In this special episode of The Missions Show, recorded at Missionary 2026, Alex and Scott sit down with veteran missionary and Radius International leader Brad Buser to discuss the challenges of developing biblical leadership on the mission field. Drawing from his 20 years of church planting among the Eteddi people of Papua New Guinea, Buser emphasizes the importance of patience, discipleship, and spiritual maturity when raising up indigenous church leaders. He challenges modern missions methodologies that prioritize rapid multiplication, explaining why godly character, biblical qualifications, and long-term faithfulness must take precedence over natural leadership ability or quick results.

The conversation also explores one of the most difficult aspects of missionary work: knowing when and how to leave. Buser explains why missionaries must intentionally prepare local believers to take ownership of their churches while resisting the temptation to leave prematurely or create unhealthy dependence. Ultimately, this episode offers practical wisdom for missionaries, pastors, and church leaders seeking to build healthy, sustainable churches that will continue faithfully proclaiming the gospel for generations.

• Developing Biblical Church Leaders: Why spiritual maturity and godly character matter more than natural leadership abilities.
• The Danger of Rapid Church Planting: Examining the weaknesses of speed-driven missions methodologies and premature leadership appointments.
• Preparing Indigenous Churches for Independence: Equipping local believers to take ownership of their churches and raise up future generations of leaders.
• Knowing When to Leave the Mission Field: Balancing the dangers of leaving too early with the need to avoid long-term dependency on missionaries.
• The Emotional Cost of Missionary Transitions: Navigating grief, lost relationships, cultural readjustment, and the challenges of returning home.
• Endurance and Long-Term Faithfulness: Why effective missions requires perseverance, deep relationships, and a lifelong commitment to the church.

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In this special episode of The Missions Show, recorded live at Missionary 2026, Alex and Scott sit down with missionary and author Paul Schlehlein to explore the cost of following Christ and the lasting impact of faithful missionaries.

Drawing from his years of ministry in Africa and his study of Scottish missionary John Paton, Paul shares how the examples of past missionaries can inspire Christians today. From Paton’s remarkable courage in the face of suffering to his commitment to preaching the gospel, Paul highlights why missionary biographies should do more than inform us, they should inspire us to act.

Paul also shares practical lessons from raising nine children on the mission field, planting churches led by local believers, and reaching communities where the gospel has yet to take root. He discusses the importance of patient evangelism, the role of family worship in raising future missionaries, and the need for more gospel workers in Africa.

• How stewardship and gratitude for God’s blessings can motivate missions
• Lessons in courage, suffering, and faithfulness from missionary John Paton
• Why missionary biographies can inspire the next generation of gospel workers
• Raising a family on the mission field and navigating the risks of missionary life
• Planting self-sustaining churches through patient evangelism and discipleship
• Why Africa still needs missionaries and the challenges of reaching underserved communities

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• Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
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What does it mean to boldly proclaim the gospel in a culture that often rejects biblical truth?

In this episode of The Missions Show, hosts Alex and Scott talk with evangelist, church planter, and author Ryan Denton about recovering the art of pleading with unbelievers to repent and trust in Christ. Drawing from his experience in prison ministry, open-air preaching, and church planting, Ryan shares why direct gospel proclamation remains essential and how he has seen a growing openness to bold evangelism, especially among younger generations.

Ryan also discusses his new book, Turn, Dear Reader: The Call of Christ to a Dying World, and the importance of addressing difficult questions without losing sight of the gospel. From doubts about Scripture to cultural debates over sexuality and politics, he explains how Christians can engage thoughtfully with unbelievers while keeping the conversation focused on sin, salvation, and the hope found in Jesus Christ. This conversation challenges believers, pastors, and missionaries to proclaim the gospel with courage, compassion, and confidence in God's power to save.

• Recovering bold, biblical evangelism and the art of pleading with unbelievers
• Lessons from open-air preaching, prison ministry, and church planting
• Growing cultural openness to gospel proclamation, especially among young adults
• Addressing objections to Christianity while keeping the gospel central
• Balancing cultural understanding with a clear call to repentance and faith
• Sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ

Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.

• Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
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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.