Sending Process​
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The sending process is the journey a pre-field missionary takes to be assessed, prepared, and sent through Upstream Sending. The chart above visualizes each step of the sending process. The first two steps, joining the Sending Network and having an established church-based sending pipeline are steps we require a sending church to complete before sending through Upstream.
The remainder of the sending process is focused on the pre-field missionary and is done in partnership with leaders from the local church.
The sending process includes the steps below.
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Sending Network Membership
All missionaries sent through Upstream must come from a church that is part of the Sending Network—a community of churches committed to healthy sending practices. Membership involves an application and assessment process, the development of a growth plan, and committed financial giving. The Sending Network exists to promote collaboration, share best practices, and build deep relationships among church leaders who are passionate about global missions.
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Sending Church Pipeline
Healthy missionary sending begins with intentional discipleship and mobilization within the local church. Each Sending Network church is encouraged to establish a clear sending pipeline that outlines the steps and assessments a person must go through before being sent. This process helps ensure readiness and spiritual maturity, and it can run in parallel with Upstream’s official sending process. Upstream provides resources and coaching to help churches build and refine their pipelines.
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Initial Interest
The sending process begins when a prospective missionary, with the support of their church, submits an initial interest form. This is followed by a video call involving the applicant, a church leader, and Upstream Sending, where they get to know each other, more fully review the sending process, and answer any questions the prospective missionary or Upstream may have. After the call, Upstream and the church debrief to determine whether the applicant should proceed to the application phase or continue in discipleship and development within the church before moving forward.
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Application Process
Once invited to apply, the applicant completes a comprehensive process including a two-part written application, theological questionnaire, personality and medical assessments, background check, and references. This phase also includes an in-depth assessment interview. The application materials help Upstream and the church evaluate the applicant’s character, readiness, and calling, culminating in the creation of a Personal Development Plan (PDP) tailored to the applicant’s growth and preparation needs.
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Appointment
After the PDP is reviewed and signed, the applicant is officially appointed by Upstream Sending. This stage includes onboarding into the organization, access to training materials and systems, and a formal welcome to the Upstream family.
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Personal Development & Support Raising
As part of the appointment phase, appointees work through their personalized development plans, which may include further education, counseling, ministry experience, training in evangelism and discipleship, and more. At the same time, they receive training in support raising and begin building a financial and relational support network. Field visits and placement decisions are finalized, and appointees complete tasks that prepare them holistically for life and ministry overseas.
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Orientation
Orientation is a five-day intensive training designed to prepare appointees spiritually, practically, and relationally. It introduces Upstream’s culture, values, and policies while offering training in healthy missiology, missionary care, and team dynamics. Orientation also fosters community by connecting new appointees with peers and staff, creating a relational foundation before deployment.
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Employment and Deployment
After Orientation, once 80% of support is raised and the PDP is completed, appointees are invited to employment with Upstream. During this time, a sending covenant (memorandum of understanding) is signed by the missionary, sending church, Upstream, and field leadership to formalize the sending partnership and to clarify expectations and responsibilities. Deployment to the field follows upon completion of 100% support, final church approval, and a commissioning service at the sending church.