About the show
Going sits at the intersection of mission theory and practice. Alessandro Di Leonardo, Jenn Williamson, and Jesse Pauly are building a community of Great Commission workers who long to see the gospel spread, and who are convinced that engaging God’s mission demands cooperation with His transformational work in us.
Each episode works off an outline drawn from Jenn’s dissertation, Missionary Effectiveness and Sustainability in the 21st Century: A Missiology of WITH. The conversations examine the why, the how, and the heart of cross-cultural ministry.
“Our engagement with God’s mission in the world demands cooperation with God’s transformational process in us.”From the show description
Latest episodes
The most recent eight of 63 episodes. The full run is on Spotify.
- 63
Ecclesiology vs. Missiology: Rethinking Roles on the Field
56 min · 25 Aug 2026Personal stories, theological frameworks, and practical considerations on women in ministry and gender roles in church leadership.
- 62
The Exit Strategy: Why Endings and Closures Belong in Missions
41 min · 18 Aug 2026Ending relationships and projects well: best practices, biblical principles, and honoring God’s work in a closure.
- 61
Navigating Burnout in Ministry and Missions
46 min · 22 Jul 2026Signs to watch for, the cycle of grace, and practical strategies for prevention and recovery.
- 60
Apprenticeship and the Road to Emmaus: Rethinking How We Disciple
42 min · 8 Jul 2026Discipleship as a lifelong, relational, investment-driven journey rather than a curriculum.
- 59
Missions on the Move: How the Global Majority is Shaping the Church
38 min · 7 Jul 2026Life-on-life investment, incarnational presence, and what a disciple-making culture takes.
- 58
12 Trends Shaping the Future of Global Missions with the WEA
41 min · 26 May 2026The end of the NGO era, funding and trust, AI, and the shift of Christian populations to the global south.
- 57
The dynamics of raising children on the field
47 min · 19 May 2026Bureaucracy, language barriers, and cultural expectations, and the community it takes to carry them.
- 56
The Discipleship Dilemma: Temptation & the Power of the Light (Part 2)
50 min · 7 Apr 2026Conviction, confession, and repentance: building accountability that protects a ministry’s longevity.
- 55
The Discipleship Dilemma: Temptation & the Power of the Light (Part 1)
43 min · 17 Mar 2026In this episode of Going Where God is at Work , Jesse, Alessandro, and Jen move into the "taboo" territory of temptation. Far from being superhuman, ministry leaders and missionaries face unique pressures that can lead to isolation and moral failure. The team…
- 54
The Mission Field Dilemma: Navigating Materialism & Finding Contentment
43 min · 16 Mar 2026In this episode of the 'Going Where God Is' podcast, hosts Jesse, Alessandro, and Jenn delve into the complex topic of materialism, particularly as it relates to missionaries and their experiences abroad. They discuss how the holiday season often amplifies…
- 53
Fall Catch up, Evangelism, and the return of Christ
48 min · 3 Feb 2026In this episode, the hosts reflect on their personal experiences, challenges, and gratitude in the context of their mission work. They discuss the importance of community support during difficult times, share insights from the World Evangelical Alliance…
- 52
Is Short-Term Missions useful?
