missions | Upstream Collective

Upstream Blog

The Upstream Blog has a range of short articles on various topics around sending. Look through the tags to discover articles that meet your need.

The one-sided reality of failed cross-cultural partnerships may lead to the following errors.

“What do you mean I don’t have to choose between work and missions?” Michael* (name changed for security) was initially perplexed as I...

When you communicate and celebrate missions giving you communicate vision and priorities to your people.

The budget is one of the best ways to reflect the values of a church. Giving to global missions usually falls in one of four categories.

No missions leader enjoys the part of their job where they let go of partnerships financially. Inevitably, if you want to be a strategic sen

There are biblical and pragmatic reasons that giving to global missions is helpful for your church's budget.

When developing a global missions strategy and leading a local church in sending efforts, it is critical that a ministry staff and elder...

As a missions pastor, these are ten things I have learned in my role as I have served my church.

We hope this liturgy written by Upstream's Bradley Bell is an encouragement to you.

Here are three reasons that we must be committed to language learning and disciple-making in the language of the heart.

I hope that we never let go of the strategic value of learning language as missionaries seeking to demonstrate that the gospel is for all.

If you’re considering planning a virtual short-term trip, here are some things you might consider as you plan and prepare.

Cross-cultural partnerships happen because they mutually submit to King Jesus. Here are principles and practices of healthy partnerships.

Cross-cultural missional partnership is a kingdom-oriented relationship of culturally diverse groups of believers who share common values.

Partnership is necessary because the gospel is universally relevant and provides the plan of redemption for sinners separated from God.

In this article I want to convince you of two things: that missions decisions can exhaust you, and that missions convictions can refresh...

I have the privilege of serving as the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Ames, IA. When this church was planted in 1994, the founding...

A few months ago, I had a conversation with the editorial director of one of today’s most highly trafficked Christian websites. I thanked...

The Sunday gathering is a great time to create mission awareness in your church. Assuming you are already using some graphics or slides...

I started wearing glasses in the fourth grade. The optometrist whispered to my mom, “He’s nearsighted in one eye, farsighted in the...