A sending church gets sent ones established in partnership with their missions organization by staying in close communication during the first term. Aware of the likelihood of attrition, the church encourages them to remain faithful during the rigors of language and culture acquisition rather than returning home prematurely. - Upstream Collective Sending Church Element #11
The first six months of going overseas can be some of the hardest for Sent-Ones. This is where the sending church staying in vital connection with the Sent-One is important. As the Sent-One walks through the transition of losing their relationships and losing their stabilizing foundations of being able to communicate easily, buy food, move about freely, etc., connection with familiar relationships from the Sending Church is vital for making a transition.
Beyond flourishing personally, it is also important to help Sent-Ones live out the right rhythms for ministry from the start. Sent-Ones need accountability, encouragement, and shepherding to take the often humiliating steps of learning language, culture, and getting to know locals. Additionally, the Sending Church provides encouragement to map the city for cultural adaptation and ministry targets. These are all areas even the average overseas supervisor will help the Sent-One to do. But shepherding their heart through these challenging tasks is something the Sending Church can play a vital role in early in the overseas process.
"Beyond flourishing personally, it is also important to help Sent-Ones live out the right rhythms for ministry from the start."
Upstream is here to help you Get Your Sent-Ones Established on the field. Here are a few ways:
We have put together two resources that are centered around this idea of Getting Sent-Ones Established. Resources include:
First 30 Daze by Larry & Susan McCrary
Tradecraft by Larry McCrary, Caleb Crider, Wade Stephens, and Rodney Calfee
A subscription to the resources on our website gives you access to practical ideas for Getting Sent-Ones Established. Resources include:
Our book, Sending Church Applied (Fall 2021), will take a deeper dive into how to Get Sent-Ones Established.
The Advanced Cohort will give extensive training and personalized coaching to help you Get Sent-Ones Established on the field.