42 min · 27 Jan 2026In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities and nuances of short-term missions, exploring their value, challenges, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. They emphasize the need for clear expectations and the potential for dependency on…
- 51
Biblical (il)literacy in the face of Spiritual Warfare
54 min · 13 Jan 2026The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the Bible as a foundational element in spiritual warfare. It emphasizes that knowledge of scripture equips individuals to engage effectively in spiritual matters, highlighting the necessity of both…
- 50
Raising Kids Cross Culturally
45 min · 11 Nov 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by third culture kids (TCKs) in the context of missionary life. They explore the blessings and difficulties of raising children in a multicultural environment, the impact of…
- 49
Navigating the Complexities of Missionary Furloughs
46 min · 4 Nov 2025This conversation explores the complexities of missionary furloughs, discussing their purpose, common misconceptions, and the various challenges and benefits associated with them. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how furloughs can serve…
- 48
S3 E1 Welcome Back
36 min · 28 Oct 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss their summer experiences, including church retreats and personal growth. They reflect on how they saw God's work in their lives and the lives of others. The conversation transitions into an overview of the upcoming season,…
- 47
Going: Season 2 Wrap-up
25 min · 1 Jul 2025In this episode, the hosts reflect on their journey through two seasons of the podcast, discussing their growth, key interviews, and the resources they've discovered along the way. They emphasize the importance of community, learning, and the tools available…
- 46
Church Planting Tool and Tips
24 min · 24 Jun 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical role of community and collaboration in church planting. They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people, utilizing training resources, and engaging in prayer as foundational elements…
- 45
Going: WITH Alex Brito the church planter
51 min · 17 Jun 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the journey of church planting with Alex Brito, who shares his personal experiences transitioning from a chef to a church planter in London. The conversation covers the challenges and joys of church leadership, the…
- 44
Going: where God is at work CHURCH PLANTING
48 min · 10 Jun 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities and challenges of church planting in cross-cultural contexts. They explore the debate between planting churches versus evangelizing first, innovative strategies for engaging communities, and the critical…
- 43
Going: with field leadership tools and resources
34 min · 27 May 2025This conversation explores the multifaceted nature of field leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community, and conflict management. The speakers discuss the unique challenges faced by field leaders, the necessity of balancing organizational…
- 42
Going: WITH Steve Schmidt in leadership
51 min · 20 May 2025In this episode, the conversation explores the journey of leadership within the context of missions, focusing on the experiences of Steve Schmidt, a reluctant leader who transitioned from missionary work to leadership roles. The discussion emphasizes the…
- 41
Going: with Field Leaders in mission
45 min · 9 May 2025This conversation explores the multifaceted role of field leaders in missions, emphasizing the unique challenges they face, the qualities that make effective leaders, and the importance of pastoral care and conflict management. The discussion also highlights…
- 40
Missionaries Review A.I. Tools
36 min · 14 Apr 2025In this episode of 'Going: where God is at Work', the hosts discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and missions. They explore the importance of ongoing learning, share their experiences with various AI tools, and reflect on the benefits and…
- 39
Going WITH: Ted Esler and A.I.
47 min · 1 Apr 2025In this conversation, the hosts explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and missions, discussing its implications from theological, ethical, and practical perspectives. They delve into the rapid development of AI technologies, the various…
- 38
What does the Bible say about A.I. and Missions?
41 min · 25 Mar 2025This conversation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and missions, discussing its ethical implications, impact on language and communication, and its role as a tool for good and bad. The speakers share personal experiences with AI,…
- 37
Going With: Short Term Tools and Resources
28 min · 18 Mar 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of short-term missions, emphasizing the importance of case studies, effective planning, and cultural training. They share personal experiences and insights on leadership dynamics within mission teams, the…
- 36
Going WITH: Jesse Kroeze
69 min · 11 Mar 2025In this episode of 'Going Where God is at Work', the host and guest discuss the complexities and challenges of short-term missions. They share personal anecdotes, explore theological perspectives, and address the misconceptions surrounding short-term…
