Best Missionary Formation Podcasts (2025)

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Thou Art With Me 30:24

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5h ago30:24

30:24

Send us a text There’s a phrase in Psalm 23 that can turn the whole world right-side up again: “You are with me.” David didn’t write those words from a place of safety or comfort. He was running for his life, feeling the sting of betrayal, with every reason to think God had left him behind. But in the darkest valley, David makes a quiet turn. He st…

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Transformative Discipleship: Emulating Jesus in Mentoring Church Leaders 5:39

1d ago5:39

5:39

Send us a text Can true discipleship transform the way we mentor future church leaders? Discover the profound impact of life-on-life discipleship as we unpack what it means to genuinely mentor and disciple within the church. By emulating Jesus' methods and fostering deep, loving relationships, we shed light on moving beyond basic doctrine and engag…

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Answering the Divine Call: Lessons from Paul’s Mission in 1 Corinthians 9 6:03

2d ago6:03

6:03

Send us a text What does it truly mean to heed the call of God in your life? In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the depths of 1 Corinthians 9, drawing inspiration from the apostle Paul's relentless drive to preach the gospel despite overwhelming personal challenges and fears. We explore the compelling necessity Paul felt to fulfill hi…

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For His Name's Sake 10:21

3d ago10:21

10:21

Send us a text What Does It Mean to Walk in Righteousness? If you've ever felt like righteousness is about keeping it all together, performing better, or being the "good Christian," this episode might surprise you—in the best way. Psalm 23 tells us, "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Not for my name. Not because I ea…

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Paths of Righteousness 11:05

4d ago11:05

11:05

Send us a text Have You Been Getting Righteousness All Wrong? Psalm 23 says, "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." But let's be honest—how many times have we heard that and thought, "I need to try harder to live right"? In this episode, we unpack what that phrase really means. And here's the surprising truth: it's not a…

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Invitations and Holy Detachment // Episode 238 27:19

5d ago27:19

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There's an epidemic of loneliness out there, a crisis of friendlessness, a dearth of relationships...and there doesn't have to be. The solution to so many problems begins with making an invitation, and letting people make a free response to it. That requires both the invitation, and a holy detachment from the result. Listen in to find out more! As …

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He Leads Me 10:40

5d ago10:40

10:40

Send us a text Podcast Episode Description: What do you do when everything is falling apart, and there's no obvious way out? In this episode, we walk with David through one of the most crushing seasons of his life. His own son is chasing him down with an army. He's being cursed, humiliated, and hunted. The weight of betrayal, fear, and exhaustion w…

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The Spiritually Healthy Leader (Conversation with Dave Wiedis) 40:11

6d ago40:11

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What are you most passionate about? Most Christians would respond by saying something like "loving Jesus" or "doing God's work." These are genuine expressions of devotion and warm Abba's heart. Yet it's true that all of us have hidden ruling passions (like loneliness, control, etc.) that can become the primary drivers of our motivation. Join us for…

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He Restores My Soul 10:17

6d ago10:17

10:17

Send us a text When Everything Falls Apart: How David Found Peace in Psalm 23 What do you do when life punches you in the gut and won’t let up? When your heart is broken, your name is dragged through the mud, and it feels like God is far away. In today’s episode, we examine Psalm 23 not as a sweet verse for wall art but as David’s lifeline during o…

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Are You Thirsting for God? 20:19

6d ago20:19

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In this special Jubilee Year episode, Dr. Edward Sri visits the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, home to relics of St. Clement and St. Ignatius of Antioch. Surrounded by sacred beauty, he reflects on the inner deserts of the soul and how God meets us there with his love. Drawing from Scripture, sacred art, and prophecy, Dr. Sri offers a powerful m…

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Meditating Thoughts 8:48

7d ago8:48

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Send us a text Perspective That Heals: The Transforming Power of Biblical Meditation Biblical meditation is not just a mental exercise. It is a way of life that moves us from being trapped by our problems to standing in the light of God’s promises. Psalm 23 gives us a perfect window into this kind of transformation. David did not just recite words.…

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Unveiling Divine Purpose: Aligning Your Life with God's Call 5:03

