In this reposted interview, Richard Blackaby talks with Kyle about Godly Grit and the kind of resilience needed for life, leadership, and ministry. We explore why spiritual strength matters, how grit is formed through challenges, and what it looks like to keep moving forward with faith and endurance.

​Resources:
⁠View Godly Grit on Amazon⁠

⁠The Richard Blackaby Leadership Podcast

​

Godly Grit: Unshakable Resilience and Grit for Life and Leadership launches today—in this episode Kyle talks about how to stay steady when life gets hard and bad news hits.

​What if hard seasons didn’t have to shake you to the core?

​In Psalm 112, God gives us a picture of the person who is steady, calm, and unafraid—even when bad news comes.

In this episode, we talk about how Godly Grit grows when we stop expecting life to be easy and start building our life on the One who never moves.

​“In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33).

“For the righteous will never be moved… He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid…” (Psalm 112:6–8).

“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8).

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Why expecting “easy” sets us up for discouragement and quitting
✅ What it means to be unshakable (and how resilience is different than being shaken)
✅ Psalm 112: the marks of a steady heart that doesn’t fear bad news
✅ How fear is often rooted in comfort, control, and wanting to know the plan
✅ Why real faith isn’t trusting a plan—it’s trusting a Person
✅ A story about a charging rhino (and what it taught us about trusting God)
✅ How your response to challenges can make God look big to the people watching

​

In this episode, we talk with E.D. Burns about why being deeply grounded in Scripture is essential for missionaries who want to endure faithfully for the long haul. Drawing from his book The Missionary-Theologian, Evan challenges common assumptions about preparation, ministry methods, and success in missions, pointing us back to a Word-centered vision shaped by theology rather than trends or results.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The central message of the book and why theology matters for everyday ministry on the field
✅ The dangers of shaping ministry methods around culture, trends, or measurable results instead of Scripture
✅ What modern missionaries and everyday Christians can learn from the Word-centered lives of Adoniram and Ann Judson
✅ How missionary methods reveal underlying theology—and practical ways to evaluate whether our approaches flow from biblical convictions or pressure for quick outcomes
✅ Preparing the heart to endure suffering, weakness, and hardship without losing joy, hope, or faithfulness

This conversation is a timely reminder that lasting fruit in missions does not come from clever strategies, but from leaders who are immersed in the Word, anchored in sound doctrine, and willing to endure faithfully for God’s glory.

E.D. Burns is the executive director for training and development at ABWE, and  also directs the MA in Cultural Apologetics at Founders Seminary. He is on faculty at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, and he and his family live in a small hilltribe village in Northern Thailand, where he works with training and translating materials into hilltribe languages.

We want to hear from you!
Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.
​
Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad!

RESOURCES:

Books:

• The Missionary-Theologian: Sent into the World, Sanctified by the Word- E.D. Burns
• Great Commission Spirituality: Abiding in Christ, Serving in Obscurity- E.D. Burns
• Seeds and Stars: Resting in Christ for Great Commission Service- E.D. Burns

​

In this episode, we dive into how the right perspective on challenges can help you develop strength, resilience, and grit—essential qualities for anyone in missions and leadership.

This conversation also lays the foundation for my upcoming book, Godly Grit, where I expand on these ideas and offer a practical framework for building resilient, faith-filled strength in life and leadership.

This is the podcast episode I wish I had before starting my journey in missions. If you're a missionary, leader, or someone navigating a difficult season, you know how easily challenges can rob you of joy. A wrong mindset drains energy and motivation—but a biblical, resilient perspective can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Over the past few years, these life-shaping insights have been like water for my soul, reshaping how I face hardship. They form the backbone of Godly Grit, and I truly believe they can transform your mindset and change your life as they have mine!
​
In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ How to reframe challenges to fuel growth, perseverance, and faith
✅ Why a negative perspective quietly drains joy and strength
✅ How to cultivate mental and spiritual resilience in leadership and missions
✅ How hardships can become stepping stones to deeper strength and grit

If you’re facing resistance, fatigue, or discouragement, this episode—and the message behind Godly Grit—will help you build strength that lasts.

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​All Episodes

Stewarding your body isn’t about six-pack abs or fitting into a certain size of pants. It’s about being healthy enough to serve God well, for as long as possible. In this episode, we talk about “Stewardship of the Body” and how caring for your physical health is deeply connected to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I (Kyle) share some of my own journey of being flat on my back with debilitating back pain, migraines, and stress-related issues—and how that season became a turning point for me.

