What does the data say about Christianity in the American church today?

In this episode, Alex and Scott explore the emerging cultural and spiritual shifts among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, with guest Dr. Adam Rasmussen, Cultural Research Fellow and Dean of Arts & Humanities at Arizona Christian University. Drawing from recent data and studies by the Cultural Research Center and the American Bible Society, Rasmussen outlines a growing openness to spirituality and Christianity—especially among young men—despite the rise of secularism.

Together they also examine the mental health crisis and its correlation with worldview, revealing that a stronger biblical worldview significantly lowers struggles with anxiety, depression, and more. Rasmussen warns of the post-COVID decline in biblical worldview and church attendance but sees signs of revival—particularly in increased male engagement and hunger for authentic, biblical discipleship.

• Generational shifts in spiritual interest, especially among Gen Z
• Role of doubt and credibility in evangelism
• Mental health crisis and its link to biblical worldview strength
• Rise and dangers of syncretism in American Christianity
• Practical encouragement for churches and missionaries to seize the current cultural moment

Download the Transcript for this episode.

Explore your calling to global missions at ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO event. These events, held throughout the year, help individuals and churches explore how they can help fulfill the Great Commission and explore God's calling on their life and church. Learn more at demo.abwe.org.

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The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

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Why should Christians spend time reading fiction books?

In this episode of the Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. Marvin Newell, an accomplished missiologist, author, and missionary as they explore Newell's recent foray into fiction writing with his novel Taking You Under My Skin, a historically grounded narrative set during the Vietnam War. The story not only reflects a gripping tale of survival and love but also serves to awaken readers to the needs of unreached people groups, using fiction as a powerful tool for mobilization and imagination.

Dr. Newell explores the often-overlooked role of imagination in Christian discipleship and missions as well as emphasizing the importance of Bible translation and storytelling in making the gospel accessible.

Key Topics:

• The value of fiction in mobilizing Christians for missions.
• Summary of Taking You Under My Skin, Newell's fiction novel set during the Vietnam War.
• Use of redemptive analogies to communicate the gospel cross-culturally.
• Fiction and Non-Fiction Book recommendations for missions-minded believers and missionaries.

Download the transcript for this episode.

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The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

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In this special extended episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and ABWE president Paul Davis engage in a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation with Paul Washer of HeartCry Missionary Society. Washer recounts the founding and growth of HeartCry, emphasizing the importance of supporting both indigenous and cross-cultural missionaries. He stresses that indigenous missions must be grounded in strong local churches with biblical eldership and doctrinal integrity.

Paul Washer also tackles how local churches can develop missions strategies, emphasizing prayer, discernment, and doctrinal clarity over formulaic planning. Washer calls for renewed focus on developing biblically qualified leaders through discipleship and robust prayer life.

Key Topics

• Origins and philosophy of HeartCry Missionary Society
• The role of indigenous vs. cross-cultural missionaries
• Biblical qualifications of missionaries
• How churches can prayerfully discern mission priorities
• Practical discipleship for young men sensing a call to ministry
• The dangers of performance-driven or celebrity church culture

Download the show transcript

Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!

Premium Subscribers get access to:

• Exclusive bonus content
• A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
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The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.