The missionary road is hard—this resource will help prepare you.

In this episode of Missions Life, we talk with two seasoned missions practitioners and professors—Matt Bennett and Josh Bowman—about their book, Before You Go: Wisdom from 10 Men on Serving Internationally.

Whether you're preparing to head overseas, mentoring others who are, or serving in a sending church, this conversation is packed with real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and biblical wisdom for the journey ahead.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ Misconceptions about missions that often blindside new missionaries

✅ How missionaries can set realistic expectations

✅ How to discern your calling and prepare spiritually before heading to the field

✅ Key character traits and heart attitudes every missionary needs

✅ Common struggles in the first year—and how to prepare for them

✅ How to thrive on a team and avoid isolation or burnout

✅ The role of sending churches and how they can better care for missionaries

Matthew Bennett and his family lived in North Africa and the Middle East for seven years. He is now an Associate Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville OH. He earned a PhD in Missiology at SEBTS and also holds an MA in Intercultural Studies and an MDiv in Intercultural Church Planting.

Josh Bowman graduated from Southern Seminary in 2002, and then served as a rural church planter in Zambia with the International Mission Board. His passion is to see healthy churches led by theologically sound leaders reach those who have never heard the Gospel. After eight years in Zambia, the Lord led his family to South Asia to focus on church strengthening, leadership development, and unengaged people groups. He is now a professor at Cedarville University where his desire is to raise up students with a passion for Jesus and the nations.

Show notes and links:

https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/24-before-you-go-mens-episode-matt-bennett-josh-bowman

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