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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!
Caleb Alford
Jun 15, 20233 min read
Sending Does Not Mean Letting Go
Sending someone does not mean letting them go. It means holding on tight to the relationship so that the nations may know the glory of God.
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.
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.
Bradley Bell
Jul 7, 20226 min read
Fully Funded or Support Raised? The Pros and Cons of Each, Pt. I
Being a fully-funded missionary is pretty awesome. Here are some of the benefits, along with a few unpleasant surprises.
Mike Easton
Sep 30, 20213 min read
The Sending Pipeline Part 6: From Committed Goers to Sent
Here are some questions to ask to develop programs in this transition phase from Committed Goers to Sent, as members actually hit the field.
Mike Easton
Sep 27, 20217 min read
The Sending Pipeline Part 5: From US Senders or Potential Goers to Committed Goers
Committed Goers are those that have been assessed by your church and the sending agency and are cleared to be sent overseas.
Mike Easton
Sep 23, 20214 min read
The Sending Pipeline Part 4: From Global Christians to Potential Goers
Here are some questions to ask as you develop programs in this transition phase from Global Christians to US Senders or Potential Goers.
Mike Easton
Jul 16, 20214 min read
Ways to Help Sent-Ones Raise Support within Your Church's Giving Structure
How can a church support sent ones in fund raising in ways that are compatible with its giving structure?
The Upstream Collective
Jun 9, 20216 min read
Interview with Nathan Sloan, Executive Director of Upstream Sending
We're excited to announce that Nathan Sloan will be the Executive Director of Upstream Sending. Here is an interview with him.
The Upstream Collective
Jun 9, 20212 min read
Introducing Upstream Sending
Local churches send missionaries. Here at Upstream Sending, we can help you send well. It’s kind of our thing.
Mike Easton
May 10, 20212 min read
Resource of the Week: Upstream Collective Cohorts
Our desire is to see your church move to the next level of being a Sending Church. We can help you do that through our cohorts.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Easton
Apr 26, 20215 min read
Four Types of Sending Churches: Team Sending Church
The Team Sending Church sends a group of people to one or more areas as a church-based team to accomplish a specific missionary task.
Mike Easton
Apr 22, 20215 min read
Introduction to the Four Types of Sending Churches
In this series of articles, I want to help your church, become the type of sending church God wants you to be.
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.
Mike Easton
Apr 1, 20212 min read
Overview of Sending Church Element 12: Providing Ongoing Care for Sent Ones
The Sending Church can provide personalized care that keeps the Sent-One energized for the challenging work they endeavor upon.
Mike Easton
Mar 29, 20212 min read
Overview of Sending Church Element 11: Getting Sent Ones Established
Beyond flourishing personally, it is also important to help Sent-Ones live out the right rhythms for ministry from the start.
Mike Easton
Mar 22, 20213 min read
Overview of Sending Church Element 9: Developing Sent Ones
Working hard to develop character prior to going overseas is best for the Sent-One and for the team receiving them on the field.
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