
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
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