Global Persecution, Biblical Judgment, and Discernment on the Mission Field
From The Missions Show by Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford
March 2, 2026 · 29 min
About this episode
Alex and Scott discuss the importance of discernment in understanding global persecution and its various forms.
How do we exercise discernment on the mission field? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott examine common misunderstandings about global persecution and why discernment is essential when evaluating reports of suffering in the church. Drawing from missionary experience, they explain that persecution is not always dramatic or violent, but often appears as marginalization, stigma, or family rejection. They caution against glamorizing persecuted believers or assuming their theology is automatically superior. The conversation also explores a biblical theology of generalizations and discernment, looking at Titus 1 and Philippians 1 as guides for thinking clearly and loving wisely. Rather than reacting to headlines or stereotypes, believers are called to exercise Spirit-shaped discernment—rejecting error, approving what is excellent, and praying faithfully for the global church amid complex situations. Key Topics: Misconceptions about persecution in American evangelicalism The many forms persecution can take The danger of romanticizing suffering Biblical generalizations and cultural discernment (Titus 1) Discernment as a pathway to mature love (Phil. 1) Applying…
People in this episode
Hosts: Alex Kocman, Scott Dunford
Topics covered
- global persecution
- discernment on the mission field
- misconceptions about persecution
- biblical theology
- cultural discernment
- mature love
Keywords
- persecution
- discernment
- mission field
- evangelicalism
- suffering
- theology
- marginalization
- cultural discernment
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Titus 1, Philippians 1
Places: Nigeria
More episodes of The Missions Show
- What 40 Years of Church Planting Can Teach Us · June 7, 2026 · 29 min
- Listener Letter – When Spouses Disagree on Missional Calling · May 31, 2026 · 29 min
- Bringing Masculinity Back to Missions With Chase Davis · May 24, 2026 · 29 min
- Crisis Response and First Responder Ministry · May 17, 2026 · 29 min
- How Missionaries Transform Cultures · May 10, 2026 · 29 min
- Engaging Islam with the Truth of the Trinity With Dr. Imad Shehadeh · May 3, 2026 · 29 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Missions Show podcast page.