Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad

The Peace Pursuit with Dr. Janeen Davis Conflict is one of the hardest parts of missionary life and leadership, but it is also one of the most important areas for growth, healing, and unity. When conflict is ignored, teams suffer. When conflict is handled with humility, clarity, and biblical wisdom, it can become a doorway to deeper trust and stronger ministry. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ja...

What does it mean to grow up “among worlds”? In this episode of Missions Life , we talk with Ruth E. Van Reken, co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds , about the unique joys, challenges, strengths, and hidden griefs that often shape the lives of missionary kids and other globally mobile children. For many missionary families, cross-cultural life gives children incredible gifts:...

Contentment can feel almost impossible in a world that constantly trains us to compare, complain, and chase after the next thing. In this episode of Missions Life: Navigating Life, Leadership, and Ministry Abroad , we talk with Erik Raymond, pastor in Boston and author of Chasing Contentment , about what true Christian contentment looks like and how believers can learn to rest in God in both bless...

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. Show Notes and Links: https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/34-richard-blackaby-interviews-kyle-...

Godly Grit: Unshakable Resilience and Grit for Life and Leadership launches today—in this episode we’re talking 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 wh...

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 r...

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 t...

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...

An Unhurried Life — with Alan Fadling 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 spiritu...

What does it mean to be truly productive in life and ministry? In this episode, we talk with author Tim Challies about his book Do More Better and explore how missionaries and ministry leaders can steward their time, energy, and resources for God’s glory and the good of others. Tim unpacks how productivity is not about doing more things—but about doing the right things, with the right heart, for t...

Risk is an unavoidable part of following God’s call—especially in missions. But how should believers think about risk, make wise decisions, and find the courage to keep going when challenges feel overwhelming? In this episode, Kyle talks with Scott Brawner, the founder of Concilium—an organization committed to equipping believers with practical tools and biblical wisdom for navigating risk in glob...

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...

In this episode, we talk with authors and veteran missionaries Emily Bennett and Amy Bowman about their devotional Before You Go , written by women, for women preparing to serve cross-culturally. With warmth and transparency, they share the heart behind the book and how God used the stories of ten women to minister to others walking the same path. Whether you're preparing to go, already servin...

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 i...

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 dail...

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 speaks internationally on topics such as spiritual leadership, experiencing...

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...

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 Ep...

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 str...

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 c...

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  w...

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 practica...

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 prote...

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 c...

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...