This episode connects biblical stewardship with our motivation, and gives very practical steps you can start today in the areas of stress, food, exercise, and sleep.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ What “stewardship of the body” really means
✅ Why your body belongs to God, not you
✅ How neglecting your health can impact your “well done”
✅ Finding a deeper motivation than comfort or appearance
✅ Practical starting points in four key areas: Stress, Food, Exercise, and Sleep
✅ Why micro changes matter more than massive short bursts
✅ Why there is no “single solution” to health
✅ A sober reminder about eternity

If you want to serve God for as long as you can, stewarding your body is part of your calling.

Pick one thing you already know you should do—and start there.

In this episode, we talk with Alan Fadling, author of An Unhurried Life, about what it really means to slow down and lead from a place of rest. Alan reminds us that hurry isn’t just about a busy schedule—it’s about a busy heart. Together we explore what it looks like to follow a relaxed Savior, lead from stillness, and embrace the slow, deep work of spiritual growth.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ The difference between a disordered schedule and a disordered heart—and why hurry begins in the soul.
✅ How seeing Jesus as “relaxed” changes the way we view leadership and ministry.
✅ Why Jesus’ 30-year wait before ministry teaches us to trust God’s timing instead of forcing outcomes.
✅ How leading from stillness transforms our decision-making and dependence on God.
✅ The temptation to measure success by crowds instead of deep discipleship.
✅ What it means to welcome “holy interruptions” as part of God’s work.
✅ How to become “oaks of righteousness”—deeply rooted and slow-growing.
✅ The practice of Extended Personal Communion (EPC) days and learning to simply be with God.
✅ Seeing prayer as strategic leadership, not an afterthought.

Alan’s insights invite us to live and lead at the pace of Jesus—unhurried, rooted, and deeply present.

Alan Fadling (MDiv) is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc. in Mission Viejo, CA. He writes and speaks as an expert in the challenge of hurry in contemporary life and work and how to overcome it. 

He consults and coaches leaders and their organizations in the U.S. and around the world, helping them work towards long-term productivity that lasts rather than settling for quick fixes that don’t work. 

He is the award-winning author of six books including An Unhurried Life, An Unhurried Leader and A Non-Anxious Life.

We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?
Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@kyle.farran
⁠
Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.
​
Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad!

RESOURCES:

Books:

• An Unhurried Life- Alan Fadling
• An Unhurried Leader- Alan Fadling
• A Non-Anxious Life: Experiencing the Peace of God's Presence- Alan Fadling

Website:

• https://www.unhurriedliving.com/alan
  

​

RESOURCES:

Website (Free PDFs):

• Concilium Resources: Helpful Guides, Links, and Recommendations

​

If you’ve ever felt soul-weary while still showing up for others, this conversation with author and former pastor Lance Witt will be like water for your soul. His wisdom, honesty, and practical tools will encourage any leader in ministry—especially those on the front lines of missions.
​
In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Early warning signs of soul neglect and how leaders can drift into running on skill instead of the Spirit
✅ Why soul health is the most powerful leadership tool a pastor or missionary can develop
✅ How the pace of Jesus challenges our addiction to hurry—and the disciplines that help slow us down
✅ What Sabbath rest teaches us about trust, identity, and letting go of control
✅ A better pursuit than growth: choosing godliness over size and applause
✅ How to discern between wisdom and fear when facing hard leadership decisions
✅ Practical ways to invest in the spiritual and relational health of your team
Lance is the founder of REPLENISH ministries. Replenish is dedicated to helping people live and lead from a healthy soul.

Along with speaking and consulting, Lance does individual life coaching and team development. Lances newest book is called Your ONE Life: Own it, Live it, Love it. He is also the author of Replenish and High Impact Teams.

We want to hear from you! Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@kyle.farran⁠ ​Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it. Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

RESOURCES:

Book:

• Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women who Served Internationally by Emily Bennett​
• SPECIAL OFFER Until 5/25/26: Before You Go (Men's and Women's books for $20)

​

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the Amazon links on our site. This helps cover the cost of our website. We only recommend products and books that we or podcast guests have found personally beneficial!

​
​

The missionary road is hard—this resource will help prepare you.

In this episode of Missions Life, we talk with two seasoned missions practitioners and professors--Matt Bennett and Josh Bowman—about their book, Before You Go: Wisdom from 10 Men on Serving Internationally.

