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#24: Before You Go: Men's Episode - Matt Bennett & Josh Bowman

7/1/2025

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
 ⁠[email protected]⁠ 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:
  • Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Men on Serving Internationally
  • SPECIAL OFFER Until 5/25/26: Before You Go (Men's and Women's books for $20)
  • Practically Trained Pastors: A 52-Week Field Guide for Ministry in the Trenches

​
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*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!

​


 

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    ABOUT US

    ​​Join Kyle & Heather Farran as they share resources and encouragement for current missionaries, future missionaries, and those praying for missionaries. Dive into topics like cross-cultural living, raising MKs, team dynamics, leadership, and overcoming challenges. Kyle and Heather have lived overseas since 2007, serving in South Africa, Tanzania, and now in Portugal. Kyle is the Western Europe Regional Director for ABWE and author of Overflowing. Heather works alongside Kyle in leadership and is a Registered Nurse. They have 3 daughters, one married, one in university, and one at home. 

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