This Could Transform Global Missions Strategy Forever | Featuring Bud Houston, Joshua Project

The way we think about missions may be changing.

In this episode of The Keystone Project Podcast, Charlie and James Greene sit down with Bud Houston, Director of People Groups Data at Joshua Project, to discuss a groundbreaking new resource: the Phases of Engagement Toolkit. For years, missions has often been measured through simple categories like “reached” and “unreached.” But those labels don’t always tell the full story. A people group with thousands of believers, churches, and seminaries can still be considered “unreached” in the same category as a people group with almost no gospel access. The Phases of Engagement Toolkit introduces a new way of understanding gospel progress—from initial entry and evangelism to discipleship, local churches, reproduction, multiplication, and sustained gospel presence. In this conversation, Bud explains:

• Why traditional missions categories need more context
• How better data can help the Church send the right workers to the right places
• How missionaries, churches, and organizations can collaborate more effectively
• Why “What can I do?” must become “What will it take?”
• How every believer can play a role in the Great Commission

This episode is a powerful reminder that missions is not about individual heroes—it’s about the entire body of Christ joining God in what He is already doing around the world.

Learn more about Joshua Project: https://joshuaproject.net

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a pastor, missionary, missions leader, or someone passionate about reaching the nations.