Whether you're preparing to head overseas, mentoring others who are, or serving in a sending church, this conversation is packed with real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and biblical wisdom for the journey ahead.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Misconceptions about missions that often blindside new missionaries
✅ How missionaries can set realistic expectations
✅ How to discern your calling and prepare spiritually before heading to the field
✅ Key character traits and heart attitudes every missionary needs
✅ Common struggles in the first year—and how to prepare for them
✅ How to thrive on a team and avoid isolation or burnout
✅ The role of sending churches and how they can better care for missionaries

​Matthew Bennett and his family lived in North Africa and the Middle East for seven years. He is now an Associate Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville OH. He earned a PhD in Missiology at SEBTS and also holds an MA in Intercultural Studies and an MDiv in Intercultural Church Planting.

Josh Bowman graduated from Southern Seminary in 2002, and then served as a rural church planter in Zambia with the International Mission Board. His passion is to see healthy churches led by theologically sound leaders reach those who have never heard the Gospel. After eight years in Zambia, the Lord led his family to South Asia to focus on church strengthening, leadership development, and unengaged people groups. He is now a professor at Cedarville University where his desire is to raise up students with a passion for Jesus and the nations.

We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@kyle.farran⁠

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

​Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

What if the greatest threats to your team’s health aren’t the obvious ones?

In this episode with Elizabeth Smith, we talk about the often-overlooked impact of small traumas—the subtle, cumulative wounds that can quietly fracture trust and unity on a missions team.

✅ What “small traumas” are and why they matter in a missions context
✅ Real examples of how trauma can show up in leadership or daily team life without being recognized
✅ How unresolved pain shapes team dynamics, communication, and spiritual health
✅ Signs your team may be impacted by unspoken trauma
✅ The role of leaders in fostering psychological safety and building healing spaces
✅ Mistakes leaders often make that deepen trauma instead of addressing it
✅ Mindset shifts needed to lead with compassion and resilience

Whether you're leading a team or serving on one, this conversation will help you navigate the hidden emotional challenges of life in ministry with greater empathy and intentionality.

We’ve invited Elizabeth back because she recently wrote the book Trauma-Informed Leadership , which is a book that combines over a decade of leadership experience with her expertise as a certified Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner.  She equips leaders to identify and address the subtle, everyday traumas that can quietly undermine team trust and effectiveness. 
​
Her leadership background includes ministry and missions work, as well as her current role as COO of TCK Training, a company recognized for its commitment to emotional safety in the workplace. As an international speaker and full-time traveler, Elizabeth brings a globally-informed perspective to the practical strategies she offers to missions leaders and teams looking to strengthen their team dynamics.

​We want to hear from you!
Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?
Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran
​Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.
Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

RESOURCES:

Book:

• Trauma Informed Leadership: Navigating Through Trauma and Triggers to Build Resilient and Successful Teams  by Elizabeth Vahey Smith

​

​
*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the Amazon links on our site. This helps cover the cost of our website. We only recommend products and books that we or podcast guests have found personally beneficial!

Today on the podcast, we have with us Richard Blackaby. Richard is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and the eldest son of Henry and Marilynn Blackaby. He holds a Ph.D. in church history from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as both a senior pastor and seminary president. Richard travels extensively and speaks internationally on topics such as spiritual leadership, experiencing God, revival, and God in the marketplace. He regularly works with Christian CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and hosts The Richard Blackaby Leadership Podcast. He and his wife Lisa live in Atlanta, and they are blessed with three children who all serve in ministry and eight grandchildren.

In this conversation, we dive into the heart of Spiritual Leadership.

We talk about how leadership isn’t just about vision, goals, or strategies—but about knowing and following God. Richard shares powerful insights on what makes spiritual leadership different from secular leadership, and why character, prayer, and obedience are at the core of leading well.
✅ How to define leadership from a biblical perspective
✅ How to balance wise planning with trusting God's direction
✅ How spiritual leaders can stand firm against the pressures of popularity and criticism
✅ Why spiritual maturity must be prioritized over visible success
✅ How to build a deep, resilient prayer life as a leader
✅ How to raise up the next generation of spiritual leaders
​
If you want to grow into the kind of leader God can use, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
​
We want to hear from you!
Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?
Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran
​Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.
Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

Based on the book Overflowing: Ministry and Missions That Flow From the Heart

Topics: Spiritual Growth • Leadership Development • Missions • Christian Character • Heart Transformation

​In this episode, we talk about one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions in ministry and missions: Why does God use some people more than others?

