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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!
Cross-Cultural Missional Partnership: Some Perils of Neglect
The one-sided reality of failed cross-cultural partnerships may lead to the following errors.
Joshua Bowman
Oct 19, 20234 min read
Why Giving to Global Missions Is Helpful for Your Church Budget
There are biblical and pragmatic reasons that giving to global missions is helpful for your church's budget.
Mike Easton
Jul 6, 20233 min read
Three Reasons to Make Disciples in Local Languages
Here are three reasons that we must be committed to language learning and disciple-making in the language of the heart.
Matthew Bennett
Feb 16, 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.
Matthew Bennett
Feb 9, 20234 min read
Together on Mission with God: Principles and Practices of Healthy Partnerships
Cross-cultural partnerships happen because they mutually submit to King Jesus. Here are principles and practices of healthy partnerships.
Joshua Bowman
Oct 10, 20224 min read
Together on Mission with God: A Definition for Partnership
Cross-cultural missional partnership is a kingdom-oriented relationship of culturally diverse groups of believers who share common values.
Joshua Bowman
Oct 6, 20224 min read
Together on Mission with God: A Biblical Basis for Partnership
Partnership is necessary because the gospel is universally relevant and provides the plan of redemption for sinners separated from God.
Joshua Bowman
Oct 3, 20224 min read
"God Can Use Me Right Where I Am." Encouragement or Excuse?
The phrase “God can use me right where I am” is a reminder to steward our time well and make disciples of all nations wherever we are.
Meredith Cook
Nov 4, 20214 min read
Sharing the Gospel Cross-Culturally: You Don't Have to Be an Expert
You don’t have to be an expert to share the hope of the gospel with someone who is much different than you.
Meredith Cook
Nov 1, 20215 min read
The Sending Pipeline Part 3: From Globally Aware to Global Christians
Global Christians understand that they have to orient their life around God’s mission of bringing the Gospel to those who have not heard it.
Mike Easton
Sep 20, 20214 min read
Why Everyone Should Be Friends with Missionaries
I'm convinced that everyone should be friends with a missionary—or at least have some kind of contact with a sent one. Here's why.
Meredith Cook
Aug 30, 20215 min read
Questions to Ask for Understanding Culture and Worldview
Culture and worldview are complicated. Here are some questions that should guide your understanding.
Larry McCrary
Aug 23, 20214 min read
Partnership In The Gospel: Biblical Support For Missionary Care From Philippians 2:25–30
Paul's partnership with the Philippians and specifically Epaphroditus shows how missionary care serves the work of gospel proclamation.
Ryan Martin
Aug 11, 20216 min read
The Sign Says Closed: Four Key Questions about Missions in "Closed" Countries
What is a closed country and what does it mean for missions and sending?
Greg Mathias
Aug 2, 20215 min read
When Evangelism Isn't Your Spiritual Gift
The best way to learn to share Christ is by doing it. The challenge is to anchor our faith in Christ and step out by faith.
D. Scott Hildreth
May 27, 20213 min read
Overview of Sending Church Element 5: Involving the Entire Church
Finding ways to help your entire church be involved in global missions will will make a real impact on the field for the sake of the gospel.
Mike Easton
Mar 8, 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.
Mike Easton
Mar 1, 20213 min read
Overview of Sending Element 1: Cultivating Missions Awareness
Missions awareness starts with you. You can begin creating awareness by helping those close to you understand God’s heart for the nations.
Mike Easton
Feb 17, 20214 min read
Merits of a Business as Mission Strategy and How to Overcome Its Challenges
The 21st century will likely need more—not less—BAM workers in order to continue to effectively engage the lost world with the gospel.
Doug Hess
Jun 22, 20204 min read
The Keys to Conducting Ethnographic Research: Part 1
Ethnographic research can be done by anyone and can lead to a more effective and efficient ministry.
Lisa Hoff
May 18, 20204 min read
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