The Upstream Collective

10/15/2026

Is every Christian a missionary? And what does the answer mean for your church?

Every believer is a sent one, called to participate in God's mission. But the missionary vocation has a distinct purpose: crossing cultural and language barriers to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and establish churches, especially where Christ is not yet known.

As missions leaders, we want to see the whole church living on mission while also raising up and sending cross-cultural workers. These aren't competing priorities.

When missionary preparation becomes part of the discipleship of every believer, the church is better equipped to send well. The congregation understands its role, missionaries are supported by a church committed to the mission, and sending becomes an extension of the work God is already doing among His people.

Listen to the podcast episode to explore why every believer's sentness matters—and why the church must continue to prioritize the distinct calling of cross-cultural missionaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbo-77LFPeQ

10/15/2026

What happens when churches invest in one another to see the gospel go to all nations?

Upstream’s Bradley Bell and Cameroonian pastor Chofong Alfred sat down in Mombasa, Kenya, to talk about what God is doing through the African church and the growing movement of African believers being sent for cross-cultural missions.

As Chofong shares, there’s so much to encourage the global church as we see God’s people step out in faith.

“If the church gets up and takes the gospel to the nations as led by the Spirit, things are going to happen.”

Read Brad and Chofong’s conversation: https://www.theupstreamcollective.org/resources/%E2%80%9Cwe-cannot-grow-alone%E2%80%9D-reflections-on-training-kenyan-churches-to-send

10/12/2026

Is every Christian a missionary?

Join the conversation about this week's episode of Not Another Missions Podcast. Join the conversation about this week's episode of Not Another Missions Podcast, where we talk about what it means to have a sent identity and why the "everyone's a missionary" mentality isn't ultimately helpful. Links below.

09/30/2026

Every sending church eventually has to tell someone they're not ready to go. Here are four principles for doing it well.

Read the full article: https://ow.ly/rFs450ZTh4X

09/29/2026

As our Sending Church Training wraps up in Kenya, come explore a day in Nairobi with us! 🌎

From walking the city streets to taking in the view from one of Nairobi’s tallest buildings, we’re reminded that God is at work in every place and among every people.

Pray with us that more churches would embrace a life of being sent, and that many people would come to know and follow Jesus.

09/28/2026

Church leaders –– if you have someone in your church who isn't ready for the field but you don't yet have a process to develop them, our Sending Pipeline cohort is the perfect place to start. It starts next week––sign up today. We'd love to walk with you through the journey of preparing your people

This specialized virtual cohort gives local church missions leaders the tools, confidence, and structures to take primary responsibility for discerning and equipping their own missionary candidates.

09/25/2026

"Bill doesn't know anybody. He just loves Japan."
EPISODE 2 of Not Another Missions Podcast talks about how to tell someone "not yet" when they're not ready for the mission field."
Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube (links below).

09/24/2026

We’re praising God for the completion of our Sending Church Training in Nairobi!

Church leaders spent time identifying the resources, relationships, and sending pathways God has already entrusted to their local churches—and considering how they can steward them faithfully for the sake of the nations.

They believe the time has come for a mighty Kenyan missionary force. Please pray for these leaders in the days ahead as they lead their churches to send well.

09/23/2026

Pastors, missions leaders, parents of missionaries ––
If you've sent missionaries out, you have the privilege of receiving them back well.

How do you help them navigate the emotions of returning?

How do you shepherd them through any trauma they experienced on the field or in coming back?

What's the best way to support them as they reestablish life after being away for so long?

Shonna Ingram writes a practical, informed, and thoughtful book to help you prepare to receive missionaries well. Order your copy today.