Best Missionary Formation Podcasts (2025)

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Washed And Free 20:50

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6h ago20:50

20:50

Send us a text Still wrestling with old regrets even though you trust Jesus? This episode gets honest about that tension, the gap between what God declares over you and what your mind won’t stop replaying. Starting with Ezekiel’s picture of clean water, we trace how the Old Testament’s rituals pointed ahead to something far greater: not a temporary…

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Set Apart to Serve: Church Worker Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska 26:50

4h ago26:50

26:50

What makes church worker formation programs at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) unique for students? Dr. Bernard Bull (President of Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how long he has served at CUNE and what he enjoys most about his role, the church work programs available at CUN…

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Seeking What’s Lost 27:22

3d ago27:22

27:22

Send us a text Jesus continues to eat with people the religious crowd avoids. That’s the scandal that starts this episode. From there, we open Luke 19:10 and Luke 15 to trace a single, relentless theme: God’s heart beats for the lost not as a label to condemn, but as beloved people missing from where they belong. We walk through three stories that …

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Works of Mercy at Thanksgiving 27:51

6h ago27:51

27:51

Thanksgiving quickly approaches and many look to engage in more acts of charity, like working in a food panty or visiting sick families members. What are some concrete ways we can live the Catholic works of mercy this Thanksgiving? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can live out t…

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It's the 3rd Annual Pie Social! 31:06

8h ago31:06

31:06

It's the 3rd Annual KFUO Radio Pie Social! The Rev. Dr. Matthew Clark (Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO; Co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio; Card Carrying Member of The American Pie Council) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about pie! They eat varieties of pie and discuss favorite pie memories, favorite pie re…

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The Father’s Heart: Mercy, Not Condemnation 31:00

4d ago31:00

31:00

Send us a text What if the most famous verse in the Bible has been hiding a radical truth in plain sight that God’s default posture toward the world is mercy, not condemnation? In this episode, we trace a clear line from Exodus 34 to John 3:16 to 2 Corinthians 5 and see the Father revealing His own heart: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and rich…

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How Missionaries Can Build Kingdom Partnerships with Business Leaders (Encore Episode) 47:36

9h ago47:36

47:36

What if the support you need is waiting on the other side of a bold conversation with the right person? Many missionaries feel unsure about how to connect with business leaders—and even more unsure about how to talk about money. But what if those very people are called to partner with you? In this encore episode, we revisit our conversation with Le…

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“The New Heavens and New Earth” LW Searching Scripture, November 2025: Isaiah 65-66 28:38

22h ago28:38

28:38

November brings us to the end of another church year, which focuses our attention on the last things, on death and resurrection, on heaven and hell. We confess in the creeds, “I believe in … the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting”; “I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” It is remarkable that the…

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Made for Truth and Beauty and Goodness and Being // Episode 255 19:16

5d ago19:16

19:16

Most of us, when we think of the natural law, we're not thinking of how we're made to participate in transcendental realities...and yet, that's exactly what the natural law is about! Listen in to find out more! As always, support our work by going here! catch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/ …

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Rest Over Religion 27:31

5d ago27:31

27:31

Send us a text We speak plainly about money, missions, and the hope that drives both: Jesus offers rest where religion piles on rules. From Matthew 11:28 and Psalm 23, we discuss how grace relieves guilt and how giving, praying, and going can flow from love rather than pressure. Across India, Latin America, and beyond, we’ve seen people try to earn…

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Prepared with a Reason, Ep. 3: It All Came from Somewhere (Ontology) 24:05

2d ago24:05

24:05

How do we know that things exist? The Rev. Dr. Mark Wood (Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, former managing director of Church Planting, Renewal and Support for the LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how we know that things exist…

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Parenting with Empathy and Faith (Conversation with Briana) 39:31

6d ago39:31

39:31

Parents have an amazing opportunity to reflect the nature of God to their children. Yet the thought of shaping the way our kids come to see and know him sometimes feels like an overwhelming responsibility. How could anybody represent what our loving Papa is like? Thankfully Jesus redeems our mistakes, helps us in our weakness, and teaches us to sup…

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Chosen And Accepted In Christ 31:51

6d ago31:51

31:51

Send us a text What if your identity wasn't based on your performance, your past, or your reputation, but rested on a verdict already spoken by the Father? He chose you, blessed you with every spiritual blessing, set you apart, planned your public adoption, and made you accepted in the Beloved. We start by confronting a familiar myth that the Fathe…

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Special Episode - Death & Dying with Bishop Chandler Jones 48:53

2d ago48:53

48:53

This week, we have another special episode with Bishop Chad to discuss Death & Dying.

