The Nations in Our Own Back Yard
Our world is closer and more interconnected in ways that require us to think and act like a missionary in our communities. When we look for
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UPSTREAM BLOG
The Upstream Blog is published two times a week and contains content from missions leaders, pastors, missiologists, and the Upstream team on a wide variety of topics pertaining to being a sending church. Leave us some comments or questions!
D. Ray Davis
Apr 224 min read
Entrusting Mission Ministry to Lay Leaders
When considering the Great Commission, is it prudent to entrust mission efforts to lay leaders? The missionary task is best accomplished whe
Christian Townson
Apr 154 min read
Navigating Missions Leadership When You Haven't Been a Sent One
The leadership of those who have “been there, done that” often goes unquestioned, even in ministry settings. When you hear of someone who...
Kelsey Jarjour
Feb 55 min read
Four Practical Ways to Care for Missionaries on Furlough
If you have ever served in long-term missions or known someone who has, then you know that following the missionary call God often...
Eric & Andrea Warren
Oct 30, 20235 min read
The Joy of Welcoming Internationals for Thanksgiving
Inviting international friends to Thanksgiving is one of the best cross-cultural missions opportunities available to American Christians....
Mike Easton
Sep 11, 20234 min read
Why You Need a Sending Pipeline
Do your church’s programs have an end in mind? A sending pipeline provides a framework for evaluating your programs.
Larry McCrary
Aug 10, 20234 min read
Global Professionals Can Reach the World for Christ
Let me tell you a little about Joe. Joe was a business student at a university in the U.S. He spent one semester studying abroad in an...
Shirley Ralston
May 29, 20237 min read
Creating a Network of Care Trip Goers
Is Your Church Ready? Care team, what do you do when one of your church’s global workers reaches out and asks for help? What if your...
Bruce Mewbourne
May 22, 20235 min read
Providing Cross Cultural Opportunities Locally
Immigration and migration represent a Great Commission opportunity for the church. Migration is not a new phenomenon. A casual reading of...
Chris Howles
May 15, 20235 min read
How National Christians Can Bless and Teach Western Churches
Have you ever heard of a “truncated icosahedron”? If not don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’m informed it’s a “bitruncated order-5...
Matthew Hirt
May 8, 20235 min read
Worldview Discovery as an Evangelistic Tool
We all possess a unique worldview that shapes how we perceive and understand the world around us. Scripture challenges all of our...
Natalie Ford
May 1, 20234 min read
Connecting with Kids on the Field
Rarely do children wake up and say, “I want to move across the world and leave my home and friends so my family can tell people about...
Matthew Bennett
Apr 24, 20234 min read
How the Sent Send the Senders: Three Ways Missionaries Can Catalyze Mission at Home
As the term is commonly used, missionaries are those who are sent to make disciples in places that are usually geographically and...
Christian Townson
Apr 10, 20234 min read
The Importance of Creating a Mobilization Team
Most churches have a champion of missions—a missions pastor, a director of missions, a lay leader. Every church needs one of these people...
Nathan Sloan
Mar 16, 20235 min read
10 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Missions Pastor
As a missions pastor, these are ten things I have learned in my role as I have served my church.
Scott Ward
Mar 13, 20234 min read
Foundations to Healthy Missions Leadership
As a mission pastor in a local church, there is much that is required, but I have found three actions that need to be prioritized. I have...
Bradley Bell
Mar 9, 20232 min read
Liturgy for the Well-Worn Missions Leader
We hope this liturgy written by Upstream's Bradley Bell is an encouragement to you.
Mike Easton
Feb 10, 20235 min read
Response to an International Crisis as a Church
When a crisis or disaster strikes a part of the world, we have an opportunity as sending churches to respond in ways that can provide...
Larry McCrary
Feb 2, 20233 min read
How to Prepare for a Virtual Short-Term Trip
If you’re considering planning a virtual short-term trip, here are some things you might consider as you plan and prepare.
David McWhite
Jan 31, 20237 min read
Incomplete Responses to Short-Term Missions in Developing Nations
As a missions leader in my church, my first priority in organizing and executing short-term trips is to come alongside our missions...
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