Building a Church-Led Strategy for International Students

Summary:

On this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Matthew Ellison and Ted Esler talk with Ryan Finke, CEO of International Friendships, Inc. about why international student ministry is one of the most open doors in global missions and how local churches can step into it with simple hospitality and friendship. Finke explains that 70–80% of international students never enter an American home even though most want an American friend, and he shares how IFI connects volunteers with students to ease culture shock, answer spiritual questions, and spark disciple-making that reaches families and marketplaces worldwide.

The conversation covers shifting enrollment trends (fewer Chinese students, rising Indian students), the need for cross-cultural training, practical ways to serve students from airport pickup to grocery runs, and how digital strategies can extend ministry to remote enrollees overseas. You’ll get a clear vision for church-led mobilization that welcomes the stranger, builds genuine friendships, and advances the Great Commission right in their own city.

The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God’s people to be a part of His mission.