When Missionaries Get Angry (and What to Do About It) with Erik Troyer

Modern Day Missionaries

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19d ago 55:03

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Have you ever felt angry on the mission field—and then guilty for it? You’re not alone. From cultural clashes to team tension to the things that just shouldn’t be, anger surfaces—and it often comes with a side of shame.

In this deeply honest conversation, counselor Erik Troyer helps us reframe our understanding of anger, not as something to suppress, but as an invitation to draw nearer to God. Whether your anger is loud or silent, clear or confusing, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why anger is normal—even for missionaries—and how to stop shaming yourself for feeling it
How to recognize what’s under the surface of your anger, like fear, unmet expectations, or pain
What to do when you’ve already blown up—or shut down—in unhealthy ways
How to create safe space for others’ anger as a leader, parent, or teammate
The difference between righteous anger and resentment—and how to tell which one you're dealing with

Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

What’s my typical response to anger—exploding, hiding, or something else?
What am I really afraid of in the moments I feel most angry?
Do I believe it’s safe to share my anger with God—or with someone else?
Where do I need to ask for forgiveness—from God, from others, or from myself?
What kind of support do I need to process the things that are still simmering beneath the surface?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Chapters

1. When Missionaries Get Angry (and What to Do About It) with Erik Troyer (00:00:00)

2. Meet Erik Troyer (00:01:37)

3. Missionaries and Anger: A Unique Perspective (00:02:25)

4. Righteous Anger and Its Challenges (00:07:39)

5. The Impact of Cross-Cultural Stress (00:12:49)

6. Seeking Support and Safe Spaces (00:16:55)

7. Managing Expectations and Embracing Flexibility (00:28:03)

8. Understanding Change and Personality (00:29:47)

9. Identifying Default Conflict Styles (00:30:11)

10. Balancing Grace and Truth in Leadership (00:32:57)

11. Handling Team Conflicts (00:35:55)

12. Empathy and Action in Leadership (00:42:32)

13. Dealing with Personal Anger (00:45:43)

14. Seeking Forgiveness and Growth (00:49:34)

15. Conclusion and Encouragement (00:53:34)

119 episodes

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