- 35
Short-term Mission Trips - Thoughts and Theory
46 min · 5 Mar 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of short-term missions, exploring both the positive aspects and the criticisms surrounding them. They delve into the emotional and logistical challenges faced by missionaries when hosting short-term teams,…
- 34
Prayer Tools for Missions
26 min · 25 Feb 2025In this episode, Jesse , Alessandro , and Jenn discuss the importance of prayer in missions and personal spiritual growth. They share various resources, practices, and innovative tools to enhance prayer life, including books, apps, and community engagement.…
- 33
Going WITH: Donna Schweiger a missionary prayer partner
50 min · 18 Feb 2025This episode explores the vital role of prayer in missions, featuring guest Donna, who shares insights on prayer partnerships. The hosts discuss prayer as work, the power of community support, and the need for specific prayer requests. They highlight how both…
- 32
Prayer by the Book
37 min · 10 Feb 2025In this conversation, the hosts explore the multifaceted nature of prayer, particularly in the context of missions. They discuss personal experiences with prayer, the importance of prayer as a discipline, and how it serves as both a personal and communal…
- 31
Missionary reaction to Wes Huff on Joe Rogan's Podcast
37 min · 28 Jan 2025In this episode, Jesse Pauly, Alessandro Di Leonardo, and Jenn Williamson discuss the recent viral podcast featuring Wes Huff on Joe Rogan's show. They explore the implications of Huff's debate with Billy Carson, the role of apologetics versus evangelism, and…
- 30
Member Care Tools: how to care for missionaries
36 min · 21 Jan 2025In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of member care, particularly for those living abroad. They explore various strategies for maintaining emotional and mental health, the significance of community support, and practical resources available…
- 29
Going WITH Margaret Fitzwater: Interview with Member Care Leader
38 min · 14 Jan 2025In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical importance of member care for missionaries, exploring Margaret Fitzwater's journey to becoming a director in this field. They delve into the cultural and theological perspectives on mental health, the impact of…
- 28
Member Care by the Book
28 min · 7 Jan 2025This conversation explores the critical theme of member care in missions, emphasizing the importance of community support, emotional health, and the historical evolution of member care practices. The speakers share personal experiences and insights into how…
- 27
Ministry during Christmas
34 min · 17 Dec 2024In this episode, the hosts discuss the themes of generosity, Christmas traditions, and the unique experiences of missionaries during the holiday season. They share personal stories about their Christmas celebrations, the importance of community, and the…
- 26
Communication Tools - how to connect with global workers
36 min · 3 Dec 2024In this episode, the host discuss the importance of effective communication in missions. They explore frameworks for communication, the role of churches in supporting missionaries, and the evolving nature of communication tools, including the potential use of…
- 25
Going WITH Pastor Jonathan Wilson: An Interview with a Missions Pastor
50 min · 25 Nov 2024In this episode, our host and their guest Pastor Jonathan discuss the importance of effective communication in missions, exploring the four P's of partnership: prayer, provision, participation, and party. They share personal anecdotes about communication…
- 24
Communication by the Book
38 min · 18 Nov 2024In this episode, the host discuss the significance of communication in missions, particularly how missionaries can effectively connect with their supporters. They explore various methods of communication, the importance of storytelling, and the value of…
- 23
Thanksgiving
37 min · 12 Nov 2024In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of gratitude and community in missions, reflecting on personal experiences and the impact of past missionaries. They explore how Thanksgiving can be leveraged as an outreach opportunity, emphasizing the…
- 22
Discipleship Tools: Equipping the Saints to Multiply Disciples
33 min · 6 Nov 2024In this conversation, the team explore the multifaceted nature of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of community, personal stories, and the resources available for effective discipleship. They discuss how discipleship is not just a program but a…
- 21
Going WITH Paul Liu: Interview with a Disciple-maker
54 min · 29 Oct 2024In this episode we discuss the importance of discipleship in various contexts, particularly in missions and church planting. Paul shares his journey from a traditional church setting in the U.S. to serving in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the need for a…
- 20
Discipleship by The Book
33 min · 22 Oct 2024In this episode, Jesse Pauly, Alessandro Di Leonardo, and Jenn Williamson discuss the multifaceted nature of discipleship, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the biblical foundations of discipleship, the importance of mentorship, and the…
- 19
Evangelism Tools: Equipping the Saints to Share their Faith
