#7: From Pastor to President: What do you more deeply understand now about missions? - Paul & Martha Davis

What happens when a pastor becomes the president of a global missions agency? How does it change the way they see missions—and the people serving on the field?

Join us for a great conversation with Paul and Martha Davis. God has given them a unique perspective in transitioning from pastoral ministry to ABWE president. They share actionable tips for missionaries wanting to connect better with churches and for churches/missions committees wanting to understand missionaries better. Paul and Martha reflect on what they’ve learned about missions, missionary life, and the local church since stepping into their global leadership role.

They share personal surprises, practical advice for missionaries and sending churches, and fresh encouragement for anyone serving cross-culturally. Whether you're a missionary, church leader, or missions advocate, this conversation is full of wisdom and real-world insight.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ What surprised Paul and Martha most about missionary life

✅ What sending churches need to hear—and how they can better support their missionaries

✅ What missionaries should communicate more clearly to their churches

✅ How to build strong, healthy relationships between churches and missionaries

✅ Common struggles missionaries face around the world—and encouragement for each one

✅ Trends in missions and churches that every missionary should be aware of

✅ How biblical strength connects to resilience in missions

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you’re not alone and that both the Church and your leadership care deeply about your health, growth, and long-term impact.

Paul & Martha have served in pastoral ministry since 1989. In their lifetime of ministry, they have led church plants, Christian schools, and dynamic ministry teams. Additionally, they have given oversight to children’s, youth, and college/career ministries. They enjoy pace-setting leadership as well as serving as educators, conference speakers, and ministry trip facilitators.

​In 2017, Paul became the seventh President of ABWE. Today, Paul and Martha are working hard to meet, support, and encourage the ABWE global team, striving to embolden gospel-centered churches to become sending and supporting churches, connecting God-enabled donors to the visionary projects of our fields, and humbly working to build, heal and reignite relationships with ABWE partners past, present and future.

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The Davises have four adult children who are maturing believers in Jesus Christ.

Show notes and links:

https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/7-from-pastor-to-president-what-do-you-more-deeply-understand-now-about-missions

We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!