Drawing from the first chapter of ⁠Overflowing: Ministry and Missions That Flow From the Heart⁠, we explore what sets certain individuals apart in God's plan—not in talent, platform, or performance, but in character.

In this episode, we'll answer:
✅ What kind of person is God looking to use?
✅ Why is who you are more important than what you do?
✅ How can we become useful vessels for God’s purposes?
✅ What does 2 Chronicles 16:9 teach us about God's search for wholehearted servants?
✅ How do humility, holiness, and faithfulness prepare you for greater impact in ministry?
​
We dig deep into how God’s strong support rests on those whose hearts are fully His, and how developing godly character is the foundation for fruitfulness in life and leadership.

This episode is not just about doing more for God, but about becoming the kind of person God looks to use. If you’re in ministry, missions, or simply want to live a life that counts for eternity, this message will help you evaluate where you are—and where God is calling you to grow.

If you want your life, ministry, or organization to be one that God uses and blesses with His strength—it all starts with character.

This episode is based on Chapter 1 of my book, Overflowing. If you want to keep exploring what it means to become the kind of person God looks to use, you can ⁠get the full book on Amazon⁠.


We want to hear from you!
Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

​RESOURCES:

Book:

• Overflowing: Ministry and Missions That Flow From the Heart by Kyle Farran​
• Study guide (Paperback)
• Free study guide (printable PDF)​

​

Resilient leadership isn’t about toughness—it’s about strength, flexibility, and endurance.

In this episode, we sit down with Tod Bolsinger, author of Tempered Resilience and How Not to Waste a Crisis, to discuss what it really takes to lead through challenges without burning out.

Leadership is hard. How do leaders survive the pressure, setbacks, and stress of leading change? 

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅  What it means to be “tempered” as a leader – strong yet flexible
✅  Why resilience is built through stress, not comfort
✅  How missionaries can develop a grounded identity under pressure
✅  The importance of rest rhythms in sustaining resilience
✅  How to grow through mistakes instead of being crushed by them
✅  Balancing mission work with self-care

“The question is not ‘Can I learn the skills I need to lead?’ but ‘Can I survive it?’” – Tod Bolsinger

Whether you're a missionary, church leader, or nonprofit worker, this episode will help you build resilience and sustain your calling through faith, wisdom, and healthy leadership habits.​

Listen now to learn how to strengthen your leadership without burnout!​

Tod Bolsinger has his MDiv, PhD, and is the co-founder and principal of AE Sloan Leadership, Inc, an executive coaching and consulting firm that works with church, non-profit, university, and marketplace leaders in leading change. He is also the Executive Director of the De Pree Center Church Leadership Institute and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Before his educational career, he served as a pastor for 27 years.

Tod is the author of nine books, including Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change, and the Practicing Change Series.⁠

​
We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at ⁠kfarran@abwe.org⁠ with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@kyle.farran⁠

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

​Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!

RESOURCES:

​Books:

• Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change
• Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory​
• How Not to Waste a Crisis: Quit Trying Harder

AE Sloan Leadership (Tod's company)

Tod can be reached at bolsinger@aesloanleadership.com

Starting a gospel conversation can feel intimidating. How do you go from everyday small talk to talking about faith, Jesus, and the gospel?


Most evangelism tools help us share the gospel once a conversation is already happening, but many of us struggle with how to start those conversations in the first place.


In this episode, I share practical ways to connect with unbelievers and real-world strategies to naturally start gospel conversations without awkwardness.


What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to build connections with unbelievers in everyday life
✅ Simple, effective ways to transition into a spiritual conversation
✅ ​Practical steps to start gospel conversations with confidence


Whether you're new to faith conversations or looking to be more intentional in sharing the gospel, this episode will equip you with real, actionable strategies to start meaningful discussions about Jesus.


I hope this is a blessing to you!

RESOURCES:

Blog:

• How to Start Gospel Conversations
  The link for the example invitation is at the bottom of this blog)

Books:

• To read more about having a heart that overflows to others, check out my book Overflowing.
• To read more about starting gospel conversations, check out Sent or God Space.

Example invitation to study the Bible:

• HERE is an example of the invitation in Google Slides. Feel free to create a copy and customize it to mention the kind of Bible overview study you use, then just send them a link to the slideshow. It is helpful to only ask people to commit to a 1-hour introduction to the Bible so they can decide if they want to continue.

