The Sent Life

What lessons can we learn from the unexpected call and faithful ministry of a woman who was both an artist and a missionary? On this episode of The Sent Life, Keelan and Walter talk with Jennifer Trafton, author of the book If Only We Could See, about the life, calling, and missionary work of Lilias Trotter. Join us as we explore how the Lord used Trotter's calling and artistic gifts to shape her ministry overseas!   Get a copy of If Only We Could See! https://www.amazon.com/Only-Could-See-Reimagining-Extraordinary/dp/1087784522    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 [email protected].

We often talk about how to help missionaries return to the U.S., but what about their kids? Many of them were either born overseas or have very little context for life in the U.S., which can make transitioning to American life quite challenging. On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with IMB missionary Karina Townsend and SEBTS professor of counseling Dr. Kristen Kellen to talk about TCKs from both a parent's perspective, as well as a counseling perspective. Join us as we explore how we can better understand and serve missionary kids as they adjust to life in the U.S.   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 [email protected].   Resources: Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David C. Pollock, Ruth E. Van Reken, and Michael V. Pollock - https://www.amazon.com/Third-Culture-Kids-3rd-Growing/dp/1473657660  Belonging Everywhere and Nowhere by Lois J. Bushong - https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Everywhere-Nowhere-Insights-Counseling/dp/0615696066  Unstacking Your Grief Tower by Lauren Wells - https://www.amazon.com/Unstacking-Your-Grief-Tower-Processing/dp/B09GZKQ1P8 

We know that buying a plane ticket doesn't make someone a missionary; instead, it takes calling, preparation, and support. That's why, on this episode of The Sent Life, we decided to sit down with IMB Candidate Consultant Alan Garnett to talk about how churches can better prepare their missionary candidates for the field. Drawing from years of experience evaluating prospective missionaries, Alan shares practical insights to help us faithfully equip those sent to the nations.   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 [email protected].

What role do the arts play in shaping how people hear and understand the Gospel? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott sits down with Walter Bowen to talk about how visual arts can give us a window into a culture's affections and help us communicate the Gospel more faithfully. Join us as we discuss why the arts matter for missionaries!   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 [email protected].   Resources: You Are What You Love by James K. Smith - https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-What-Love-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B012H10K3G The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - https://www.amazon.com/Religious-Affections-Jonathan-Edwards/dp/0851514855 Transforming Worldviews by Paul Hiebert - https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Worldviews-Anthropological-Understanding-People/dp/0801027055 Saving Leonardo: A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, and Meaning by Nancy Pearcey - https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Leonardo-Secular-Assault-Meaning/dp/1433669277 For the Beauty of the Church by David O'Taylor - https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Church-Casting-Vision-Arts/dp/0801071917 Visual Faith by William Dryness - https://www.amazon.com/Visual-Faith-Theology-Dialogue-Engaging/dp/0801022975 Contextualizing the Faith by Scott Moreau - https://www.amazon.com/Contextualizing-Faith-Scott-Moreau/dp/1540960005 Modern Art and the Death of a Culture by H. Rookmaaker - https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Art-Death-Culture-Rookmaaker/dp/0891077995 Modern Art and the Life of a Culture by Jonathan Anderson - https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Art-Life-Culture-Religious/dp/0830851356 Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Bible-Classics-Francis-Schaeffer/dp/083083401X The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer - https://www.amazon.com/God-Who-There-Signature-Collection/dp/083084855X 

On this very special episode of The Sent Life, Scott sits down with SEBTS President Dr. Danny Akin to reflect on more than two decades of faithful leadership. Together, they discuss Southeastern’s Great Commission heritage and what it means to finish well in ministry. We know you’ll be encouraged by Dr. Akin's wisdom and heart for God's mission.   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 [email protected].

For many Christians, sharing the Gospel with Muslims is a daunting task. How do we avoid the "apologetic trap" when difficult questions are raised while also being clear in our presentation of the Gospel? On this episode of The Sent Life, Keelan talks with NOBTS professor and former missionary Dr. Greg Mathias about some practical tips for preaching the Gospel to our Muslim neighbors. Join us as we learn how to better engage Muslims both overseas and in the United States!   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 [email protected].   Resources: A Short Guide to Islam by Beth Peltola - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/a-short-guide-to-islam-P005845544 40 Questions About Islam by Matthew Bennett - https://www.amazon.com/Questions-About-Islam-Matthew-Bennett-ebook/dp/B0851RCBNZ Any-3: Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime by Mike Shipman - https://www.amazon.com/Any-3-Anyone-Anywhere-Anytime-Muslims-ebook/dp/B00BAZ1HEC

Research has revealed some fascinating insights into Muslim attrition; but is it accurate to call this a trend? And what implications does this hold for the church? On this episode of The Sent Life, Dr. Ant Greenham returns to share about Muslims who are leaving Islam and what these developments might mean for Christian outreach. Join us as we discuss how these findings can help shape our approach to evangelism among Muslims!   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 [email protected].