35 min · 15 Oct 2024In this episode, Jesse Pauly and his guests discuss various aspects of evangelism, emphasizing the importance of tools, testimonies, and the collective effort required in sharing the gospel. They explore practical tools like the Seven Signs of John, the…
- 18
Going WITH Becca Taylor: Interview with an Evangelist
45 min · 8 Oct 2024In this episode, we discuss the challenges and experiences of evangelism in cross-cultural contexts. We share personal stories of evangelism failures, successes, and the importance of training and equipping church members to share their faith. Becca Taylor…
- 17
Evangelism by The Book
38 min · 1 Oct 2024In this episode, Jesse, Alessandro, and Jenn discuss their summer highlights and transition into the importance of evangelism in missions. They explore the role of evangelists, the balance between humanitarian work and evangelism, and the process of…
- 16
Season 1 Wrap-up
30 min · 7 Aug 2024In this episode, the hosts reflect on the first season of their podcast and discuss the lessons they have learned about podcasting and missions. They share their favorite episodes and memorable moments, as well as the impact the podcast has had on their…
- 15
Using Sports for Evangelistic Outreach and Discipleship
37 min · 23 Jul 2024In this conversation, Jesse and Alessandro discuss the intersection of sports and missions. They explore the different ways sports can be used for evangelistic outreach, discipleship opportunities, and as a platform for Christian athletes. They share personal…
- 14
Missionary Formation
46 min · 16 Jul 2024In this episode, Jesse Pauly and Jenn Williamson interview Doug Irwin, a church planter and pastor in Paris, about his experience as a missionary in France. They discuss the expectations they had when arriving in the field and how those expectations were…
- 13
The Changing Landscape of Christian Missions - Multicultural Teams
43 min · 9 Jul 2024In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with multicultural teams and the challenges that come with leading and being a part of such teams. They share stories about interesting food experiences while traveling and then delve into the topic of…
- 12
Discipleship Multiplication Movements - Are they for everyone?
38 min · 30 Jun 2024Engel Scale Explained: https://www.eauk.org/great-commission/what-is-the-engel-scale Jenn's Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/365/ Summary In this episode, Jesse and Jenn discuss the concept of disciple making movements (DMM) and the…
- 11
Colonialism
45 min · 25 Jun 2024Boun giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on…
- 10
Which approach is best–Apostolic, Contextualization, or Indigenization?
40 min · 17 Jun 2024Buon giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on…
- 09
The Money Talk–Should missionaries be poor?
37 min · 28 May 2024Buon giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on…
- 08
Global Connectivity—Friend or Foe?
33 min · 21 May 2024https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/september-web-only/missionary-netflix-streaming-internet-incarnation-technolog.html Summary In this episode, Jesse, Alessandro, and Jenn discuss the impact of global connectivity on missionaries and their adjustment…
- 07
A Look at the Lausanne Report on the the State of the Great Commission
36 min · 14 May 2024Link to the report for the show notes: https://lausanne.org/report The Lausanne Movement recently released a huge global report on the State of the Great Commission, which has over 150 authors and is translated into 7 languages. It was a huge undertaking,…
- 06
What Matters Most—Fruitfulness or Faithfulness?
31 min · 7 May 2024Buon giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on…
- 05
The Missionary Newsletter—Fact or Fiction?
38 min · 30 Apr 2024Bonus content after the good goodbyes. Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the topic of missionary newsletters and the purpose and content of these communications. They share their own experiences and preferences for newsletters, including the…
- 04
Biblical Mandate for Missions—for all or only the called?
39 min · 23 Apr 2024Biblical Mandate for Missions - for all or only the called? Is there a unique call to cross-cultural missions, or simply a general command to all believers to go and make disciples? Hear from Jesse, Jenn, and Alessandro whom are all current cross-cultural…
- 03
Ministry Partnerships - Association, Cooperation, Collaboration
34 min · 15 Apr 2024Ministry Partnerships - Association, Cooperation, Collaboration Let’s be partners for the Gospel! But what does that look like? The team looks at and defines 3 types of partnerships (Association, Cooperation, Collaboration) and how clearly having a mutual…
- 02
Why is it important to do Missions WITH God
34 min · 9 Apr 2024Why is it important to do Missions WITH others (Part 2) The discussion continues in regards to what it looks like for missionaries to arrive in the field and what it looks like for the host country in receiving missionaries. Also the mention of the “necessary…
- 01
Why is it important to do Missions WITH others
32 min · 2 Apr 2024Why is it important to do Missions WITH others (Part 1) Going: where God is at work. A new podcast where cross-cultural workers, Jesse Pauly, Jenn Williamson, and Alessandro Di Leonardo discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. Each…
