [https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Topics/Religious-Freedom-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 [https://missionsshow.com/premium] The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org [https://www.abwe.org/]. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com [alex@missionsshow.com].