The Sending Shepherd Part 2 w/ Matthew & Denny

The Sending Shepherd Part 2 w/ Matthew & Denny

From Amazon to the Himalayas by Paul Akin

May 6, 2026 · 18 min · Season 9 · Episode 75

About this episode

Paul Akin discusses church-agency partnerships in missions with guests Matthew Ellison and Denny Spits, emphasizing the role of churches as senders and the importance of pastoral leadership in fostering a sending culture.

Host Paul Akin talks with Matthew Ellison and Denny Spits about church–agency partnership in missions, arguing agencies should serve churches as facilitators, not replace them. Citing Steve Byrne, they stress churches as senders, warn against churches acting as their own agencies, and highlight the need for strong missionary care. They conclude that pastoral leadership is key to building a sending culture where missions shapes discipleship. Mentioned in this episode: Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary

People in this episode

Host: Paul Akin

Guests: Matthew Ellison, Denny Spits

Topics covered

  • church-agency partnership
  • missions
  • missionary care
  • pastoral leadership
  • sending culture
  • discipleship

Keywords

  • missions
  • church partnership
  • missionary care
  • discipleship
  • pastoral leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern Seminary

Books & works: Doctorate of Missiology

More episodes of Amazon to the Himalayas

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Amazon to the Himalayas podcast page.