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...
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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!
Chris Howles
- Sep 2
- 4 min
The Importance of Pre-Field Cross-Cultural Training
“The task is too urgent … forget about training, let’s just get going!” “These training schemes are not biblical … you don’t see Paul...
Ryan Martin
- Aug 12
- 8 min
How to Say “No” or “Not Yet” to Missionary Candidates
Typically, when I’ve moved to a new town, I like to take some time to explore various routes from point A to point B. I’m always looking...
Mike Easton
- Jul 29
- 4 min
Hope for When Missionaries Come Home Early
If you’ve had the opportunity to send overseas missionaries from your church for long, you have undoubtedly seen some return early from thei
Bradley Bell
- Jul 9
- 2 min
How One Sending Church Is Changing the World
“Have you ever considered doing a Spanish translation of The Sending Church Defined?” That’s how Michael Boze, pastor of missions at...
Dave Childers
- Jul 8
- 3 min
An Example of Starting a Missions Network in Your City
Do you remember the last time you started a new job or tried something that you’d never done before? Even though I had twenty years of...
Adam M.
- Jun 10
- 5 min
The New Roman Road: Engaging in Disciple-Making Virtually
Despite present barriers to entry in countries around the world, the internet provides access to people in the most unreached places.
Stuart P.
- Jun 3
- 5 min
The Opportunity of Digital Engagement in Modern Missions
Over 5 billion people, or more than 66 percent of the world’s population, use the internet, with almost the same levels using social...
Greg Mathias
- May 6
- 5 min
The Nations in Our Own Back Yard
Our world is closer and more interconnected in ways that require us to think and act like a missionary in our communities. When we look for
D. Ray Davis
- Apr 22
- 4 min
Entrusting Mission Ministry to Lay Leaders
When considering the Great Commission, is it prudent to entrust mission efforts to lay leaders? The missionary task is best accomplished whe
Christian Townson
- Apr 15
- 4 min
Navigating Missions Leadership When You Haven't Been a Sent One
The leadership of those who have “been there, done that” often goes unquestioned, even in ministry settings. When you hear of someone who...
Ashlyn Portero
- Apr 8
- 5 min
Leaning into Your Giftings as a Missions Leader
Missions leaders are multi-faceted, and being one requires a diverse set of skills that reflects the diversity of the ministry of global...
Jenny Marcelene
- Apr 1
- 5 min
Resources for Cultivating Missions Awareness in Kids
My family has an obsession—the Sacramento Kings basketball team. Despite fifteen years of marriage to a hardcore fan, I didn't cross the...
Brian McClure
- Mar 25
- 4 min
Field Perspective on Advocacy Team Care
Human beings all have needs, and those who live cross-culturally are no exception. We can meet each other’s needs in many ways. I have...
Bradley Bell
- Mar 18
- 3 min
Leading the Advocates
I once had a turtle named Fred. Fred liked to eat watermelon. But I went on vacation and forgot to leave Fred any watermelon. When I came...
Mike Easton
- Mar 12
- 3 min
Microskills for Advocates
When you have a struggle in life, who do you go to? Is it a friend? A pastor? An older man or woman? A counselor? When someone in your...
Christian Townson
- Mar 4
- 4 min
The What and Why of Advocacy Teams: Nurturing and Supporting Sent Ones
The role of advocacy teams has become increasingly vital to global missions and church planting as a means of caring for missionaries as...
Mike Easton
- Feb 26
- 4 min
Beyond Reverse Culture Shock Introduction
I’m a World War II history nerd. I have watched almost every documentary out there on this time period. As the largest conflict in...
Megan Norton
- Feb 19
- 5 min
Helping Older TCKs Transition to College
Many third-culture kids (TCKs) return to their passport country to pursue higher education. Some do so due to language, some due to...
Ryan Martin
- Feb 12
- 6 min
Ways to Invite Missionary Influence in the Church
I get most energized by being on the field with missionaries, but a close second is hearing from them while they are stateside. Walking...
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