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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!

Josh Duncan

Oct 285 min read

Vetting National Partners

See our previous articles on the why and how of funding national partners or organizations and on how to find them . Vetting indigenous...

Language Learning beyond Babel: The Biblical Redemption of Local Languages

Matthew Bennett

Feb 9, 20234 min read

Language Learning beyond Babel: The Biblical Redemption of Local Languages

I hope that we never let go of the strategic value of learning language as missionaries seeking to demonstrate that the gospel is for all.

Four Types of Sending Churches: Shotgun Sending Church

Mike Easton

May 6, 20213 min read

Four Types of Sending Churches: Shotgun Sending Church

Rather than thinking proactively or strategically, the Shotgun Sending Church is involved in whatever comes their way.

Four Types of Sending Churches: Missionary Care Sending Church

Mike Easton

May 3, 20213 min read

Four Types of Sending Churches: Missionary Care Sending Church

A Missionary Care Sending Church desires to make those they send feel loved, cared for, and accountable to what they are sent to accomplish.

Four Types of Sending Churches: Strategic Sending Church

Mike Easton

Apr 29, 20214 min read

Four Types of Sending Churches: Strategic Sending Church

Strategic Sending Churches are great at partnering with existing team leaders on the field and members that are not from their church.

Overview of Sending Church Element 13: Maintaining Strategic Focus

Mike Easton

Apr 5, 20213 min read

Overview of Sending Church Element 13: Maintaining Strategic Focus

The Sending Church can provide unique insight and encouragement to help the Sent-One live out the vision and strategy that is before them.

Overview of Sending Church Element 4: Building a Strategy

Mike Easton

Mar 4, 20213 min read

Overview of Sending Church Element 4: Building a Strategy

Strategy brings guidance to our church's culture and narrows its focus towards sending people and resources to make real field impact.

Overview of Sending Church Element 3: Developing a Vision

Mike Easton

Mar 1, 20213 min read

Overview of Sending Church Element 3: Developing a Vision

Developing a vision gives importance to defining a clear, simple and compelling statement that draws your church members into God’s mission.