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Election in the Formula of Concord 24:48

3d ago24:48

24:48

What do the Formula of Concord and Scripture have to say about election? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning election that are addressed in Novemb…

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Why Rules Can’t Make You Holy But Love Can 11:41

7d ago11:41

11:41

Send us a text What if the most powerful force for real change isn’t pressure or fear but gratitude? In this episode, we open Galatians to discover why “faith working through love” is the heartbeat of the Christian life and how grace transforms duty into desire. Instead of chasing perfection, we explore a better way: walking with the Spirit so that…

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Patrick Brittenden, "Algerian and Christian: Christian Theological Formation, Identity and Mission in Contemporary Algeria" (Regnum Books, 2025) 1:10:02

5d ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Algerian and Christian are two words that many people do not put together. Dr. Patrick Brittenden does. In this episode, we talk with Patrick about his new book Algerian and Christian: Christian Theological Formation, Identity and Mission in Contemporary Algeria (Regnum Books International, 2025). He invites readers into the complex, often painful,…

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Set Apart to Serve: Church Work Programs at Concordia University Irvine 27:10

6d ago27:10

27:10

What's it like to be a student in a church work program at Concordia University Irvine? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ruehs (Assistant Dean of Christ College at Concordia University Irvine) and Carrie Donohoe (Director of LCMS Recruitment, Christ College Program Coordinator, and Assistant Director of LCMS Placement at Concordia University Irvine) join Andy…

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Born Free: Law, Grace, And The Laughter Of Isaac 12:12

10d ago12:12

12:12

Send us a text What if the heaviness you feel isn't from sin but from spiritual striving that grace has already answered? In this episode, we walk through Paul's sweeping argument in Galatians using the vivid story of Hagar and Sarah to reveal why law and grace can't coexist in the same heart without conflict. Hagar represents Sinai's effort, rules…

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Disability, the Resurrection Body, and Flannery O'Connor 23:23

9d ago23:23

23:23

What do we learn about disability and the resurrection body from the works of Flannery O'Connor? The Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics at Concordia University Irvine and author of "Disability and the Resurrection Body in Light of the Works of Flannery O'Connor" in the Concordia Theological Quarterly) joins An…

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Abraham Proves It: We’re Saved By Promise, Not Performance 12:15

11d ago12:15

12:15

Send us a text What if the freedom you crave doesn't come from trying harder but from trusting deeper? We walk through Galatians again, tracing how the law exposes our need while grace steps in to heal, adopt, and transform. This isn't a message about lowering the bar; it's about moving from checklists to a new heart, where obedience turns from bur…

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How to Lead Gen Z With Authority They’ll Actually Trust with Dr. Tim Elmore 57:40

8d ago57:40

57:40

What if the pushback you're getting from Gen Z missionaries isn’t rebellion—but an invitation to lead differently? Many leaders are navigating cross-generational tension in missions, unsure how to guide and motivate a generation that values autonomy, mental health, and meaning over traditional hierarchies and hustle culture. In this conversation, l…

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Serving as a Regional Business Manager in Eurasia 24:50

10d ago24:50

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What does it look like to step into the role of Regional Business Manager in Eurasia? Sean McHugh (LCMS Regional Business Manager for Eurasia) along with his wife Hanna, and Anne Gonzalez (Manager, Lay Missionary Recruitment, LCMS Office of International Mission) join Andy and Sarah to share Sean and Hannah’s stories of coming to Lutheranism, how t…

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Life on Mission with Leanne Bowen // Episode 254 1:18:41

12d ago1:18:41

1:18:41

Delighted to interview Catholic artist and former FOCUS missionary, Leanne Bowen! Check out her work at leannebowen.com! As always, support our work by going here! catch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/ see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpost.org/events/ send us …

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From Law’s Diagnosis To Grace’s Cure 9:17

12d ago9:17

9:17

Send us a text What if the relief you desire isn't found in doing more, but in trusting what's already done? There is a sharp line between the law that diagnoses and the grace that heals, swapping performance-based religion for a living for a steady walk of faith. From the x-ray and mirror metaphors to Paul's piercing questions, "Did you receive th…

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Prepared with a Reason, Ep. 2: The Truth Is Greater Than Ourselves (Epistemology) 27:35

9d ago27:35

27:35

What is truth, and how can we know it? The Rev. Dr. James Pierce (pastor of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Pasco, WA, and Messiah Lutheran Church in Basin City, WA) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 2 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how we define truth and how we know it's true, whether talking about truth is too academic for real li…

