sending organization | Upstream Collective

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!

The Benefits of Pre-Field Cross-Cultural Training with an Organization

Matthew Hirt

Sep 94 min read

The Benefits of Pre-Field Cross-Cultural Training with an Organization

Stepping into a new cultural context for the first time can be overwhelming. The excitement of going to the mission field can quickly...

Questions for Evaluating On-Field Partners

Mike Easton

Oct 23, 20234 min read

Questions for Evaluating On-Field Partners

My parents did a great job of teaching me how to work at a young age. In fourth grade I had an after-school paper route. (For those of...

Fully Funded or Support Raised? The Pros and Cons of Each, Pt. II

Bradley Bell

Jul 11, 20226 min read

Fully Funded or Support Raised? The Pros and Cons of Each, Pt. II

I have been a support-raised missionary. It’s pretty awesome. Here are some of the challenges, along with a few pleasant surprises.

Fully Funded or Support Raised? The Pros and Cons of Each, Pt. I

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.

David McWhite

Jan 24, 20225 min read

Discouraging DIY Missions

A growing awareness of gospel needs around the world has produced a sense of urgency in the Church for reaching those far from Christ and...

David Wilson

Jan 20, 20225 min read

Questions to Ask a Sending Organization

What a Former Missions Pastor (Who Now Serves an Agency) Wishes He Had Known to Ask In scripture, we learn that the Church is being...

Does Sending Church Exclude the Universal Church and Parachurch?

Larry McCrary

Nov 1, 20213 min read

Does Sending Church Exclude the Universal Church and Parachurch?

“Does the sending church conversation unhelpfully exclude or deemphasize the universal church or the parachurch?” The Development of...

Taking a Tiered Approach to Giving to Sent-Ones & Organizations

Mike Easton

Jul 12, 20213 min read

Taking a Tiered Approach to Giving to Sent-Ones & Organizations

Consider your missions department’s vision, values, strategy, and calling when developing a tiered approach for giving to missions.

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 12: Providing Ongoing Care for Sent Ones

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.

Overview of Sending Church Element 6: Evaluating Sending Models & Partners

Mike Easton

Mar 11, 20213 min read

Overview of Sending Church Element 6: Evaluating Sending Models & Partners

A sending model in its simplest form is the mode in which the Sent-One will enter the country.