How do you respond when people say that missions is colonialism?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the increasingly common claim that missions is inherently colonialistic with guest Will Maxson. Prompted by real-world examples and cultural trends, they explore why this critique has gained traction, even within Christian institutions. Maxson acknowledges that while missions and colonial expansion sometimes overlapped historically, the popular narrative often exaggerates or misunderstands that connection. He argues that Christianity’s missionary impulse is fundamentally different from colonialism, rooted not in coercion but in persuasion and respect for human dignity.

They also examine difficult topics like the Crusades, cultural Christianity, and accusations of cultural erasure. Ultimately, they contend that authentic Christian missions do not destroy cultures but redeem them, affirming human agency and the image of God in all people.

• Why missions is often labeled as colonialism in modern culture
• Historical overlap—and key differences—between missions and colonial expansion
• The distinction between persuasion (evangelism) and coercion (colonialism)
• Christianity is the first truly transcultural religion
• How the missionary impulse promotes human dignity, freedom, and equality
• Evaluating the Crusades and other historical events without oversimplification

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If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com

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

In April 2001, tragedy struck deep in the jungles of Peru when a missionary flight carrying the Bowers family was mistakenly shot down during a counternarcotics operation gone wrong. Roni Bowers and her infant daughter, Charity, were killed. Jim Bowers and his young son survived.

Twenty-five years later, Jim joins Alex and Scott to reflect on that day and what Jim has learned about loss, faith, and God’s sustaining grace.

While the incident drew international attention and remains a sobering example of the dangers missionaries face, this episode moves beyond the news cycle. Jim shares what it has looked like to walk the long road of grief, forgiveness, and trust in God’s providence.

• Jim Bowers recounts the tragic events of that day
• Recognizing God's sovereign plan and sustaining grace since the incident
• The risk of glamorizing hardships for attention
• How missionaries should count the cost of following their call to missions

In this week's Overtime episode, Alex, Scott, and Jim talk about the confusing and misleading accounts from the CIA about the incident, the need for accountability within the government, and how to view recent political and military events. Get access to that episode by joining our Premium Subscribers at missionsshow.com/premium.

We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values.

If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com

Do you love The Missions Show? 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
• Invite-only webinars
• A free gift!

Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium

The Missions Show 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@missionsshow.com.

How should we view Roman Catholicism on the mission field?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott tackle the complex and often sensitive question of how Protestant missionaries should engage with Roman Catholics in the context of global missions. They emphasize that missions is not just about generic belief in Jesus, but about faithfully communicating the true gospel with doctrinal clarity.

Alex and Scott explore key theological differences, especially regarding authority and salvation. The episode concludes with practical missiological insights, stressing the need to avoid assuming the gospel in any context and to engage both formal Catholic doctrine and “folk Catholicism” with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to proclaiming the biblical gospel.

• The missionary challenge of engaging Roman Catholics and Orthodox believers
• Why doctrinal clarity (not just belief in Jesus) matters in missions
• Distinguishing individuals from theological systems
• The role of church history vs. the authority of Scripture
• The role of sacraments, merit, and perseverance in Catholic theology
• The importance of not assuming the gospel—even in “Christian” contexts

We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values.

If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com

Do you love The Missions Show? 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
• Invite-only webinars
• A free gift!

Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium

The Missions Show 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@missionsshow.com.