Japan is both open in terms of security and yet unreached as far as Gospel presence. The question is, what makes ministry in Japan such a challenge? And how is God already working in Japan for His glory? On this episode of The Sent Life, Keelan interviews Brandon and Arriah, who are currently serving as Gospel workers in Tokyo. Join us as we hear a report about the work they are doing in a dark and plentiful mission field.   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 [email protected].

Why are we investing in theological education overseas? Shouldn't we be putting our resources towards reaching the unreached? What place does theological ed have in the missionary task? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with former missionary and current missions professor Dr. Will Brooks to talk about the place of theological education in our missions efforts. Join us as we seek to better understand the whole missionary task!   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 [email protected].   Resources: Global Theological Initiatives (SEBTS) - https://www.sebts.edu/academics/global-theological-initiatives/ Interpreting Scripture Across Cultures by Will Brooks - https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Scripture-across-Cultures-Cross-Cultural/dp/1666707481 Teaching Across Cultures by James E. Plueddemann - https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Across-Cultures-Contextualizing-Education-ebook/dp/B07JFK8GKF

Missions poses a unique challenge to believers in that those who are sent both have a felt need for biblical community but also are being sent into a context where that kind of community sometimes does not exist. The question becomes, how do missionaries maintain spiritual health and biblical community while serving in a context with little to no access to healthy church community? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about community and accountability on the mission field.   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 [email protected].

Sometimes missionary work isn't all we expect it will be, and we don't see the results we anticipate. And this leads to the question, how can missionaries persevere when they aren't seeing results? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan share their own experience of working through unrealized expectations on the mission field. Join us as we discuss how missionaries can endure through hardship and how churches can talk well about success metrics.   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 [email protected].

Many of us have interacted with a Mormon missionary at one point or another. The problem is that many of us as Christians do not know much about the LDS community, what they believe, or how we can best share the real hope of the Gospel with them. On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with Daniel Williams and Jason Parker, who have both moved their lives to Utah to plant churches. They share with us about their own experience working with Mormons and provide some powerful, yet practical, ways that we as Christians can be a light to the LDS community. We know you will be blessed by this conversation with two faithful brothers who care deeply Mormons and seeing them reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   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 [email protected].

As Ramadan begins this week, many of our Muslim neighbors enter a season of prayer, fasting, and reflection. For Christians, this season offers a meaningful opportunity: how can we love our Muslim neighbors well during Ramadan? In this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan draw from their own experiences in Muslim contexts to share thoughtful insights and practical ways to engage. Join us for an honest and hope-filled conversation about reaching our Muslim neighbors with the Gospel!   IMB's Ramadan Prayer Guide - https://welcome.imb.org/2026-Ramadan-prayer-guide.html "A Call to Prayer During Ramadan" by Elizabeth Andrews - https://www.thecgcs.org/resources/post/a-call-to-prayer-during-ramadan/

What does it mean to earn the right to share the Gospel with others? And is this something that should shape the way Christians go about evangelism? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott, Keelan, and Timothy have an impromptu conversation about “earning the right to share the Gospel.” Join us as we try to sort out whether this idea is biblical or if it is actually unhelpful for Christians when it comes to evangelism.

How do we effectively engage our Muslim neighbors with the Gospel? And how much should we rely on our understanding of Islamic beliefs when sharing with Muslims in America? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with Dr. Ant Greenham about his experience in ministering to Muslim college students and some of the valuable insights he has gained along the way. Join us as we seek to better engage Muslims with the good news of Jesus Christ!   Resources: Engaging Islam by Georges Houssney - https://www.amazon.com/Engaging-Islam-Georges-Houssney/dp/0983048509 Effective Discipling in Muslim Communities by Don Little - https://www.ivpress.com/effective-discipling-in-muslim-communities

Eschatology is often viewed as an intimidating area of theology, but should we write it off as secondary? Or is eschatology more fundamental than we realize? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan kick off the new season by discussing the hope of Jesus' return and how it shapes our ministry methods. Join us as we examine eschatology's vital role in understanding and completing the missionary task.

Unfortunately, it is easy to grow numb to the wonder of the Christmas story. In this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan reflect on the astonishing reality of Jesus’ incarnation and ask what the greatest story ever told reveals about the mission of God. Join this special holiday conversation as they draw out missional insights from the Christmas narrative and invite you to marvel again at God’s heart for the nations.