8d ago5:03

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Send us a text What if understanding God's call on your life could transform your daily existence? Join us as we embark on a heartfelt journey of discovering divine purpose, drawing from personal experiences and the timeless wisdom of figures like Spurgeon. Listen to inspiring stories of early callings, such as feeling a mission to Peru, and learn …

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Discerning God’s Call: Spiritual Wisdom and Practical Guidance 5:30

9d ago5:30

5:30

Send us a text How can you discern if God has genuinely called you? This episode promises to answer that pressing question with insights from spiritual leaders like William Booth and Charles Spurgeon. We start by reflecting on Booth’s compelling invitation to listen for God’s call through the Bible and the cries of humanity. Then, we delve into Spu…

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Seeing Beyond the True to the Truth 11:24

10d ago11:24

11:24

Send us a text Have you ever felt boxed in by your circumstances, like the pain and problems in front of you are all you can see? If you’re nodding your head, you’re in good company. In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to look beyond what’s obvious, to see past the immediate facts, and to discover a deeper, unshakable truth. There is…

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Prayerful Parenthood 29:31

11d ago29:31

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Parents experience shifts in their prayer routines after welcoming children into the world. As single people, one can experience long stretches of time without interruption to say their prayers. After welcoming a child, a parent needs to adjust. Meg Ferguson, Curriculum Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission…

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Success over Stinking Thinking 4 9:54

11d ago9:54

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Send us a text Freedom from Stinking Thinking Most of us wrestle with negative thoughts that seem to set up camp in our minds. You know those old memories, regrets, worries, and all the ways we convince ourselves that things will never change. Sometimes, it feels like no matter what we do, our thoughts run the show and leave us feeling worn out and…

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Life on Mission with Sam Mazzarelli // Episode 237 52:35

12d ago52:35

52:35

Sam Mazzarelli gave fifteen years as a Catholic missionary with FOCUS-- hear how one invitation changed everything for him, how money and success aren't everything, and what makes for incredible and lasting friendships. He now works for SENT Ventures as the Chief Community Success Officer: https://www.sentventures.com/ We recommend checking them ou…

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Success over Stinking Thinking 3 10:52

12d ago10:52

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Send us a text Cornered in a cave, facing betrayal and danger, David didn’t let fear or despair have the final word. Instead, he turned his thoughts to the Shepherd who promises to stay close, no matter how dark it gets. Out of that desperate place came Psalm 23, a declaration of trust that has brought comfort and hope to countless people through t…

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490 - The Power of Memory for Faith & Flourishing 20:49

13d ago20:49

20:49

It's likely you have memories that you wish you could forget. Remembering times of suffering or trauma can feel uncomfortable and often triggers distressing emotions like fear, shame, or grief. But inviting Jesus into your memories can transform places of pain into precious moments of healing with our Redeemer. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talk…

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Success over Stinking Thinking 2 10:30

13d ago10:30

10:30

Send us a text Stinking Thinking: How to Break Free from Your Own Worst Critic Most of us spend our days listening to a voice in our head that rarely has anything kind to say. That voice nitpicks our appearance, questions our abilities, and quietly whispers that we'll never be enough. You're not alone if you're exhausted by the constant barrage of …

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Getting to the Roots of Our Weaknesses 18:51

13d ago18:51

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Do you find yourself repeatedly struggling with the same weaknesses? Something deeper may lie beneath those challenges. Dr. Sri emphasizes the importance of addressing the deeper roots of our sins and struggles and bringing our wounds to God to experience true healing and transformation Snippet from the Show Our weaknesses and sins have deep roots…

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The Lifter of My Head 30:44

14d ago30:44

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Send us a text Have you ever felt so ashamed you couldn’t look anyone in the eye? Have you ever been so beaten down or so lost that you wondered if God even noticed you anymore? I want to talk to you about something most of us overlook—six words from Psalm 23:5: “Thou anointest my head with oil.” There’s healing and hope packed into that little phr…

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Unlocking Leadership Potential: Mentorship Lessons from Jesus and Paul 5:40

15d ago5:40

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Send us a text What does true mentorship look like in practice? Learn how incidental yet purposeful interactions can unlock leadership potential, as we explore the mentoring approaches of Jesus and Paul. Through everyday moments and shared experiences, we demonstrate how meaningful growth often happens outside traditional curriculums. By reflecting…

