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The Missions Show

The Missions Show

By: Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford
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The Missions Show answers hard questions about theology, missions, and practice to help goers think and thinkers go. We are conservative, evangelical, and gospel-centered. The Missions Show is powered by ABWE International, a missions agency with a force of more than 1,000 workers serving across 90+ countries with a focus on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.© The Missions Show 2026 Christianity Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Engaging Islam with the Truth of the Trinity With Dr. Imad Shehadeh
    May 3 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • How Christ Transformed a Former Iranian Revolution Leader With Dr. Shayesteh
    Apr 26 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Are Church Planting Movements Bad?
    Apr 19 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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