The Upstream Collective

We’re celebrating an exciting milestone of 15 new sent ones joining Upstream! 🌎 These individuals are faithfully serving now or preparing to be sent to Asia and Europe. We’re grateful for their willingness to be sent by their churches and further God's Kingdom. 🙌

After participating in our Sending Church Elements Cohort, mission leaders Gary and Scarlett Patton are back in Mongolia helping equip local churches to become sending churches. Please join us in praying for open doors to the gospel and strong church partnerships. 🙏

We’re hiring! Upstream is looking for a volunteer Prayer Coordinator to faithfully support our team, board, missionaries, partner and network churches, donors, and the broader ministry through intentional, organized prayer. 🕊️ Commitment: 2–4 hours per week | Remote | Volunteer

Upstream leaders had an incredible few days at the MOVE Conference at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Between leading sessions, they had the opportunity to encourage our Sending Network churches. We’re grateful for how God is bringing churches together to advance the mission! 🙌

Last week at the Oklahoma Baptist Convention's Advance Conference, Upstream's Bradley Bell explained that missions starts with the character of God Himself. And if God is a sending God, then every believer is a sent one from the stay-at-home mom to the retiree.

Upstream leaders Justin Dodson and Dan Farr traveled to Central Asia to care for our team and welcome a new group of sent ones from Lifepoint Church Smyrna. From pastoral care to multicultural worship and orientation, God was clearly at work every step of the way.

At the start of a sending pipeline seminar, Bradley Bell, Executive Director of Equipping, asked Dallas-area missions leaders at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship this simple but powerful question. What’s your answer? Tell us in the comments!

We're excited to announce that Upstream is looking for two new members to join our team! ➡️ Director of Mobilization: drive.google.com/file/u/1/d/1Wd… ➡️ Director of Member Care: drive.google.com/file/d/1NLNwzj…

Last week, our Sending Network Director Dave Childers visited two Sending Network churches in Mississippi, seeing firsthand how they are embracing the Sending Church Elements. It's inspiring to see both Pinelake Church and Fondren Church actively living on mission.

Our president, Larry McCrary, and his wife, Susan, attended Northstar Church’s commissioning for the Duncan family, heading to Italy through Upstream. The church prayed, laid hands on them, and celebrated their calling. Please pray for the Duncans as they prepare to go.

Looking to grow as a missions leader? Starting March 12, our online Missions Leadership Cohort will equip you to make a bigger impact in your church and beyond. Register now: theupstreamcollective.org/event-details/…

Today, on Ash Wednesday, we begin the 40-day journey of Lent. If you’re looking to broaden your perspective on God’s mission, it’s not too late to order Lent & Missions, our 40-day devotional created to guide you through this season. Buy Now: ow.ly/9PSK50YhNxM

Upstream leader Bradley Bell recently joined Matthew Ellison and Ted Esler on The Mission Matters Podcast to discuss the newly released book, Missiology for Mission Pastors. Listen now: missionexus.org/podcast/missio…

Want to join Upstream leaders at the MOVE Conference? You’re invited to learn how to engage in God’s mission at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA, on March 2–3. Use promo code MOVE_UPSTREAM2026 for $20 off. Learn more: johnsonferry.org/moveconference/

🌎 Global Fund Update: We’ve reached $100,000! Because of your generosity, missionaries are being sent and lives are being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Thank you for partnering in what God is doing through the local church.

Earlier this week, leaders from our Equipping and Sending divisions gathered together in Louisville to strategically plan for 2026. It was a great time of collaboration and fellowship. We can't wait to share what's to come as we continue to help churches send well!

Tomorrow is the last day for 50% off bulk orders for Lent & Missions! This 40-day devotional will help you experience Lent with a deeper awareness of God’s heart for the world. Email Bradley@theupstreamcollective.org to get your discount—or order on Amazon for the regular price.

We’re excited to welcome Hope Community Church in Everett, Washington, as the newest member of our Sending Network! Momentum continues to grow—12 more churches are currently in the process of joining the Sending Network!   Want to be next? Start here: theupstreamcollective.org/send

Not sure how to best support your church’s missionaries before, during, and after the field? Starting mid-February, join our Missionary Care Cohort to learn how to build a healthy, sustainable missionary care model—customized to your church. Learn More: theupstreamcollective.org/event-details/…

If 2026 is the new 2016, we are ready for it! Back in 2016, Upstream leaders Larry and Susan McCrary released “First 30 Daze,” a practical guide to help global workers live out their faith intentionally overseas. Nearly a decade later, its message is just as relevant.