The Sent Life

One of the unique challenges missionaries face is leaving behind loved ones in order to proclaim the Gospel to those who have never heard or accepted. This becomes especially difficult when friends or family members don't fully support the missionary's decision to go. On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan consider the question, how can missionaries leave well for the mission field? Specifically, how can they love those around them well as they take steps towards the field, even if their families or friends are either not saved or don't support the work they are doing?
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/

Is security really something we need to worry about for a 10-day trip? And if so, how do we best prepare ourselves and our missionary partners when going on short-term mission trips? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan have the opportunity to talk with Stephen Haber from the International Mission Board about how those going on and sending short-term trips can minimize security issues for themselves and their missionary partners. Join us for practical conversation about some best practices to prepare for your next mission trip!
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/
 
Resources:
Short-Term Trip Security Checklist: https://keelancook.com/library/trip-security-checklist/ 

We often talk about the idea of calling, but what is the missionary call specifically? Is it a mystical experience? Is it a sense of being out of place? Or is it something else? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about how to think about and discern a call to the work of missions. Whether you are discerning a call to missionary work personally, or are walking alongside someone who is, we hope this episode provides a helpful framework through which to think about God's call on your life.
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/
 
Register for the Short-Term Mission Trip Security Training on August 29th! https://www.thecgcs.org/short-term-missions-workshop-2026/ 

Missions is a conversation that naturally comes with a lot of emotion. This makes sense when we see biblical examples of people like Paul being provoked at the sight of lostness around him in Athens. However, one of the potential dangers for missionaries and aspiring missionaries is the idea of the "Savior complex." On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about how to distinguish between a healthy zeal for God's mission and the belief that God's mission depends on us.
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/

The world is big, and lostness is everywhere. And while some missionaries know exactly where they want to plant their lives, some may not have a specific location or people group they feel called to serve. The question is, how do missionaries discern where they should serve in a world of endless need? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about the decision-making process and how missionaries can discern where and who to serve. Whether you are an aspiring missionary or a sending church, we hope this episode helps equip you in taking next steps towards the mission field!
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/
 
Resources:
Found: God's Will by John MacArthur - https://www.amazon.com/Found-Gods-Will-MacArthur-Study/dp/1434702987 

In the West, we have a tendency to take a skeptical approach towards the supernatural. And yet, other parts of the world heavily emphasize supernatural experiences, which can often leave missionaries feeling perplexed. The question is, how should we understand the role of the supernatural "middle realm" when doing missionary work? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about the "Flaw of the Excluded Middle" and how missionaries can develop a more holistic theology of the supernatural.
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/ 

What does it look like to support missionaries from thousands of miles away? More specifically, what is the local church's responsibility in caring for their sent ones? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with Pastor Ben McRoy about some practical ways that churches can care well for their missionaries while they're on the field. Join us as Pastor Ben shares some potential pitfalls as well as some best practices for supporting missionaries from a distance.
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/ 

On this very special 200th episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan answer questions sent in by returned Journeymen. These topics include how to develop a missions strategy, how to return to the mission field, and why women outnumber men on the field. You don't want to miss this episode of The Sent Life!
 
Have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Write to us using this form for a chance to have your question read and discussed on an episode of The Sent Life! https://www.thecgcs.org/write-to-the-sent-life/ 

What does it take to have a long-lasting missionary ministry? How can missionaries develop rhythms that will help them endure for the long haul? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan have the privilege of speaking with Daren and Shawna Davis, who have served with the IMB for many years, even serving as Affinity Leaders at the IMB. In this conversation, we explore how the Lord has kept them on the field through the years and what other missionaries, aspiring missionaries, and sending churches can learn from their experience. You don't want to miss this episode of The Sent Life!
 
Thanks for tuning in to The Sent Life! We love hearing from our listeners. Tell us what you thought of this episode or suggest future topics by contacting cgcs@sebts.edu.

How far should we go with bridges and redemptive analogies in cross-cultural evangelism? And how do we avoid putting unnecessary pressure on these bridges when sharing the Gospel? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about overcoming barriers to communicating the Gospel cross-culturally and how to use bridges well. Join us as we explore some of the ditches to avoid, as well as how to use bridges effectively in missions!
 
Thanks for tuning in to The Sent Life! We love hearing from our listeners. Tell us what you thought of this episode or suggest future topics by contacting cgcs@sebts.edu.
 
Resources:
Peace Child by Don Richardson - https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Child-Don-Richardson/dp/0764215612