Holidays have a way of bringing out our nostalgia and moving us emotionally. And for Christians, days like Christmas and Easter are packed with meaning. But what happens when you’re a missionary, serving somewhere your favorite holidays aren’t on anyone else’s calendar? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan dive into what it really feels like to celebrate these special days far from home and why holidays matter so much, even on the mission field. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the benefits of maintaining holiday festivities, no matter where you are!

If you’re a parent, the idea of your kids growing up and leaving home can feel a little scary. But as Christians, we also know that following Jesus means joining Him in His Great Commission. So how can parents help their kids grow into this kind of obedience that may even lead them to dangerous places? In this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan chat with Meredith Cook about practical ways to raise kids who love and live on mission with Jesus. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation on The Sent Life!   Resources: "Resources to Help Teach Your Kids About Missions" - https://www.meredithcook.net/resources-for-teaching-kids-about-missions Go Tell Everyone: 9 Missionaries Who Shared the Good News by Meredith Cook - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1430083557?psc=1&language=en_US 

In an age where we can translate things in a moment's notice, why should missionaries study language at all? Is this simply an archaic practice we should leave behind? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with Dr. Todd Borger about his experience as a missionary in Indonesia. Join us as we talk about the increasing value of learning the local language and how missionaries can begin to enjoy this process.

People from all around the world are moving to the U.S., and as Christians, we believe that we have an opportunity and a responsibility to reach the nations right next door. But how do we even go about finding these people groups in our very own communities? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about how to go about finding diaspora communities in your own city. Whether you are a church leader or are simply interested in reaching internationals with the Gospel, this conversation is geared towards helping you take the first steps to reaching the nations next door.

We know that Jesus told us to go to all the nations, but the reality is that there are places where it seems impossible for us to go for a variety of reasons. What do we do about these people groups? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk philosophy and strategy of reaching seemingly impossible places with the Gospel.   Pray for Unreached People Groups: Unreached of the Day (Joshua Project) - https://www.joshuaproject.net/pray/unreachedoftheday/today People Groups - https://peoplegroups.org/ 

What is it like being ministry partners overseas with someone you just met? And what are some principles and practices that help you to get along with this person as you do life and ministry together daily? On this episode of The Sent Life, Keelan talks with two returned Journeymen, Lydia and Jade, who served together on a team in South Asia. Join us this week as we continue the conversation about teaming on the mission field.

What does the Bible mean when it talks about persuading and reasoning with people? And what implications does this have for missions and evangelism? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott sits down with Walter Bowen to talk about receptivity and persuasion in Gospel ministry.

Team dynamics are often cited as one of the main reasons missionaries return from the mission field. But what does it look like to have a healthy and unified missionary team? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott sits down with missionary Elizabeth Andrews to talk about her testimony of a positive team experience on the field. Join us as Elizabeth shares insights from her team experience and some of the principles that helped them to work together in unity.

Jesus tells us to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. But how do we reach the unreached and unengaged with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with missionary John Pratt to talk about the IMB's initiative to find and reach the unreached, unengaged people groups of the world. Tune in for a powerful and encouraging conversation with one of the IMB's first Project 3000 missionaries!

What happens when thousands of churches link arms for the sake of the Great Commission? The Cooperative Program is the engine of the Southern Baptist Convention and the strategy that Southern Baptists have implemented to partner in taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with SBC Executive President, Dr. Jeff Iorg, as he gives an update on Southern Baptist cooperation for the sake of the Great Commission.

Is missionary work only for natural evangelists? What place does discipleship have in the missionary task? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about a key element of the missionary task - leadership development - and how raising up leaders is vital to establishing indigenous churches.

Why is church attendance among Millennials and Gen Z higher than other generations? And what does this mean for the ministry of the church? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan discuss a recent study from Barna Research and its surprising discoveries on the state of the church. Join us as we explore this fascinating trend and its implications for the body of Christ!

We often talk about the importance of being obedient to share the Gospel with those around us. But what happens after you share the Gospel? And what happens if the person you shared with makes a profession of faith in Christ? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about how to navigate next steps after sharing the Gospel, especially when the person professes faith in Jesus for salvation. Join us for a practical conversation on everyday evangelism and the joy of discipleship!

Missionaries inevitably come home, and this takes place for a plethora of reasons. The question is, how can missionaries navigate this difficult decision, and how can churches care well for their missionaries when they return? Join us as Scott and Keelan kick off a new season of The Sent Life with an important conversation on missionary wellness!

