Let’s Talk Missions: Recent Episodes
Damon Matacchiera
In this final episode of our Sustainable Missions series, we’re taking a closer look at what repentance really means—and why it’s so often missing in today’s gospel conversations. Is it just feeling sorry? Is it a work? Or is it something deeper that’s essential to true faith? Whether you’re sharing the gospel, discipling someone, or just wanting clarity for yourself, this conversation will help bring repentance back into focus. Let’s rediscover what the Bible actually teaches and why it still matters in missions today.
What if the way we share the gospel today bears little resemblance to how it was done in the early church? In this episode on Modern Evangelism, we explore how evangelism has evolved—and what that means for us as believers who continue to seek to reach the lost. Is it possible that in our efforts to modernize the message, we’ve made it harder for people to truly hear it?
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that looks at the heart behind evangelism, the simplicity of the early church’s approach, and how we can recapture that same clarity and power in our world today.
In today’s episode, Disciples, Not Decisions, we’re discussing a common mistake in missions: treating conversion as the finish line. Too many efforts stop once someone makes a decision for Christ, but the Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not just converts. We’ll unpack why evangelism without discipleship falls short of true missions and why walking with new believers as they grow is where the real work begins.
In this episode, We've Been Here Before, we're taking a step back—not to rethink missions, but to remember how it’s always been. We’ll look at powerful quotes from voices like Adoniram Judson and Paul Hiebert to show that the heart of biblical missions hasn’t changed. The things we’ve been talking about—discipleship over charity, sending the best, staying rooted in the Gospel—aren’t new ideas. They’ve been the backbone of faithful missions for generations. So join us as we lean into the wisdom of those who’ve gone before and rediscover the clarity they had about the mission we’re still called to today.
Episode 6 of Let’s Talk Missions takes a closer look at short-term mission teams and the role they play in the bigger picture of sustainable missions. These trips can open doors, build lasting relationships, and serve as a catalyst for deeper partnerships between churches and the mission field. But how do we ensure they’re truly helping rather than unintentionally hindering the long-term work? In this episode, we talk about what makes a short-term team effective, how they can support national believers, and how to align these trips with a vision that lasts beyond the week. Whether you’ve been on a team, led one, or are planning to, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to think bigger.
Episode 5 of Let’s Talk Missions is called "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" because missions isn’t always what it’s made out to be. In this episode, we take an honest look at the reality of missions today—what it is, what it’s not, and how the lines have been blurred. We’ll talk about the growing misconception that everyone is a missionary and how not every effort on the mission field is truly gospel-driven. While there’s good being done, there’s also a dangerous shift taking place—where the focus has moved from preaching Christ and making disciples to simply improving lives through humanitarian work. Join us as we unpack the differences, challenge the trends, and point back to the biblical mission of reaching the lost.
Episode 4 of Let’s Talk Missions tackles the important question: How do we form healthy partnerships between churches across borders? In the previous episode, we looked at the dangers of supporting nationals when it's done carelessly. But if the answer isn’t to step away, then what does it look like to do it right? In this conversation, we dive into the biblical precedent for churches helping one another and explore what it takes to build partnerships that truly strengthen the local church, rather than create dependency or confusion. This episode will challenge you to rethink how we partner for the sake of the Gospel.
Episode 3 is here! This time, we’re diving into a tough but necessary topic—what happens when well-meaning support turns into long-term harm. In this episode, we talk honestly about the dangers of financially supporting national workers without proper discipleship, accountability, or relationship. It's not about pointing fingers—it’s about building missions strategies that actually strengthen the local church. If we truly want to empower, we need to do more than just fund—we need to invest, equip, and walk together.
In this conversation, we take a closer look at the why behind missions. Are we serving to be seen? Are we helping others just to feel good about ourselves? Or are we genuinely burdened to make Christ known? In a world that celebrates compassion but often forgets the cross, we’re talking about why motives matter more than ever—and how getting this right shapes everything about how we serve, send, and share the gospel.
