A sending church involves the entire church by clearly and consistently teaching its missions convictions, vision, and strategy. This is done in such a way that every member understands their roles and opportunities to participate in God’s mission through the church. This also includes developing an infrastructure of missions leaders who help execute the sending process. - Upstream Collective Sending Church Element #5
John 20:21 says, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Every believer is a Sent-One. Acts 1:8 gives direction to this vision of being a Sent-One. Jesus, before he ascends says, “And you will be my witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Matthew 28:18-20 gives clear direction that Sent-Ones are to be making disciples of all nations. Global missions is not just for the missionary who crosses cultures to bring the Gospel to those who haven’t heard, it is also for kids, students, plumbers, teachers, engineers, everyone!
"Finding ways to help your entire church be involved in global missions will help your people flourish personally as followers of Christ, will give your church missional vision, and will make a real impact on the mission field for the sake of the Gospel."
Not everyone in your church is going to go overseas long-term. If so, you’d have no church left! And realistically, not all are equipped to cross cultures to bring the Gospel. However, everyone has the opportunity to be involved. Think of these categories and how your people could be involved:
Caring for Sent-Ones.
Praying for Sent-Ones and the nations.
Giving towards the church and the church mobilizing the funds to the nations.
Welcoming internationals & refugees in your city. Church members don’t need a passport or a plane ticket to reach the nations.
Mobilizing future Sent-Ones by teaching God’s heart for the world, identifying Sent-Ones, and coaching them as they are sent.
Going Short-term to see firsthand what God is doing around the world and for some, choosing to be involved.
Going Mid-term through studying abroad, or temporarily transferring your job overseas.
Missions Leadership Team in your church to give vision in all these areas.
Finding ways to help your entire church be involved in global missions will help your people flourish personally as followers of Christ, will give your church missional vision, and will make a real impact on the mission field for the sake of the Gospel.
Upstream is here to help you Involve Your Entire Church in global missions. Here are a few ways:
A subscription to the resources on our website gives you access to practical ideas to Involve Your Entire Church in global missions.
Our book, Sending Church Applied (Fall 2021), will take a deeper dive into how to Build a Strategy with your missions team and church leadership.
The Foundations Cohort will give extensive training and personalized coaching to help you identify ways to Involve Your Entire Church in ways that are unique to your context.