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Special Episode - The Crisis in Canterbury with Bishop Chandler Jones 51:45

10d ago51:45

51:45

Bishop Chandler Jones joins us this week to discuss the crisis in Canterbury and explore the historical role of the Archbishop of Canterbury. We also examine the modern crisis, tracing the theological decline back to the 1960s–70s and 1992, and point out how innovations like women's ordination and changes to the doctrine of Holy Matrimony share a c…

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Growing Through Empathy Challenges in Parenting 36:26

13d ago36:26

36:26

Those of us with children understand there is no parenting blueprint or path to “get it right” all the time. This can lead us to shy away from offering empathy as we become afraid of enabling poor behavior or stealing opportunities for them to build resilience. Yet it’s empathy — even imperfect empathy — that empowers us to help our children throug…

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Galatians: A Clear Call To Freedom From Legalism 10:56

13d ago10:56

10:56

Send us a text Freedom sounds different when you've been living on a treadmill. Paul shouts across the centuries to stop trying to earn what Jesus already gave. If performance-based religion has left you tired, ashamed, or numb, this conversation is a deep breath of grace. You'll hear why the law is a mirror that can show the dirt but never wash it…

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YouthLead Training Opportunities 24:46

10d ago24:46

24:46

What makes leadership training for youth in the church so valuable? Julianna Schults, DCE and Program Manager of Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens during YouthLead training, why it’s important, and how empowering youth equips them to lead in their communities. She also shares details a…

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Holiness Means Belonging To God 19:13

14d ago19:13

19:13

Send us a text What if "be holy" was never meant to sound like a shout from a mountaintop, but a Father's whisper of belonging? You need to shift your definition of holiness from a checklist to a relationship, from moral pressure to a life shared with the presence of God. Instead of chasing perfection: holy means set apart, spoken for, and filled w…

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Set Apart to Serve: Brothers in CUNE Church Work Programs 25:17

13d ago25:17

25:17

How did two brothers both end up in church work programs at Concordia University, Nebraska? Daniel Ascher (sophomore at CUNE in Secondary Education, Science) and Luke Ascher (freshman at CUNE in Elementary Education) join Andy and Sarah to continue our conversation with the Ascher siblings! The brothers share where they grew up and when they began …

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From Scorecards To Sonship: Why Grace Restores Joy 6:41

17d ago6:41

6:41

Send us a text What if the Father's house felt like a home again, where judgment quiets, honesty breathes, and joy returns? In this episode, we explore the tender power of grace through the often-overlooked figure of the elder brother: the dutiful son who stood outside abundance because he couldn't believe "all I have is yours." That single line be…

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Affirming Your Faith on Vacation 29:30

13d ago29:30

29:30

We’ve all been there: we are traveling and someone notices that we are Christian and/or Catholic and they start a conversation with us. What do we do when strangers ask us about our Catholic Faith when in public? Whenever we travel and embrace our Catholic faith, we may find ourselves publicly witnessing Christ and could turn into moments of evange…

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Studying the Nicene Creed 26:30

14d ago26:30

26:30

How can we study the Nicene Creed for its historical and theological significance? The Rev. Timothy J. Winterstein (pastor of University Lutheran Church on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and author of Worshiped & Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed from CPH) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what creeds are and what w…

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When Religion Turns Bitter And Joy Leaves The Church 8:56

18d ago8:56

8:56

Send us a text Ever feel like you're doing everything right and still missing the party? This episode examines the often-overlooked elder brother in Luke 15 not as a villain, but as a mirror reflecting our own quiet exhaustion. We explore how performance-based religion sneaks into our faith, draining joy and transforming the church from a refuge fo…

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The Restless Missionary and the Invitation to Be Whole Again with Cheryl Scanlan 1:01:24

18d ago1:01:24

1:01:24

What happens when your identity in Christ feels solid, but deep down, you’re still exhausted, fragmented, and unsure who you really are? Many missionaries live in a cycle of spiritual striving and internal disintegration—even while faithfully serving. The result? Burnout, weariness, and a haunting sense that something is off, even if they can’t nam…

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Serving the Lord in Asia and Germany 24:28

15d ago24:28

24:28

What does deaconess service look like in Asia and Germany? Deaconess Sandra Rhein (serving the Lord in Asia as a Sacred Music Educator) and Deaconess Kim Bueltmann (serving the Lord in Germany as a missionary in Leipzig and Chemnitz) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their recent projects and some mission work highlights, how deaconesses are percei…

