Pastors Talk - A podcast by 9Marks On Persecution in Missions (Ep. 319)
Feb 10, 2026
Matt Rhodes, missionary and author who plants churches among unreached North African peoples. He discusses why persecution is inherent in missions. He describes modern forms of persecution, real stories of kidnapping and loss, and why churches must prepare and theologically form disciples. He explores responses like fleeing, resisting, and the role of government in protecting believers.
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Episode notes
Persecution Is Structural Not Occasional
- Persecution in missions is structural, not accidental, and often used to keep people from hearing the gospel.
- Mark Dever warns pastors underestimate how persecution functions as a systemic barrier to conversion.
No Room For Nominal Faith In Some Societies
- Converts from Muslim backgrounds often relapse because there is no safe space for nominal Christianity.
- Rhodes notes cultural and legal penalties make nominal belief nearly impossible in many societies.
Sheltering Converts Fleeing Family Retribution
- Rhodes recounts sheltering a woman fleeing after her family kidnapped her for converting to Christianity.
- He also met men who lost wives and children after conversion, illustrating severe family consequences.