It's undeniable that missionary work is hard work. It comes with a unique set of challenges and trials that make staying on the field incredibly difficult at times. The question is, how can missionaries endure through trauma and hardship as they seek to obey God's call on their lives? On this installment of the Summer Lecture Series, Scott and Keelan sit down with IMB missionary Rick Fraley to talk about how he and his family endured through extreme circumstances. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a song Rick wrote about the Lord's faithfulness in his family's story. You don't want to miss this episode of The Sent Life!

"Isn't missions colonial?" Some have made the claim that Christian missions is just modern-day colonization. But is that true? In our first episode of this year's Summer Lecture Series, Scott and Keelan address this question by looking back at missions history and discussing key contextualization issues. You don't want to miss this installment of The Sent Life!

What happens when circumstances force missionaries to leave the field? How can missionaries grieve the loss of the field well, and how can their church families support them during that process? On this episode of The Sent Life, Keelan sits down with Walter Bowen to talk about how he and his wife have continued to trust the Lord through difficult and unexpected circumstances. Join us as we close this season of The Sent Life with a valuable discussion on faith, grief, and perseverance.

Being a missionary in contexts where there is significant opposition means that the cost for both the missionary and the local Christians is going to be high. But ministering in the midst of opposition also comes with great joy that is rooted in remembrance of the Gospel. On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with international missionaries Owen and Myla Stoddard about their years of experience on the mission field in a difficult context. Join us as the Stoddard's discuss the challenges and joys of missionary work.

The work of making disciples of all nations is often wrongly considered a job only for missionaries and church planters. But we know from Scripture that every follower of Christ is called to Great Commission obedience. On this episode of The Sent Life, Keelan sits down with Scott to talk about his new book, A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions. Together, they explore the crucial role of every Christian in fulfilling the Great Commission. Whether you are a missionary, a church leader, or are discerning your own role in God's Great Commission, we trust this conversation will be a blessing to you.

What does it take to prepare missionaries who thrive on the field for the long haul? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with Scott Ray, Senior Director of Global Deployment at the IMB, about how the IMB partners with churches to equip and send missionaries with long-term health and sustainability in mind. Join us for this practical discussion dedicated to helping churches send well.

What does it look like to live in joyful obedience to God's call, even to challenging and unreached places? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and guest cohost Dr. Anna Daub talk with veteran medical missionary Dr. Rebekah Naylor about her many years of meeting needs and helping plant churches in India. Now serving as a mobilizer with the IMB, Dr. Naylor shares her honest reflections on the missionary call, singleness, and utilizing medicine on the mission field. You don't want to miss this episode of The Sent Life!

What does it look like to raise a family on the mission field? How do children factor into a family's call to serve overseas? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with IMB missionary Phil Bartuska to explore the joys, challenges, and unique dynamics of doing missions as a family. Whether you're already overseas or discerning a call, we think you will benefit from this conversation on family and missions.

Last week, we talked about the benefit of short-term mission trips from the field team's perspective. But what about the perspective of the person going on the trip? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk with SEBTS students to get their thoughts on short-term mission trips and whether or not they are beneficial both personally and for the field team.

Do short-term trips really make a difference? Is there any benefit to the missionaries on the field? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about the impact short-term trips have for the field team's long-term strategy.

What is it like being a missionary in a place that is widely considered a vacation destination? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with IMB missionary Phil Bartuska to talk about the unique opportunities and challenges of ministering in Vienna, Austria.

How important is theological education for the missionary and aspiring missionary? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about the significance of theological education for both the ministry and the life of those doing cross-cultural ministry.

How can the church effectively engage and mobilize Generation Z for the Great Commission? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan discuss key characteristics of Gen Z, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities in reaching and sending them for the sake of the Gospel.

How do changing demographics shape the way we do ministry? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan talk about a demographic trend that has significant implications for the mission of the church.

What is it like going from a small American town to a densely populated South Asian city? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with Julie, an IMB missionary, to talk about culture shock as well as some of the unique opportunities and challenges of serving in South Asia.

What role, if any, does virtual reality have in our missions strategy? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan continue the conversation with Daniel Rice, specifically focusing on his team's work in using digital strategies to reach people in Japan with the gospel.

What is it like being a missionary in a megacity? On this episode of The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with Daniel Rice, a missionary in Tokyo, Japan. Daniel talks about how he got to Japan and introduces us to some of the opportunities and challenges of doing missions in their context.

Get ready for a great season of The Sent Life! We hope you will be encouraged and challenged as you hear from field personnel all over the world and how the Lord is using them for His glory. You won't want to miss this!

Many of us know the story of Lottie Moon and her incredible faithfulness as a missionary in China. Today on The Sent Life, Scott and Keelan sit down with the President of SEBTS, Dr. Danny Akin, to talk about how Lottie's legacy lives on through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and how our giving impacts the nations.