Below are examples of our most common forms of training. However, contact us to discuss customizing our training services to meet your church's unique needs.
Sending church Training
These one-day events are gatherings of church leaders who are eager to see their churches more involved and effective in God's mission. Upstream then simply facilitates training and discussion about The Sending Church Elements. You can find info about upcoming trainings on our Events page. The typical donation rate for these events is $1000, however, we are sensitive to churches with limited resources. Contact us to start a conversation about rates and scheduling.
JET SET TRIPS
Since 2009 we have been helping church leaders experience for themselves what it means to be sent. We accomplish this through 7-10 day trips to major global cities. These "traveling think tanks" are called Jet Set Trips. Each trip is designed to expose participants to global missionary skills and a network of global missionaries, allowing church leaders to more effectively build a culture of local and global mission at their church. It's like a vision trip guided by Upstream leaders.
Start a School of missions
Though missions agencies and seminaries make important contributions to missionary candidates, local churches should have the greatest influence on their calling, character, and competency. Upstream leaders can help your church establish its very own missions training for sending locally and globally. The donation rate for School of Missions Training is $1000 and includes access to a sample curriculum. However, we are sensitive to churches with limited resources. Contact us to start a conversation about rates and scheduling.
Pre-field missional training
There are many missional training opportunities for anyone moving overseas, but most of them require several weeks or partnership with a missions organization. Upstream has stepped into that gap by providing a one-week missional training intensive. The curriculum involves both theory and practice on the streets of Louisville, Kentucky. The recommended donation is $750 per person (accommodations, transportation, and some meals not included).
Missional Skills training
Upstream's book Tradecraft: For the Church on Mission was written as a training tool for 9 basic missionary skills. It's most effective not when simply read, but put into practice around the neighborhood. Bring in Upstream leaders to help you develop these skills in your own context. The typical donation rate for Tradecraft Training is $1000, however, we are sensitive to churches with limited resources. Contact us to start a conversation about rates and scheduling.
Missionary care training
One of the most critical aspects of being a sending church is owning the responsibility to provide ongoing care to sent-ones. Upstream leaders can train you in some of the best practices, along with practical resources and systems. The typical donation rates for Missionary Care Training are $500 for a half-day and $1000 for a full-day, however, we are sensitive to churches with limited resources. Contact us to start a conversation about rates and scheduling.