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Nurturing Spiritual Growth: A Guide to Mentorship and Faith Development 5:30

16d ago5:30

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Send us a text Unlock the secrets to fostering genuine spiritual growth and mentorship in our latest episode. Imagine helping someone catch the vision of what they can achieve through their faith, guiding them with love and kindness, and providing them with the resources they need to flourish. We promise you’ll walk away with actionable insights on…

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Success over Stinking Thinking 1 11:14

17d ago11:14

11:14

Send us a text Let's get honest—your mind is never off the clock. Most research says you'll process more than 6,000 thoughts today. The hard truth? About three out of every four will pull you in the wrong direction. That's over 4,000 daily thoughts whispering, "You're not enough," "You'll never change," or "God couldn't possibly use someone like yo…

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Green Pastures in Chaos 7:56

18d ago7:56

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Send us a text Green Pastures in a Barren Land A raw and honest look at Psalm 23:2 — “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” What do green pastures mean when your whole world is falling apart? David didn’t write Psalm 23 from a cozy, peaceful palace. He likely penned these words while on the run—betrayed, hunted, and heartbroken. His own son …

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Life on Mission with Mallory Smyth // Episode 236 53:39

19d ago53:39

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Mallory Smyth, author of Rekindled, joins us again for a dive into her story and lessons learned while on mission! You can find Mallory's work here: her podcast, "The Gospel &": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gospel-with-mallory-smyth/id1800051958 her substack: https://malloryasmyth.substack.com her instagram handle is: @malloryasmyth pe…

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Our Shepherd Keeps Covenant 9:59

19d ago9:59

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Send us a text Most people know Psalm 23 by heart, but few understand the depth behind the words, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” These aren’t just comforting lines from a funeral service or a wall plaque. They are a declaration of covenant, a bold, soul-settling statement about who God is and how He loves us. In this episode, we go be…

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To Not Suffer Want, Trust the Shepherd 11:12

20d ago11:12

11:12

Send us a text "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." These words from Psalm 23 aren't wishful thinking; they are a bold, faith-filled declaration made during a crisis. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to trust God as our Shepherd in a world filled with anxiety, scarcity, and fear. David didn't write these words from a place of…

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The Key to Your Mental Health 14:06

21d ago14:06

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All of us have left conversations feeling hurt because somebody hopped to a quick judgment or attempted to fix us instead of genuinely listening. This is not only damaging to your mental health but also opposes your formation in Christlikeness. Thankfully, learning to receive and give empathy helps you agree with grace so you can know you are deepl…

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Virtue and the Freedom to Fail 26:44

21d ago26:44

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God is not overwhelmed by our failures. Dr. Sri explains how we can avoid the danger of perfectionism and self-reliance as we strive to live a virtuous life. Snippet from the Show God uses those moments of failure to help us grow in more profound ways. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to …

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I shall not Want 9:54

21d ago9:54

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Send us a text When Peace Feels Impossible — Psalm 23 and the Shepherd Who Never Fails How do you find peace when your world is falling apart? King David didn’t write Psalm 23 from a place of comfort. He wrote it while fleeing for his life—betrayed by his closest friend, hunted by his own son, shamed in public, and exiled from the very kingdom he o…

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Walking with Purpose: The Power of Intentional Mentorship 5:28

22d ago5:28

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Send us a text How can we redefine mentoring to make a deeper, lasting impact on those we guide? This episode explores the transformative journey of "life on life" discipleship, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. We dive into the heart of real mentorship, which goes beyond lectures and sermons to encompass every aspect of life. From spiritual…

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The Power of Presence: Embracing Jesus' Example in Discipleship 5:22

23d ago5:22

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Send us a text Have you ever wondered how the simple act of being present can transform someone's spiritual journey? On today's episode, we explore the profound distinction between "with-ness" and "witness" in discipleship, inspired by Mark 3:14. Jesus didn’t just send the apostles to preach; he chose them to be with him. We unpack how this princip…

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The LORD is my Shepherd, Pastor, Father 9:51

24d ago9:51

9:51

Send us a text "The Lord is my shepherd." We've heard those words so many times that we miss the meaning. But slow down for a second. Don't rush past them. Let them sink in. The Lord is. Not was. Not might be someday. Not when I get my act together. He is right now. In the middle of the confusion, the waiting, the pain, the pressure. He is present.…