We’re launching a brand new series that digs deep into the real heartbeat of missions—no fluff, no shortcuts. Just raw, honest conversations about what it truly means to fulfill the Great Commission.
This first episode sets the tone. It’s not for the faint of heart… but if you care about truth, discipleship, and gospel-centered missions, this series is for you. Let's Talk Missions!
Starting Tuesday, May 6th at 5 PM Eastern, we’re launching a brand-new season of Let’s Talk Missions.
For 10 weeks straight, we’re going to be having real conversations about what missions is all about. We’ll cover everything from the role of discipleship, to sustainable ministry, to how we can better support and equip local churches around the world.
Every episode will go live on Tuesdays at 5 PM EST—same day, same time—so you’ll always know when to tune in.
Whether you’re involved in missions, a church leader, or just someone who wants to understand your part in the Great Commission, this series is for you.
We’re looking forward to thoughtful, practical conversations that help bring clarity and purpose back to the conversation around missions.
Hope you’ll join us—starting May 6th.
Throughout life, there are divine appointments that God brings our way. Be prepared for these opportunities to give the Gospel and share your faith! One of the Bible's most significant calls to action is in Acts 16, where Paul receives the vision to go to Macedonia. This episode dives into the chapter as we examine our own lives and how far we're willing to go for the sake of the Gospel. Let's talk missions!
Throughout life, there are divine appointments that God brings our way. Be prepared for these opportunities to give the Gospel and share your faith! One of the Bible's most significant calls to action is in Acts 16, where Paul receives the vision to go to Macedonia. This episode dives into the chapter as we examine our own lives and how far we're willing to go for the sake of the Gospel. Let's talk missions!
Are we truly taking the time to follow Jesus? If His yoke is easy and His burden light, why do we often shake it off in the name of freedom? There are many voices in our lives, so it's vital that we prioritize the voice of Jesus as He calls us to follow Him. Embrace His yoke and become His disciple. #LetsTalkMissions
When Jesus invites us to take his yoke and learn from him, it's not meant to burden or weigh us down. Also, submitting to God doesn't mean giving up on happiness. In fact, we're reminded that Jesus' yoke is easy, and his burden is light. The invitation to take his yoke and learn from him is a call to discipleship, which can bring true fulfillment and joy to your life. #LetsTalkMissions
As believers, we're faced with the decision to follow either the flesh or the Spirit. However, it's not always about choosing between sin or adopting a moral lifestyle. Many have become addicted to a culture of faith instead of truly following Jesus, who should be the object of our faith. Stay rooted in the truth and always keep your focus on Him. #LetsTalkMissions
You will wholeheartedly go after and desire the things you love and feel you need to be happy. But man can never be satisfied. The danger is that life can become about merely fulfilling pleasure instead of pursuing God. Don't be addicted to the things of this world. If you're going to create dependencies, be dependent on God.
S01E24 - It's easy to fall into a pattern of only doing things that bring us instant gratification. However, as believers, we should strive to be transformed into the image of Christ rather than conforming to the world around us. Today's podcast explores the idea of godly addiction and how it connects to the great commission. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on Let's Talk Missions!
S01E23 - You want God's will but may not know how to get there. How can you move forward without vision and knowing God's purpose for your life? Join us as we dive into this final chapter of this three-part series. Let's talk missions!
Are you living in God's will? Join us as we dive into part two on the topic of living with vision! Learn to look at life through the filter of God's Word. If there is a purpose to your life, then it would stand to reason that God has equipped you with the tools to find that purpose and fulfill it! Let's talk missions!
S02E01 - Discovering God's plan for your life is not only essential for living your faith, but it's needed to succeed and live a life of spiritual abundance! But what exactly does it mean to live according to God's will, and what does it mean if we don't know how it applies to our life?
There's so much fear and uncertainty in the world today. But regardless of this, nothing has changed to alter our purpose and mission. As society collapses around us, preach the Word and stand for Truth.
