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.

• 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

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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.

• 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

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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.

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.

• 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:

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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.