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Prepared to Accompany: A Practical Instructional Workshop Course 21:29

25d ago21:29

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Accompaniment allows people of faith to mutually assist each other’s spiritual growth and provides a pathway for less experienced people to learn and grow through an intentional relationship. The Catholic Apostolate Center recently developed an online course that will be available soon to equip people with the basics and how-to of accompaniment. Me…

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The LORD is MY Shepherd 8:31

25d ago8:31

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Send us a text “The Lord is my shepherd.” What does that really mean? We’ve heard those words from Psalm 23 so often that they can sound like background noise. But slow down. Let it hit you. Is. Not was, not will be—is. Right now. At this moment. In the chaos, in the quiet, in the mess, and the unknown—He is present. Actively shepherding. And then …

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Renew and Perfect the Temporal Order // Episode 235 16:21

26d ago16:21

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A solution to clericalism is to dive deeper into what the role of the laity is-- this episode, we look at the second objective of the lay apostolate according to Vatican II's document, Apostolicam Actuositatem. We strongly recommend people (no matter their state in life) give this document a read; we also suggest you give this episode a listen, a s…

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The LORD "IS" 8:29

27d ago8:29

8:29

Send us a text “The Lord is my shepherd.” Five simple words. But they’re not just poetic—they’re personal. And they’re present tense. David didn’t say “was” or “will be.” He said, “is.” Picture him on the run, hiding in caves, surrounded by enemies. Still, he says it with confidence: the Lord is my Shepherd. Right now. Not someday. Not when things …

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What We Find in the Dark (Conversation with Aubrey Sampson) 25:05

28d ago25:05

25:05

Where is God when nothing makes sense? It's easy to dance around tensions like this instead of getting honest about the disorientation and desolation we all experience in our relationship with Jesus. But questions aren't opposed to authentic faith — they're one of the most valuable pieces of our formation. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as …

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Who is the LORD, keeping mercy, forgiving 9:47

28d ago9:47

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Send us a text The Lord Is My Shepherd—And That Changes Everything When the psalmist says, "The Lord is my shepherd," he boldly states who God is: someone who's always been about relationship, not distance. From walking with Adam and Eve in Eden to pursuing them after their disobedience, God's actions always showed His desire for connection. Psalm …

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The Miracle Behind Corpus Christi 24:19

28d ago24:19

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Why does the Chuch celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi? Dr. Sri delves into the origins and meaning of the Feast of Corpus Christi, underscoring the necessity of faith and trust in understanding the mystery of the Eucharist. Snippet from the Show "Faith will tell us Christ is present when our human senses fail". _ _ For full shownotes, visit Asc…

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Who is the LORD, abundant in goodness and truth 8:27

28d ago8:27

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Send us a text At some point, you've probably asked yourself: who is God, really—beneath the layers of religious tradition, church talk, and cultural noise? This isn't just a theological question; it's a personal one. And in Exodus 34, God answers it Himself. When He speaks to Moses, He doesn't offer a lecture or a list of demands. He gives a self-…

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What Religion Never Taught You About Your Heavenly Father 25:19

29d ago25:19

25:19

Send us a text What if everything you thought about God as Father has been shaped more by human pain than by who He really is? This Father’s Day, let’s break free from the tired religious stereotype of God as a distant, strict judge. Instead, we’ll explore the heart of our Heavenly Father—the One who loves deeper and wider than we can imagine. Mayb…

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Beyond Your Failures 8:18

29d ago8:18

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Send us a text Do you ever feel like your past owns you? Like your mistakes follow you everywhere and define who you are? This message will change that. When God the Father looks at you, He doesn’t see your failures. He sees His child, fully forgiven and deeply loved. Take Rahab, for example—the woman called a harlot in the Old Testament. Yet later…

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Transforming Your Mindset: Understanding True Worldliness 3:44

1M ago3:44

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Send us a text What if the way you think about worldliness is completely wrong? In this episode, we promise to transform your understanding with insights from Robert Dean Jr. and Thomas Ice's book, "What the Bible Teaches About Spiritual Warfare." This episode challenges the conventional notion that worldliness is about actions and instead reveals …