Living a life of obedience to God and finding happiness are two essential goals that can coexist peacefully. When we follow God's commands and align our lives with His will, we can experience true joy and contentment. It's important to remember that obeying God doesn't mean sacrificing our happiness or desires. Instead, it means making choices that align with His plan for our lives, which ultimately leads to a fulfilling and purposeful existence. Strive to obey God and live a happy life, knowing that the two are not mutually exclusive.
S01E18 - The same spirit that raised Jesus from the grave two thousand years ago now dwells within us! We have hope that we shall rise one day and that this life is just one chapter in a much greater story. Today, choose to live in the power of His resurrection! Let's Talk Missions!
Everything in life is based on the principle of risk and reward. Your choices reflect a well-thought-out list of "pros and cons." This means that if you're not active in the great commission today, it's not because you're too busy or unable. Any inaction shows a choice that the rewards of following Jesus don't outweigh the risk. Learn to take risks for the cause of Christ! Let's talk missions!
S01E16 - There are always two sides to every story - what the world wants you to believe and what really happened. This is our reality today, and it's how the world reacted to truth 2,000 years ago when Jesus died and rose again. Matthew 28 gives an account of two commissions, one to speak truth and another to suppress it. Which are you involved in?
S01E15 - It's hard enough to share our faith without the many "unforced errors" that we frequently employ. Don't sabotage your own efforts and lose out on opportunities to be a witness! Be prepared and have a plan! Let's Talk Missions!
Without approaching the great commission with confidence, God's people set themselves up for failure before they even begin. Don't throw off your responsibility because witnessing is not something you're confident in. Ask yourself what you need to do to find the confidence required in order for you to follow Jesus. Let's talk missions!
The world doesn’t believe in neutrality, and neither should we. Both Christians and unbelievers have a position they believe in and defend. The myth of neutrality is meant to weaken the church and move your position from completely "all in" to merely walking the line. Choose to stand with God and commit to being His disciple.
Are you tired of Matthew 28 yet? Don't let the familiarity of this chapter cause you to lose the message of the great commission! Being on mission is not only about what we are accomplishing but also what God is accomplishing in us. Let's Talk Missions!
The call to follow Jesus is often shaped by our view of the church, its role, and purpose. But what happens when that view gets distorted, and we change the church's primary mission? By understanding the purpose of the church, you'll understand your role in it. Let's Talk Missions!
You can employ many tools in your service to God as you fulfill the Great Commission. However, no tool will serve you or our Lord better than the greatest tool in your arsenal, your testimony. Are you ready to tell your story? Let's talk missions!
Many in today's generation have been conditioned to think that old is bad but new is good. This has shaped their ideas about God, the Bible, and living a sanctified life. Young men and women have traded the faith they grow up in with a more modern form of Christianity that is more comfortable and requires no sacrifice.
If we don't preserve the faith and tradition passed down from those before us, how will this affect the American church and our role in the great commission? Let's talk Missions!
We often ask God for more of His presence and power to do His work while ignoring the tools He's already equipped us with. This episode is about stewardship in light of the great commission! Let's talk missions!
The call to go and preach the Gospel is only achieved when we answer the call of Christ to follow and be His disciple. A genuine relationship with Jesus will bear fruit in the life of a believer. Are you following Him? Let's talk missions!
S01E06 - Why is there such a disconnect with God's people in their knowledge of the Great Commission and their commitment to do it? Let's Talk Missions!
The Great Commission is coming right to your Christmas table as you prepare for the coming celebrations! Are you ready to share your faith with those closest to you? Let's Talk Missions!
S01E04 - What about those who say, "I love Jesus but not the church." Has the church strayed so much that it's no longer relevant and should be canceled? Let's talk Missions!
Has the church compromised its stand with the Great Commission by focusing more on meeting people's physical needs instead of the spiritual?
Some say that the Great Commission was only given to the Apostles and that today only those with the calling should participate. What does the Bible say? Let's talk missions!
The Great Commission is about transferring knowledge. Are you doing your part in making disciples?
As we look at the great commission, what are church planters and what's involved in the church planting process?
This episode goes into culture and its effect on our faith. How does it fit all together?
This first episode goes into our history and how everything began that started our journey in Zambia, Africa!