​

Pride is one of the greatest dangers in ministry—so how do we recognize and root it out? In this episode of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad, Heather sat down with Peg Forrest to discuss the vital role of humility in ministry and the hidden ways pride can creep in, especially for women in missions.

Peg shares why humility is a non-negotiable, how unchecked pride can mirror the enemy, and the most common pride struggles women in ministry face. We also dive into practical ways to expose pride, cultivate genuine humility, and stay spiritually healthy while serving in cross-cultural ministry.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Why humility is essential for effective ministry and leadership
✅ How pride subtly infiltrates our hearts—and why it’s so dangerous
✅ The sobering truth: “We are never more like Satan than when we operate in pride”
✅ Common pride struggles among women in ministry
✅ Practical ways to identify and overcome pride in our lives
✅ Encouragement for women serving on the mission field

Peg has a deep passion for teaching and discipling women. With years of experience as a missionary in Kenya, a counselor, a Bible study teacher, and the Dean of Women at Arizona Christian University, she brings wisdom and insight to this discussion. She and her husband, a former 6'10" NBA center for the Phoenix Suns, founded FOCUS Ministries in 1992 after returning from Africa. Together, they travel the world, sharing the gospel and teaching about Christ through their life stories and experiences.

RESOURCES:

​Books:

• Meet Me at the Burning Bush- Peg Forrest
• Don't Drop Jesus- Peg Forrest
• Mere Christianity- C.S. Lewis
• My Utmost for His Highest- Oswald Chambers

Blogs:

• The Gospel Coalition: 7 Ways Pride Grows in Our Hearts

Website:

• FOCUS Ministries- Bay & Peg Forrest

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All Episodes

In this episode, we dive into how the right perspective on challenges can help you develop strength, resilience, and grit—essential qualities for anyone in missions and leadership.

This is the podcast episode I wish I had before starting my journey in missions. If you're a missionary, leader, or someone navigating difficult seasons, you know that challenges can rob you of joy. A wrong mindset can drain your energy and motivation, but shifting your perspective can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Over the past few years, these life-changing insights have been like water for my soul, reshaping how I face difficulties. I truly believe that changing your perspective will change your life!

Tune in now to learn how to:

• Reframe challenges to fuel growth, perseverance, and faith
• Avoid the joy-draining trap of a negative perspective
• Cultivate mental and spiritual resilience in leadership & missions
• Embrace hardships as stepping stones to strength

Listen now and start transforming your challenges into opportunities!

Leaving the mission field is one of the hardest transitions a missionary can face. In this episode, we talk with Amy Medina, who shares her personal experience of leaving Tanzania and transitioning back to life in the USA.

Amy opens up about the challenges of re-entry, the unexpected emotions that come with it, and how God has encouraged her family through the process. We also discuss practical steps for reintegration, managing relationships with supporters, and finding a sense of belonging after years overseas. Whether you’re preparing for transition or supporting missionaries through it, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ The biggest challenges of transitioning back to the USA
✅ How God provides strength and encouragement in seasons of change
✅ Advice for families facing sudden or unexpected transitions
✅ Navigating relationships with supporters after returning home
✅ Practical steps for reintegrating into culture and daily life
✅ Finding a new sense of belonging after years on the mission field
✅ Identity shifts: What happens when "missionary" is no longer your title?
✅ The most helpful support and resources for returning missionaries

Amy Medina spent almost half her life on the continent of Africa, first as an MK in Liberia and then sixteen years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Amy's ministry was at Haven of Peace Academy as a teacher and administrator. The Medinas relocated to Southern California in 2020, and she now serves with ReachGlobal as a coach, placement specialist, and trainer for pre-deployed missionaries. Amy blogs at www.amy-medina.com.

Burnout is real—but it doesn’t have to define your ministry.

In this episode of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad, we sit down with Steph Boon, a missionary in Tanzania, counselor, and PhD psychology student specializing in burnout recovery and prevention.

