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The Mission Matters

The Mission Matters
Missions
Evangelism
Discipleship
Christianity
Unreached People Groups
Immigration
Africa
Missio Nexus
Missionary Work
Missiology
Global Action
Global Missions
Pastors
Kenya
Gen Z
Refugees
Great Commission
Church Planting
The Great Commission
Sixteen:fifteen

The Mission Matters Podcast discusses the mission of God and the matters of the mission. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God’s people to be a part of His mission. It's hosted by Matthew Ellison, president of Sixteen:Fifteen, and Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes85Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

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Latest Episodes

What can churches and missions leaders learn from Barnabas in today's rapidly changing global missions landscape?

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, hosts Matthew Ellison and Ted Esler sit down with Josh Irby, author of The Barnabas Fac... more

Women make up the majority of the global missionary workforce, yet their voices and leadership experiences are often overlooked in conversations about missions.

In this episode of The Mission Matters Podcast (with hosts Ted Esler and Matthew Elliso... more

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In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast with hosts Ted Esler and Matthew Ellison, guest Jim Harries challenges traditional Western missions models through the concept of “vulnerable mission.”

Drawing from decades of ministry experience in Ea... more

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Why are so many Gen Z students turning to tarot cards, crystals, mindfulness, and alternative spirituality while walking away from the church? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mark Matlock, Executive Director of Urbana and Senior Fellow at Bar... more

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Recent Guests

Jim Harries
Key figure with a vulnerable mission movement
Vulnerable Mission movement (Alliance of Vulnerable Missionaries)
Episode: Vulnerable Mission: The Radical Shift Missions Needs Today
Mark Matlock
Executive director of Urbana; visionary leader in next-generation ministry
Urbana, Missio Nexus partner
Episode: The Future of Missions and Gen Z Faith with Mark Matlock
Aaron Abramson
CEO of Jews for Jesus, leader in Jewish-Christian dialogue
Jews for Jesus
Episode: Can You Be Jewish and Follow Jesus? A Powerful Conversation with Aaron Abramson
Dennis Martin
Veteran missionary, head of the Sexual Wholeness Initiative
Sexual Wholeness Initiative (SWI)
Episode: Sexual Sin in Missions: A Better Way Forward for Agencies
Ed Stetzer
Dean of the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; missiologist
Biola University
Episode: What Is Missio Dei? Understanding God’s Mission with Ed Stetzer
Sarah Breuel
Global South missionary, Luzon movement leader, Revive Europe founder
Luzon movement; Revive Europe
Episode: Are Western Missionaries Still Needed? A Global Missions Perspective
Sasan Tavassoli
Leader in the Iranian Underground Church, speaker and author
Pars Theological Center (co-founder); World Iranian Christian Alliance board member
Episode: Iran's Underground Church: Growth, Persecution and Hope
Michele Okimura
Visionary author, transformational speaker, catalyst for change
Explicit Movement ( Brave series, Brave Together )
Episode: Addressing Sexual Brokenness in the Church and on the Mission Field
Mary Ho
International Director of All Nations
All Nations
Episode: The Unknown Missionary: Gospel Advance Through Nameless Faithfulness

Hosts

Matthew Ellison
Host of The Mission Matters Podcast; President of Sixteen:Fifteen; experienced cross-cultural mission organizer and facilitator.
Ted Esler
Co-host introducing and moderating discussions; President of Missio Nexus; seasoned missiologist and strategist.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings
  • Great missions podcast

    I’ve been listening to this podcast for about a year now. I have learned a ton from these guys and their guests. I had been searching for some time for a global missions focused podcast and this is by far my favorite.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PNW Goose
    United Statesa year ago
  • Cutting-edge content

    I love hearing from these guys; they speak with authority because of how much experience they have. Also, great job focusing on how things are changing, what is being innovated, but also what things are still effective in the 21st century. Very helpful for younger folks following in your footsteps!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GoDuke4458
    United States5 years ago
  • Martyrdom on Mission.

    Matthew and Ted. This was a 5/5 pod cast. Pam’s transparency about leaving and grieving for those who are laying down their lives for the Love of Jesus was Inspiring. Sam T

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SafariSamT
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Insightful, authority by years of field and leadership experience
Tackles hard topics with measured, research-backed perspectives
Great for guests seeking practical, scalable mission strategies and real-world impact

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Current of the Holy Spirit: Unity Fueling Global Mission in Roanoke
Q: What encouragement would you give to a church or city starting a similar coalition?
Begin with prayer, acknowledge that churches are better together, recognize the need to cross denominational lines, and pursue humble partnership focused on blessing others rather than personal gains.
The Current of the Holy Spirit: Unity Fueling Global Mission in Roanoke
Q: How did the coalition actually come together and form its objectives?
From an initial Mobilize Church Workshop, leaders invited others, brought in Pioneer Bible Translators, debated people groups, and then paused to pray and research before committing to a single unreached people group.
The Current of the Holy Spirit: Unity Fueling Global Mission in Roanoke
Q: Could you talk about that current of the Holy Spirit in Roanoke?
Megan and Joel describe a moving, unifying force guiding local churches to collaborate across denominations, culminating in shared projects like Bible translation and regional forums.
Are Western Missionaries Still Needed? A Global Missions Perspective
Q: What message do you have for missions leaders in the West today?
Leaders are urged not to hold back, to raise the bar for the calling, and to mobilize a generation that is hungry to engage in cross-cultural missions, with a focus on partnership with indigenous churches and the Global South.
Are Western Missionaries Still Needed? A Global Missions Perspective
Q: Sarah, you're a Global South missionary, and I'm curious, how do you think your experience has been different or the same from the traditional Western worker?
Sarah highlights rapid growth in the Global South, the shift of leadership and mobilization from regions like Brazil, and the importance of cross-cultural engagement while acknowledging concerns about colonization; she emphasizes that the call to make disciples is universal and remains essential across contexts.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Mission Matters

What is The Mission Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A globally oriented mission-focused show that centers on mobilizing believers for cross-cultural outreach, church partnerships, and missiology. Episodes cover salvation-driven mission theology (Missio Dei), practical mobilization methods, indigenous church development, and ethical challenges within missions—from sexual integrity to deconstruction in mission studies. Guests range from theologians and organizational leaders to field workers, often discussing how to balance gospel proclamation with demonstrated compassion, and how partnerships across denominations and organizations can scale impact. The program's distinct value lies in its practical tools for churches and agencies, plus a willingness to tackle sensitive topics (colonialism, pe... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Mission Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Mission Matters:

1. The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
2. TGC Podcast
3. VOMRadio
4. The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast
5. The Briefing with Albert Mohler

How many episodes of The Mission Matters are there?

The Mission Matters launched 6 years ago and published 85 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Mission Matters?

Recent guests on The Mission Matters include:

1. Jim Harries
2. Mark Matlock
3. Aaron Abramson
4. Dennis Martin
5. Ed Stetzer
6. Sarah Breuel
7. Sasan Tavassoli
8. Michele Okimura

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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