Marketplace Sending
A New Era of Mission Engagement
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The world has changed—and so has the way we engage in missions. Traditional sending models aren’t the only path to faithfully reaching the nations. Marketplace sending is a strategic, flexible, and effective way to participate in God’s global mission. Whether taking a job overseas, starting a business, studying abroad, or retiring internationally, marketplace Christians can bring the gospel into places where full-time vocational missionaries may not have access. Marketplace Christians can play a vital role in global missions by becoming active members of local churches or joining existing missionary teams. Because they live and work among locals—sharing in the everyday rhythms of life—they often have unique access and credibility that traditional missionaries may not.
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Their presence allows them to model what it looks like to follow Jesus in ordinary settings: the workplace, the neighborhood, the market. This kind of incarnational witness is a powerful gift to local churches and mission teams, opening doors to relationships and places that might otherwise remain closed.
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In many contexts, marketplace Christians can go further and deeper—not instead of traditional missionaries, but alongside them—bringing the gospel where it’s needed most.
Program Overview
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Upstream Sending partners with local churches to identify, assess, and prepare individuals for life and ministry overseas through their everyday work. We help marketplace missionaries navigate this journey by offering:
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Assessment and Training
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We assess and develop marketplace sent ones with a strong focus on character, cultural adaptability, and spiritual maturity. Through collaboration with the sending church, we build a personalized development plan (PDP) to guide growth both before departure and after arrival.
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Ministry Connections
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Many marketplace workers don’t get to choose where they go—their job does. We leverage our global network to connect them with mission teams or churches already present in their destination city. When possible, they are placed within our growing Field Network for deeper strategic integration.
Landing & Adjustment Plan
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From day one, we help marketplace sent ones adapt well. We provide a 30-day landing guide and a 90-day adjustment plan that helps them integrate into local life, build community, and stay spiritually healthy.
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Ongoing Coaching
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Every marketplace sent one receives regular coaching tailored to the unique challenges of cross-cultural work and ministry in the marketplace. These coaching calls provide spiritual accountability, encouragement, and practical guidance for living missionally overseas.
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Marketplace Community
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We cultivate a virtual community through secure messaging groups and regular video calls. This creates space for connection, shared learning, prayer, and encouragement among marketplace missionaries around the world.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you interested in becoming a marketplace missionary?
Email us at contact@upstreamsending.com — we’d love to help you begin the journey.