A sending church commissions sent ones by publicly setting them apart for the work to which God has called them. This communal recognition in obedience to the Holy Spirit involves worship, prayer, and the laying on of hands. It also clarifies the church’s sending responsibilities and reminds the entire church of its sent identity. - Upstream Collective Sending Church Element #10
As the Sent-One gets close to their launch date the church has the opportunity to Commission the Sent-One overseas. This is an opportunity to encourage the Sent-One, highlight God’s heart for the nations, provide a launching prayer, and to cultivate missions awareness in the church. Going before the Sending Church in large group and small group settings is incredibly encouraging for the Sent-One. Having the opportunity to share their vision, thank the church, and to say goodbye to the members of the church brings about important closure to help them move towards their next step.
"Commissioning is an opportunity to encourage the Sent-One, highlight God’s heart for the nations, provide a launching prayer, and to cultivate missions awareness in the church."
Commissioning also provides a wonderful opportunity to involve the entire church in Sending. By providing an opportunity for corporate prayer, members are able to participate in God's Kingdom purposes. Through sharing the vision and story of the Sent-One being Commissioned the church has a greater understanding of God’s heart for the nations and the missions vision of the church.
Upstream is here to help you Commission Sent-Ones. Here are a few ways:
A subscription to the resources on our website gives you access to practical ideas for Commissioning Sent-Ones for global missions, specifically resources for planning a Commissioning Service. Resources include:
Our book, Sending Church Applied (Fall 2021), will take a deeper dive into how to Commission Sent-Ones with your missions team and church leadership.
The Advanced Cohort will give extensive training and personalized coaching to help you Commission Your Sent-Ones well in ways that are unique to your context.
Mike Easton is the International Program Manager for Reliant Mission. Prior to that Mike was the Missions Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, for eight years, where he got to experience the ins and outs of being a sending church. He served on staff with Cornerstone 2006 to 2022 in varying roles–from college ministry to pastoral staff to being an overseas missionary sent from Cornerstone for two years. Mike is the Director of Content for the Upstream Collective. Mike, his wife, Emily, and their four kids continue to live in Ames, IA, and serve at Cornerstone.
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