Global Missions Podcast

Discover how Global Switchboard is connecting everyday professionals with global mission workers who need practical support. Heather Trumpfheller shares inspiring stories and simple ways your unique skills—whether in design, admin, or tech—can make a real difference from the home front. [et_social_share]

This episode features Michèle Phoenix discussing her book Pieces of Purple, where she shares personal stories and practical insights on the challenges and beauty of growing up as a Missionary’s Kid, offering guidance for churches and individuals to better understand, support, and care for Third Culture Kids with empathy, intentionality, and grace. [et_social_share]

Welcome to our 10th Season! Join us as John Darnell from Global Outreach International (GOI) unpacks God’s heart for the nations and the vital role of the local church in sending well. Together we’ll explore how churches can build intentional, prayerful partnerships with mission agencies that keep the Church at the center of missions. [et_social_share]

In this short episode, we introduce our producer, Maggie Green, who’s been working behind the scenes and will be joining Mags as a co-host in the future. We also explore a glimpse into our team, process, and a look ahead at our seasons to come!  [et_social_share]

In this conversation, Ryan shares components of member care for churches to be involved in. He discusses what member care can look like during the pre-field, on-field, and post-field stages of a missionary’s life. This episode will help you spark ideas and take practical steps to caring well for those your church has sent. [et_social_share]

What if your next short-term mission trip could do more than just impact a few participants, it could actually help mobilize your entire church? In this episode, we’re joined by Jeannie Marie, author of Across the Street and Around the World, to explore how churches can approach short-term missions with clarity, intentionality, and long-term vision. [et_social_share]

In this episode, we talk with Johnny Peebles of Greater Europe Mission about how short-term teams can engage in evangelism with care, clarity, and courage. Johnny shares practical ways to prepare goers for Gospel conversations and highlights how street evangelism can spark lasting discipleship—both on the field and back home. Whether you’re serving, sending, or supporting, this conversation will h...

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of involving teenagers in short-term missions with Tristan Kruse, who’s spent years walking with youth in this space. From planning and preparation to ethics and discipleship, you’ll hear thoughtful insights on how the Church can steward these experiences well for the good of the teens and the global Church alike. [et_social_share...

This is the first episode in our special mini-series on short-term missions, featuring pastor and author Clint Archer. He shares a thoughtful strategy to making short-term trips as fruitful as possible—for both goers and hosting mission workers. Whether you're preparing to serve or sending a team, this conversation lays a strong foundation for long-term impact. [et_social_share]

In today’s conversation, we hope you find a healthy amount of freedom and realism as we approach the topic of measuring success in missions. Amy shares why it is important that before considering tangible metrics, we consider the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This concept has valuable implications for both the Goers and the Senders. We hope you will listen and be encouraged! [et_social_share]

Today, our guest Brian Gibbison shares about how to help missionaries flourish and remain on the mission field. He explains that this can be done by having a biblical basis for missions, understanding the church's identity and role in missions, understanding the three stages of sending, building a care team, and providing a supply line. Listen to today's episode to learn what these five steps mean...

In this episode, Dr. Matt Bennett discusses the primary motivation for missions. He shares the dangers of neglecting our primary motivation and suggests ways that our motivation can affect the practical aspects of missions work. [et_social_share]

In today's conversation, Kathy Mort shares how churches can perform an audit of their short-term missions program. She explains the reasons such an audit could be beneficial. [et_social_share]

In this conversation, we hear from Dick who shares about why resilience is so important for the missionary task. He also describes where resilience comes from and how it can be built. Dick also shares how supporters of mission workers can help to encourage and foster their resilience. [et_social_share]

Our conversation with Kyle Farran focuses on caring for missionaries by helping them serve from the heart. Kyle shares practical tips like using evaluation tools before sending missionaries overseas, providing ongoing coaching calls, and encouraging rest. For both missionaries and their supporters, Kyle offers insights on developing an overflow of holiness, humility and faith through prioritizing...

Sharon Hoover shares three key ideas to help missions committees work well together. Sharon's insights from her book "Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy" will empower your church's mission efforts. [et_social_share]

John Yoder shares about how church leaders can help create healthy cross-cultural church partnerships. He highlights the significance of casting a compelling vision, building genuine relationships, and initiating manageable initiatives. [et_social_share]

Ryan Martin returns to the podcast to share four essential elements of healthy and effective collaboration between a church and a missions agency. Ryan emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding a church's role and capacity, coordinating advocacy teams, and clarifying post-field expectations. [et_social_share]

Peter Greer addresses the reality of disillusionment in missions work and provides insights about how mission workers and believers can sustain a lifetime of service for the Lord. Peter cautions about succumbing to cynicism, and encourages us to find enduring hope amid challenges. [et_social_share]

In this episode, Rich Noble, founder and director of the Center for Missional Engagement, shares with us ways for the Church to build awareness of Missions. With Rich, we go back to the basic but foundational ways, that members of a church of any size can utilize to start thinking about missions. [et_social_share]

Marvin Newell, ambassador at Large of Mission Nexus, shares with us five practical ways for the church to strengthen its global Missions programs. Regardless of church size, or leadership type, there is something here for everyone to take away from! [et_social_share]

Lauren Wells, founder of TCK Training, talks to us about three ways to support and care for missionary children as they, along with their parents, experience the uncertainty of leaving their home culture behind and acclimating to a new field. Together, through this conversation, we see an opportunity for hope and care as we approach the topic of care in our missionary kids. [et_social_share]

Ellen Livingood, founder of Catalyst Services, elaborates on three ways out of her seven to attract new members into missions committee roles in our churches. As churches look to engage more members, this episode explores helpful ways to know what gets people excited about the work of God and how to find that balance between vision and task. [et_social_share]

Inspired by her oldest son’s sending, today’s episode highlights Tori Haverkamp’s journey as the mother of a missionary. She shares the emotional turmoil of a sender as she found ways to embrace this transition. This episode explores ways to better prepare as the family of a goer and tangible ways a church can surround them with love and support. [et_social_share]

Today’s episode explores how we can support our missions workers as they return to their culture of origin. As a returning missionary himself, Bradley Bell shares with us his experience coming home, the challenges he faced, and how we as a community at home can receive our mission workers in an intentional, loving way. [et_social_share]