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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!
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
Sep 13, 20215 min read
The Sending Pipeline Part 1: Overview of the Sending Pipeline
The goal of a sending pipeline is to mobilize church members towards the missions vision and strategy that you have set before them.
Larry McCrary
Sep 7, 20213 min read
Building the Foundation for Healthy Sending
While it can be said there are no perfect Sending Churches, we do see some common practices of healthy Sending Churches.
Ryan Martin
Sep 1, 20215 min read
A Call to Missions is a Call to Suffering...But It's Worth It
Suffering comes in all shapes and sizes on the mission field, so we must consider it and call sent ones to it when equipping them.
Meredith Cook
Aug 30, 20215 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.
Susan McCrary
Aug 27, 20211 min read
Suggested Resources for Raising Families Overseas
Raising families overseas is not easy, but you're not alone. Here are some helpful resources for raising families overseas.
Mike Easton
Aug 25, 20214 min read
Tips for Creating a Global Missions Display
A global missions display validates your efforts in global missions and shows your members what you are doing around the world.
Larry McCrary
Aug 23, 20214 min read
Questions to Ask for Understanding Culture and Worldview
Culture and worldview are complicated. Here are some questions that should guide your understanding.
Mike Easton
Aug 16, 20214 min read
Tips for Creating a Missions Website for Your Church
In the global information age a website can be a key part of your plan to cultivate global awareness in the life of your church.
Ryan Martin
Aug 11, 20216 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 9, 20215 min read
Missionary Care Begins with the Local Church: A Look at 3 John 5-8
The local church, both its members and leaders, should be sending and supporting well for the promotion and advancement of the gospel.
Greg Mathias
Aug 4, 20215 min read
The Sign Says Closed: Communicating With Our Sent Ones
While closed countries and security can make communication daunting, do not let it stop you from staying in contact with sent ones.
Greg Mathias
Aug 2, 20215 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?
Larry McCrary
Jul 26, 20214 min read
Ways a Sending Church Can Financially Support Marketplace Workers
There are several areas for which a sending church can provide financial resources for their marketplace worker.
Mike Easton
Jul 23, 20216 min read
How to Get Good Video Coverage Overseas on a Budget
How can I do video and interviews on a budget, without having to pay one of my communications staff to come overseas?
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?
Mike Easton
Jul 14, 20214 min read
How Much Should Our Church Give to Each Missions Partner?
How much should your church give to each of its mission partners? Consider these principles.
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.
Shirley Ralston
Jul 1, 20211 min read
Healthy At Home: More Resources for Healthy Minds, Bodies, Souls, and Practical Needs
Here is a list of resources to further help you care for your sent ones' mind, body, soul, and practical needs.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 28, 20215 min read
Healthy at Home: Helping Hands
Relying on the local church for travel, lodging plans, and fellowship has long been the norm for those sent out to deliver the Good News.
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