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Maybe People Just Don't Know That We're Called to Be Saints... // Episode 253 14:52

19d ago14:52

14:52

Maybe just maybe, a lot of the Christian life makes more sense if we know that we're called to be saints...and if we know what saints are, too. As always, support our work by going here! catch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/ see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpo…

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Resting In I Am: Letting Tomorrow Stop Stealing Today 11:55

19d ago11:55

11:55

Send us a text What if the loudest thief of joy isn’t failure or chaos, but tomorrow? We open with a poem that names what hurry hides, the way our plans and spiritual hustle can masquerade as faith while quietly draining the grace found in the present. From there, we get honest about how living split between what is and what might be creates anxiet…

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Prepared with a Reason, Ep. 1: Worldview Conversations in the Public Square 26:04

16d ago26:04

26:04

Why should and how can adults and young adults be prepared to enter challenging conversations in the public square? The Rev. Dr. Mark Wood (Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, former managing director of Church Planting, Renewal and Support for the LCMS Office of National Mission) and Dr. Lisa Clark (Senior Editor, …

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The Power of Empathy in Parenting (Conversation with Briana) 34:36

20d ago34:36

34:36

Empathy is valuable in all our relationships, but it's especially important when it comes to raising children. All of us long for our kids to love Jesus and fulfill his unique purposes for them. How can we help them get there? Empathy helps our children become secure and confident as they pursue Jesus and fullness of life in him. Join us for this e…

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Learning To Live Today With The Good Shepherd 13:44

20d ago13:44

13:44

Send us a text If peace always feels one step away, this conversation invites you to stop chasing the horizon and meet the Shepherd who stands in the room. We talk about how a certain kind of “spiritual hunger” can disguise plain restlessness, and why the Lord is my shepherd only changes us when we hear it in present tense. Drawing from Psalm 23, t…

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Catechesis #21 - The 10 Commandments: Loving God & Neighbor (Part 1) 40:17

20d ago40:17

40:17

In this episode, we discuss the first four commandments and our duty to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We explore how we live in a pre-Christian culture where basic biblical knowledge can no longer be assumed, making catechesis more important than ever. Additionally, we discuss how humanity was created in God's image to refl…

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Lutheran Early Response Team Training 29:42

17d ago29:42

29:42

How are Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) trained? The Rev. Michael Meyer (Director of Training, LCMS Disaster Response and Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission), Kris Schuldt (LERT Training Committee, District Disaster Response Coordinator, LCMS Missouri District), Bryce Cramer (LERT Training Committee, Chainsaw trainer), and the …

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From Orphan Mindset to Beloved: The Cure for Everyday Selfishness 13:12

21d ago13:12

13:12

Send us a text What if the self-protection you’ve been practicing is the very thing stealing your peace? From a quiet hotel room in Arequipa, while traveling and staying ahead on upcoming shows, Austin speaks to the listener who feels forgotten, unseen, and tired of fighting alone. Bitterness, he says, can sound like wisdom and look like strength, …

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Set Apart to Serve: Pastoral Ministry as a Second Career 21:50

20d ago21:50

21:50

What are the joys and challenges of becoming a second-career pastor? Rev. Don Stein (pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the congregation he serves, his previous career working for Congress in Washington, D.C., what led him to pursue pastoral ministry, how his experiences in Washington, D.C. gave …

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Bitterness Said “Build a Wall,” Jesus Brought a Sledgehammer 10:05

24d ago10:05

10:05

Send us a text A quiet confession opens the door: being forgotten can bruise a soul deeper than we admit. From a small hotel room in Arequipa, while traveling and staying ahead on upcoming shows, we speak to the listener who feels unseen, the one carrying silent wounds that never found closure. Bitterness can look like strength, but it slowly becom…

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DCE Formation at Concordia University Chicago 23:36

21d ago23:36

23:36

How are Directors of Christian Education formed at Concordia University Chicago? Dr. Debbie Arfsten (Professor of Christian Education and DCE Program Director at Concordia University Chicago), along with DCE students Nathaniel, Shanell, Joey, Rachel and Caleb, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the students learned about the DCE role in Lutheran…

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You weren’t bad—you were dead, and Christ made you new 21:02

25d ago21:02

21:02

Send us a text What if your story doesn’t start with “I should try harder,” but with “I was dead, and God made me alive”? In this episode, we open Ephesians 2 with raw honesty and real hope, tracing Paul’s unflinching diagnosis and the breathtaking interruption of “but God.” We begin with identity saints and faithful by gift, not grind. Then we fac…