Has global missions strayed from a reformed foundation?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott talk with pastor Jerry Slate Jr. to discuss the theological foundations and practical realities of faithful reformed missionary work. The conversation centers on the question of what sustains missionaries through hardship, rejection, and long seasons of discouragement.

Jerry, Alex, and Scott emphasize the central role of the local church in sending, vetting, and sustaining missionaries, warning against outsourcing this responsibility entirely to parachurch organizations. The episode highlights the need to tether missiology firmly to historic Christian theology, confessional faith, and biblical ecclesiology.

Check out Jerry Slate Jr.'s new book, Reforming World Missions from Founders Press. Follow Jerry's church Berean Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Georgia.

• Perseverance in missions grounded in the worth and glory of God
• The relationship between theology proper and missionary motivation
• Critiques of pragmatic and movement-driven missiology
• The local church as the primary sending and overseeing body for missions
• The importance of biblically qualified leadership and discipleship
• Recovering historic, confessional theology in global missions

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Do you believe miracles can still happen?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Scott is joined by Dr. Darren Carlson—pastor, author, and founder of Training Leaders International—to discuss the ongoing work of God as revealed in the book of Acts and experienced around the world today. Drawing from Carlson’s new book, Witness: Missional Devotions from the Book of Acts, the conversation explores whether Acts should be viewed merely as a historical account or as an invitation to expect God’s continued unusual activity through the church.

Scott and Darren wrestle honestly with the tension between miracles and the “grind” of everyday ministry. Through global mission stories, pastoral experiences, and personal encounters, Carlson emphasizes that God is actively at work—often beyond our narrow expectations. By telling true stories of God’s work, the church is strengthened, believers are made glad, and hope is restored even amid suffering, persecution, and apparent setbacks.

• The book of Acts as a model for ongoing Christian mission, not just past history
• Balancing expectation for miracles with ordinary faithfulness in daily life
• Discernment amid exaggerated or false miracle claims
• Forced migration and persecution as catalysts for mission in Acts
• Storytelling as a means of encouraging believers and strengthening faith

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!

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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.

What does missions look like in a global city like Paris, France?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott are joined by pastor Billy Bean to discuss A City of Light, a short documentary exploring gospel work in Paris, France. Often overlooked as a missions field, Paris is presented as a strategic global city, shaped by history, migration, and secular ideology, whose influence extends far beyond Europe.

Billy explains how missionaries and pastors in Paris seek to connect with deeply held French values—such as beauty, freedom, identity, and intellectual rigor—while confronting their limits and fulfilling their deepest longings through the gospel.

View the film and learn more at https://christcovenant.com/acityoflight

• Why Paris and Western Europe remain vital mission fields
• Global cities as strategic hubs for gospel influence
• The legacy of secularism and expressive individualism in French culture
• Contextualization: connecting, confronting, and fulfilling culture with the gospel

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.