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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!
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...
Matthew Hirt
Sep 9, 20244 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...
Mike Easton
Oct 23, 20234 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.
Bradley Bell
Jul 11, 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.
Bradley Bell
Jul 7, 20226 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 McWhite
Jan 24, 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...
David Wilson
Jan 20, 20225 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...
Larry McCrary
Nov 1, 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.
Mike Easton
Jul 12, 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 5, 20213 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
Apr 1, 20212 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.
Mike Easton
Mar 11, 20213 min read
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