Missions Pulse
These are the full Missions Pulse episodes as David Joannes interviews guests from around the world. Visit www.missionspulse.com for all episodes.
Listen on:
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
53 min
Join us for an energizing conversation about sharing your faith boldly, contextually, and without fear! 🔥 In this episode, Greg Stier — founder of Dare to Share Ministries, author of Radical Like Jesus and Unlikely Fighter, and creator of the Life in Six Words app — shares three decades of stories on turning awkward gospel conversations into life-changing moments.
Key takeaways:
Winning the argument isn't the goal — winning the soul is. Build a bridge, don't just make your case.
"Ask, admire, admit" — a simple framework for gospel conversations that actually build trust.
Every world religion is a ladder you climb; only the gospel is a chair you rest in.
Health before numbers — a healthy, gospel-sharing family or youth group leads to lasting growth.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Missions Pulse00:18 Understanding God's Heart for Missions00:30 Introduction to Sharing Faith03:18 The Heart of Evangelism07:45 Grace vs. Truth in Conversations12:21 Personal Testimonies and Transformative Experiences18:23 Understanding Gospel Access and Its Importance22:51 The Role of Mentorship in Evangelism27:45 Living and Speaking the Gospel29:42 The Joy of Hope in Christ30:38 Sharing the Gospel: The Cure for Spiritual Needs31:37 Transformative Stories of Faith32:49 Children Sharing the Gospel: Innocence and Impact36:09 The Importance of Stopping for the One36:59 Shifts in Evangelism: Engaging Conversations39:10 Dare to Share: Empowering Youth for Evangelism43:24 Global Youth Evangelism: A Movement of Change45:35 Health vs. Numbers: The Goal of Evangelism49:27 Simple Steps to Start Sharing Your Faith53:05 Introduction to Missions Pulse53:07 Understanding God's Heart for Missions
What's one story from Greg's journey that stood out to you? Drop it in the comments!
Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith!https://withinreachglobal.org/missions-pulse
#Missions #GreatCommission #Evangelism #DareToShare #GregStier

Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
46 min
Join us for a fascinating conversation about unreached peoples, persecution, and the movements of God sweeping across the globe! 🌍 In this episode, David Garrison — missiologist, author of Church Planting Movements and Wind in the House of Islam, and 31-year veteran of the International Mission Board — unpacks decades of firsthand accounts of the gospel breaking through in the hardest places on earth. Key takeaways:* God has been at work in unreached places long before we noticed — our job is to join Him, not lead Him.* Persecution and gospel growth are often found together, not apart.* Contextualizing the gospel is our job; indigenizing it is the Holy Spirit's.* Raising a family for comfort can work against the very challenges we were designed to overcome.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to David Garrison00:13 Introduction to God's Mission01:07 David Garrison's Journey and Missionary Calling05:16 The Importance of Reaching the Unreached08:29 Experiencing God's Work in the World09:50 The Role of Church Planting Movements14:10 Defining Church Planting Movements17:54 Contextualization vs. Indigenization in Missions23:34 The Challenge of Leadership Transition in Missions27:11 Persecution: A Catalyst for Faith30:29 Stories of Faith Amidst Persecution34:13 The Role of Women in the Iranian Church37:31 Rethinking Missions for the Next Generation45:28 Embracing Challenges in the Great Commission45:48 Introduction to Missions Pulse45:49 Understanding God's Heart for MissionsWhat's one story from David's journey that stood out to you? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith!https://withinreachglobal.org/missions-pulse#Missions #GreatCommission #ChurchPlanting #UnreachedPeoples #WindInTheHouseOfIslam
Aug 4, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
58 min
Prayer, War, and the Next Generation: A Conversation with Dennis MelnichukJoin us for a raw and moving conversation on how God is moving through prayer, sacrifice, and a rising generation in the middle of war. 🌍 In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Melnichuk, founder of Awakened Generation, to explore historical prayer movements, his journey from missions in China to planting a prayer room and coffee shop ministry in Ukraine, and what it's meant to lead through a full-scale invasion.Key takeaways:* God moves through ordinary obedience, even when it costs everything.* Prayer and missions are inseparable — one fuels the other.* Young people are rising to fill the leadership vacuum left by war.* Real success in ministry means raising up people who no longer need you.Timestamps:00:23 Introduction to Missions Pulse00:25 Understanding God's Heart for Missions00:36 Introduction to Historical Prayer Movements03:22 The Impact of Prayer on Missions06:23 Experiences in Ukraine During the War09:24 The Role of Young People in Missions12:24 Awakened Generation: Vision and Mission15:29 The Power of Spiritual Adoption18:20 Fusing Prayer and Action in Missions21:19 Creating Community Through Prayer and Business24:22 Crossing the Secular and Sacred27:23 The Heart of Prayer and Action30:18 The Moravian Movement and Its Legacy33:02 Performance-Driven Models vs. Spiritual Fulfillment34:30 Crisis Mentality and Its Impact on Ministry35:57 The Importance of Heart Softness in Missions39:32 Experiencing God in the Midst of Chaos42:47 The Power of Simple Acts of Service46:24 Living as Ministers of Reconciliation52:01 Defining Awakening and Its Impact52:52 Obstacles to Revival and Missions55:02 The Path to Success in Ministry58:13 Introduction to Missions Pulse58:14 Understanding God's Heart for MissionsWhat's your biggest obstacle to stepping into God's mission for your life? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith! http://missionspulse.com#Missions #Ukraine #PrayerMovement
Jul 15, 2026
Jul 15, 2026
40 min
The Voice of Petra: John Schlitt on Addiction, Redemption, and Six Decades of Rock
Join us for a powerful conversation about rock and roll, addiction, and the redemption that changed everything! 🎸 In this episode, John Schlitt — former lead singer of Head East and Grammy Award-winning frontman of Petra — opens up about the highs of touring life, the addiction that nearly cost him everything, and the moment God rescued him from the edge.Â
Key takeaways:
Success and fame can't fill the emptiness inside.
God can use even the most broken moments for redemption.
Ministry doesn't require a stage — every skill set can be used for the Kingdom.
The church is meant to be a training ground, not a hideout.
Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to John Schlitt 00:55 Starting Out Young: Three Chords and a Garage Band 03:42 A Stage Memory with Josh McDowell He'll Never Forget 07:54 Head East's Rise and the Pressures of Touring Life 11:26 When the Dream Becomes Routine 14:24 The Rock Bottom Moment That Changed Everything 15:49 Walking Into a Pastor's House, Walking Out Different 16:52 Five Years Away From Music, Rebuilding From Nothing 19:36 The Call From Bob Hartman: Joining Petra 23:01 How the Church and the World Responded to Christian Rock 28:52 The New Album "Hope" and What's Ahead 34:00 Advice to His Younger Self 35:01 His Hands-On Ministry Work in Nashville Today 39:39 Final Challenge to the Church
What's one thing that's stood out to you from John's story? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith!Â
https://withinreachglobal.org/missions-pulse
 #Missions #FaithJourney #Petra #ChristianRock #Redemption

Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
1 hr 5 min
The Harvest and the Few: Nathan Burd on Laborers, the Unreached, and Ordinary Obedience Join us for an inspiring conversation on how God is using ordinary people to fulfill His mission around the world! 🌍 In this episode, we explore the heart of missions and how everyone can play a role in sharing the Gospel.Key takeaways:* God is at work among unreached people groups.* Ordinary individuals can make a significant impact.* The importance of being laborers, not just leaders.* How to engage with your community and share your faith.Timestamps:00:30 Introduction to Missions Pulse00:31 Understanding God's Heart for Missions00:43 Introduction to God's Mission03:24 Understanding the Mission of God06:32 Personal Transformation and Calling09:17 The Role of Ordinary People in Missions10:37 Understanding Gospel Access and Its Importance10:49 Combating Gospel Poverty Through Local Missions12:34 The Importance of Laborers15:39 The Journey of Faith and Surrender18:38 The Power of One-on-One Evangelism21:47 Moving from Event-Based to Lifestyle Christianity26:35 Career Opportunities at Within Reach Global26:37 Discovering Your God-Given Calling34:13 The Foundation of Following Jesus34:43 The Power of Human Connection36:16 Stripping Away the Mysticism of Evangelism38:34 Emerging Spiritual Hunger Worldwide40:44 The Power of Simple Evangelism43:28 The Role of Ordinary People in Missions45:46 Simplicity in Missions and Evangelism49:22 The Role of Gen Z in the Great Commission51:23 Affirmations and Confrontations from Jesus51:43 Unlocking Gospel Privilege52:11 The Impact of Gospel Privilege56:15 The Importance of Obedience in Mission58:52 The Heart of Jesus and Our Mission01:02:23 Practical Steps for the Spiritually Stuck01:05:22 Introduction to Missions Pulse01:05:24 Understanding God's Heart for MissionsWhat's your biggest challenge with sharing your faith? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith! http://missionspulse.com#Missions #FaithJourney #Thailand

Jun 14, 2026
Jun 14, 2026
40 min
Join us for a powerful conversation about rock and roll, addiction, and the redemption that changed everything! 🎸 In this episode, John Schlitt — former lead singer of Head East and Grammy Award-winning frontman of Petra — opens up about the highs of touring life, the addiction that nearly cost him everything, and the moment God rescued him from the edge. Key takeaways:* Success and fame can't fill the emptiness inside.* God can use even the most broken moments for redemption.* Ministry doesn't require a stage — every skill set can be used for the Kingdom.* The church is meant to be a training ground, not a hideout.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to John Schlitt 00:55 Starting Out Young: Three Chords and a Garage Band 03:42 A Stage Memory with Josh McDowell He'll Never Forget 07:54 Head East's Rise and the Pressures of Touring Life 11:26 When the Dream Becomes Routine 14:24 The Rock Bottom Moment That Changed Everything 15:49 Walking Into a Pastor's House, Walking Out Different 16:52 Five Years Away From Music, Rebuilding From Nothing 19:36 The Call From Bob Hartman: Joining Petra 23:01 How the Church and the World Responded to Christian Rock 28:52 The New Album "Hope" and What's Ahead 34:00 Advice to His Younger Self 35:01 His Hands-On Ministry Work in Nashville Today 39:39 Final Challenge to the ChurchWhat's one thing that's stood out to you from John's story? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith! https://withinreachglobal.org/missions-pulse #Missions #FaithJourney #Petra #ChristianRock #Redemption

Jun 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
47 min
Foundations That Last: Sharon Liu's Journey Through China and BeyondDiscover your unique calling to spread the gospel! In this episode of Missions Pulse, we explore how to combat gospel poverty and inspire change through the message of Gospel Privilege. Join us as we share powerful testimonies and insights from our journey in missions.Key takeaways:* Understand the concept of Gospel Privilege and its impact on lives.* Learn how to navigate cultural nuances while sharing the gospel.* Discover the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in missions.* Hear inspiring stories of transformation and hope from the mission field.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Missions Pulse00:13 Welcome & Introducing Sharon Liu03:17 Reflecting on a Life of Sowing Seeds06:29 What First Led Sharon to Missions10:06 Answering God's Call to China15:49 How to Hear the Voice of the Holy Spirit19:52 The Upside-Down Kingdom: Sending Out the Church22:58 Building the Rose of Sharon Orphanage29:21 The Call to Risk Everything for the Gospel34:14 Being Led by the Spirit in Unreached Places41:33 Encouragement for Missionaries in Dark Times43:48 What Would You Say to Young Sharon?46:49 Closing Words & OutroWhat's your biggest challenge with sharing the gospel? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith! http://missionspulse.com#Missions #FaithJourney #Thailand

Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
49 min
From the Philippines to Thailand: Young Filipinos Answering the Missionary CallJoin us on Missions Pulse as we explore the heart of God and the call to missions! In this episode, we dive deep into the stories of young missionaries from the Philippines, Josiah Dela Cruz and Jet Macadangdang, who share their journeys and experiences in spreading the gospel in Thailand. Discover how they are overcoming challenges and embracing their unique callings to reach the unreached.Timestamps:Â 00:00 Introduction to Missions Pulse and the Need for Young Voices00:22 Personal Stories of Passion for Missions03:09 Understanding God's Love and Its Impact on Missions06:32 The Adventure of Sharing the Gospel09:13 The Reality of Unreached People Groups11:34 The Surrendered Life of a Young Missionary14:24 The Role of Social Media in Missions17:26 Being Your Own Thing in a Changing World25:48 Connecting Generations: The Unique Bond of Gen Z27:51 Dreams and Visions: Finding Purpose in Music30:28 The Power of a 'Yes': Embracing Adventure in Faith32:22 Transformative Experiences: Sharing the Gospel Across Cultures34:07 Heroes of Faith: Inspiring Missionary Stories37:21 The Impact of Obedience: Personal Stories of Sacrifice45:51 The Father Heart of God: Identity and Purpose for Gen Z48:24 Embracing Imperfection: God Uses the Unqualified49:01 Introduction to Missions Pulse49:02 Understanding God's Heart for MissionsSubscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith! http://missionspulse.com#Missions #FaithJourney #Thailand

May 16, 2026
May 16, 2026
57 min
The Undomesticated Missionary: Faith, Family, and Following God AnywhereJoin us as we explore the incredible journey of faith and missions in Thailand! In this episode, we dive deep into the experiences of Josh and his family as they transition from California to Chiang Mai, embracing God's call to serve and make disciples.Key takeaways:* Discover how saying 'yes' to God can lead to unexpected adventures.* Learn about the challenges and joys of moving a family to a foreign country.* Hear inspiring stories of youth ministry and community outreach in Thailand.* Understand the importance of building relationships and empowering local leaders.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome Back to Missions Pulse00:42 Journey to Missionary Life03:42 Experiencing Thailand: A Homecoming06:48 The Call to Move: Confirming God's Plan10:21 Preparing for the Mission Field13:13 The Support System: Community and Funding16:12 Cultural Adjustments and Unique Experiences19:23 Thriving in Ministry: The Fruits of Obedience22:49 The Great Commission: Different Roles in Missions25:43 The Light That Shines: Serving at Home and Abroad28:49 Empowering Each Other in Ministry29:00 The Journey of Missionary Life31:14 Cultural Adaptation and Family Dynamics33:35 Burnout and the Western Church Structure38:29 Discipleship vs. Fellowship41:10 Kingdom Mindset in Daily Life47:19 The Call to Say Yes53:35 The Grand Adventure of Faith57:03 Introduction to Missions Pulse57:04 Understanding God's Heart for MissionsWhat's your biggest challenge with following your calling? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith! http://missionspulse.com#Missions #FaithJourney #Thailand

Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
55 min
Jared Lenhart, president of Frontier Harvest Ministries, explores the legacy of missions and the impact of reaching unreached people groups. Discover how his family's journey in China and beyond has shaped his passion for sharing the Gospel and empowering local communities.
Â
Check out the full episode and links to Spotify and Apple Podcasts at https://davidjoannes.com/107-jared-lenhart
Â
Key takeaways:
Â
The importance of availability over ability in missions.
Insights into the challenges faced by unreached people groups.
How to cultivate a heart for missions in your family.
Â
Timestamps:
Â
00:00 Introduction and Legacy of Missions
05:58 The Great Commission and Unreached People Groups
12:03 Personal Stories from the Mission Field
18:24 The Hunger for the Gospel
24:31 Conclusion and Call to Action
29:34 Personal Stories and Family Connections
40:19 Facing Loss and Honoring Legacy
47:21 Vision for the Future of Ministry
54:41 Introduction to Missions Pulse
54:43 Understanding God's Heart for Missions
Â
What's your biggest challenge with understanding missions? Drop it in the comments!
Â
Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on missions and faith.
Â
#Missions #Legacy #FrontierHarvest