Together, we dive into the hidden role of expectations in ministry burnout and explore practical ways to protect your heart, mind, and calling. Whether you’re a missionary, ministry leader, or someone feeling weary in your calling, this conversation offers powerful insights and real-world strategies to help you stay strong for the long haul.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How unmet expectations contribute to burnout in missions & leadership
• The signs of burnout every missionary & ministry leader should recognize
• Practical strategies to protect your emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being
• How to build resilience and sustain your calling for the long term

Steph and her family have been serving with ABWE in Tanzania since 2012. Steph and Aaron have 5 children; plus several more who have lived with them over the years and call them parents. Steph is a counselor, PhD social psychology student and social and behavioral researcher; specializing in burnout recovery and prevention, social cognition and cultural adjustment, clinical traumatology, conflict resolution and group counseling. She loves Scripture and is passionate about sharing it professionally and personally with anyone who will listen. She helps run a non-profit called Sifa Collective which gives young women the hope of the gospel and tools to launch their own local businesses. She also co-runs and counsels at a community counseling center that offers counseling both locally and abroad as well as help train local churches to provide biblical counseling to their members and communities.

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All Episodes

Conflict is an unavoidable part of life and ministry, but it doesn’t have to derail relationships or teams. In this episode, we sit down with Ken Sande, author of The Peacemaker, and Rich Douglass to explore practical skills for resolving conflict—especially in the high-stakes environment of missions.

With 50% of missionaries leaving the field during their first term—many due to preventable team conflict—learning to navigate disagreements biblically and effectively is essential. Ken and Rich share proven principles that help missionaries and leaders become true peacemakers, so they can focus on gospel ministry without unnecessary distractions.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Why The Peacemaker has impacted over 500,000 readers worldwide
✅ The Four G’s of Peacemaking—a biblical framework for conflict resolution
✅ Why conflict is an opportunity rather than an obstacle
✅ The Slippery Slope of Conflict—how we tend to respond to disagreements
✅ The difference between personal issues vs. material issues in conflict
✅ Key steps to resolving personal issues (The 7 A’s of Confession & 4 Promises of Forgiveness)
✅ How the PAUSE Principle provides a roadmap for navigating conflict
✅ What to do when others refuse to reconcile
✅ Relational Wisdom 3.0 & Relational Peacemaking—online courses to strengthen conflict resolution skills

​Ken Sande is the founder of Peacemaker Ministries and RW360. Trained as an engineer, lawyer and mediator, Ken has conciliated hundreds of family, business, church and legal conflicts. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Peacemaker, which has sold over 500,000 copies in twenty languages. He teaches internationally on biblical peacemaking, Christian conciliation and relational wisdom, which is an enhanced form of emotional intelligence that helps people “get upstream of conflict” by improving their ability to read and manage emotions in themselves and others. These resources are being used to strengthen relationships, promote teamwork and reduce and resolve conflict in churches, families, businesses, schools and military bases around the world. Ken is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Instructor with TalentSmartEQ and a Certified Relational Wisdom Conciliator, Coach and Instructor. He has served as a church elder, an Editorial Advisor for Christianity Today, a Certified Professional Engineer and as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee of the Montana Bar Association.

Rich Douglass is an experienced leader of multinational Christian and secular organizations offering expertise in developing successful growth strategies, training both team leaders and individual representatives and creating dynamic events and environments that engage. Rich and his wife both served in the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force they served as missionaries in Kenya and Palau (Palow) and have lived in Japan, Germany, France and Italy.
In addition to pastoral assignments, Rich was the South Carolina FCA Endurance Coordinator while Donna served on the National Leadership Board.  During their time with FCA-E, they had the chance to develop and teach evangelism to Christian Athletes nationwide: 
Rich now feels very privileged to serve on staff with RW 360 and looks forward to what the Lord is going to do in the years to come!

Furlough is a unique season—filled with challenges, transitions, and opportunities. After eight furloughs over 17 years, we’ve learned valuable lessons about how to navigate this time well while balancing ministry, family, and personal health.

In this episode, we share practical strategies for managing expectations, setting boundaries, and making the most of your furlough. We cover how the role of furlough has changed, the biggest challenges missionaries face, and how to structure your time to avoid burnout while still being effective in ministry.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ The purpose of furlough and how it has changed over the years
✅ Why digital communication has blurred the lines between field and furlough
✅ The biggest challenges of furlough—balancing ministry, support-raising, and family time
✅ Managing expectations and setting realistic goals for your time in the U.S.
✅ How to plan vacations and rest to avoid exhaustion
✅ Furlough with kids—helping them adjust, stay engaged, and thrive
✅ Avoiding the “Furlough 15”—staying healthy while traveling
✅ Faith and finances—trusting God when you need to raise additional support
✅ Time-saving hacks and travel tips for a smoother furlough
✅ The power of boundaries—why planning ahead prevents burnout

This can be a helpful episode for missionaries as well as for family members or churches who would like to better understand the ups and downs of furlough/home assignment.

