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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!
How to Say “No” or “Not Yet” to Missionary Candidates
Typically, when I’ve moved to a new town, I like to take some time to explore various routes from point A to point B. I’m always looking...
Ryan Martin
Aug 12, 20248 min read
Year-End Evaluation & Reflection Resources
As we come to the end of the year, it’s a valuable time to reflect on the work God has done in 2023 and look forward to the work he will...
Mike Easton
Nov 27, 20232 min read
Assessing Marketplace Worker Candidates
It is wise to assess members of your church who want to live and work overseas with intentionality.
The Upstream Collective
Aug 17, 20232 min read
Pre-Field Care: The Oft-Forgotten Element of Missionary Care
Church leaders should recruit like coaches. Successful coaches know what type of players they want, and instead of waiting for them to...
Ryan Martin
Jun 5, 20237 min read
How to Pastor Members with a Missions Interest
A church member walks up and says, "Excuse me, pastor. I think I want to be a missionary." Oh no. What do you say?! Here are a few common...
Bradley Bell
Apr 6, 20234 min read
10 Questions to Ask Potential Missionaries
I have often said that if I could give a million dollars towards global missions, it would dedicate it to figuring out who will flourish...
Mike Easton
Apr 3, 20234 min read
Evaluating Hosts of Short-Term Trips
As you finish up your short-term trips, a valuable step to take can be to evaluate the trip hosts. It’s likely that those to whom you are...
Mike Easton
Jan 9, 20233 min read
10 Things You Should Think About before Planting a Church
Think before you post. Just four words, but instantly you know what I’m talking about. It may sound similar to the old ways of saying it:...
Bradley Bell
Jun 9, 20225 min read
The Importance of Local International Ministry in Mobilization
As missions leaders, we work hard to get our people overseas on short-term trips and as long-term missionaries. This is an awesome...
Mike Easton
Apr 28, 20223 min read
Keeping Track of Those Interested in Going Overseas
Going overseas involves many steps, and it is easy for a potential Sent One to get lost in the process. It is also easy for a missions...
Mike Easton
Mar 10, 20224 min read
Overview of Sending Church Element 8: Assessing Sent Ones
The stakes are too high in global missions for the church to not take seriously their role in assessing potential Sent-Ones.
Mike Easton
Mar 18, 20213 min read
What Church Leaders Should Look For in Potential Marketplace Workers
With many alternative pathways to missions, churches can and should assess marketplace workers. Here are a few things to look for.
Larry McCrary
May 14, 20183 min read
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