Missions is hard—but being prepared can help you endure.

In this episode of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad, we sit down with Brooks Buser, a seasoned missionary and president of Radius International, to discuss how to prepare for the challenges of missions.

Whether you're a future missionary, current missionary, or someone supporting missions, this episode will equip you with practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and real-world strategies to navigate the hardships of cross-cultural ministry.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why missions is harder than many expect—and how to prepare
✅ The key mindset shifts that help missionaries endure long-term
✅ Common challenges in cross-cultural ministry and how to overcome them
✅ How to build spiritual, mental, and emotional resilience for the field

Brooks is the President of Radius International. Brooks and his wife served among the Yembiyembi people of Papua New Guinea for 13 years. During their time among the Yembiyembi they learned their language, developed an alphabet for them, taught them to read and write, translated the Scriptures, and established a strong New Testament church among the Yembiyembi people. In 2016 they returned to the U.S. and Brooks assumed the leadership of Radius International, a missionary training school that prepares those going to the last unreached language groups of the world. 

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The transition from life overseas to college in the U.S. can be a major adjustment for MKs (Missionary Kids). How can parents help their children navigate this transition well and prepare them for success in college and beyond?

In this episode, we talk with Brian & Dianna Nester about the unique challenges MKs face when leaving their host country, the advantages they bring, and what it looks like when an MK thrives in college. We also dive into practical steps parents can take—both during high school and as they transition back to the U.S.—to set their kids up for a smooth and successful launch into college life.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ The biggest challenges MKs face when transitioning from overseas to the U.S.
✅ The unique skills and advantages MKs bring to college
✅ What it looks like when an MK is thriving in college
✅ The most common struggles MKs experience in college life
✅ How parents can prepare their MKs in high school for a successful transition
✅ Practical steps for helping MKs settle in when they return to the U.S.

Brian and Dianna Nester have been involved in missions for over 4 decades. Dianna is an MK from Jamaica. When in youth ministry Brian led his first short term mission trip. As missionaries 1988-1994 they homeschooled and sent their children to Hungarian schools. Since 1994, Brian has served as Director of the Global Outreach office at Cedarville University. Brian and Dianna are the staff advisors for the Cedarville MK organization, MuKappa.

RESOURCES:

Book: 

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens - Stephen Covey
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
• 92 Ways to Talk to Anyone - Leil Lowndes
• How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
• How to Win Friends and Influence People (Book Summary by Kyle)
  
• Something Needs to Change - David Platt
• The Hole in Our Holiness - Kevin Deyoung
• Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul - John & Stasi Eldredge

App:

• YouVersion Bible 

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What makes a missionary team healthy—and what can leaders do when things go wrong?

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Hicks, an experienced missions leader with a passion for team health, to explore the essentials of building strong, unified missionary teams.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Why team health matters so much in cross-cultural ministry
✅ The root causes of team dysfunction
✅ Practical strategies for promoting unity and trust
✅ How to navigate conflict resolution on the field
✅ Advice for team leaders guiding missionaries through challenges
✅ Helpful resources for teams and team leadership development

Whether you're a new missionary, a seasoned team leader, or a church supporting missions, this episode offers biblical insight and practical tools to help you build stronger teams for long-term ministry impact.

Dr. Rick Hicks has worked with missionary teams for many years and is currently serving as the Special Assistant to the International Director of Operation Mobilization, as well as training Boards of OM Fields in effective board governance.  Operation Mobilization is a non-denominational, international mission agency, working in over 130 countries around the world, and comprised of about 5200 missionaries from over 100 countries. Rick’s previous roles in OM include President of OM USA for 14 years and North America Area Leader for 6 years. 

At the end of 2023, Rick retired from WCM Investment Management, after serving for ten years as their Chief Culture Officer. His role there involved helping the company focus on organizational health to identify and stay true to their culture, develop a leadership team, and help employees understand themselves, the culture, and how they fit into the organization. 

In addition to his current responsibilities in OM, Rick speaks at conferences, churches, colleges, businesses and a variety of other groups throughout the country and around the world to promote world missions. He also speaks on the topics of effective board governance, organizational health and culture, the understanding of temperaments, value development, and generational differences, thus promoting understanding within groups. His Ph.D., although in Education, actually focused more on Developmental and Organizational Psychology. 

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