The Upstream Collective

This #MemorialDay, many of us will gather around tables, grills, front porches, and backyards. Surrounded by friends, neighbors, and family, we will share meals and tell stories. May we not miss the opportunity to be intentional with the people God has placed around us.

Our President Larry McCrary and his wife recently worshiped at their original sending church, First Baptist Concord. They reconnected with many friends who had laid hands on their family and sent them out. Decades later, they still remember, care, and pray.

In a rapidly changing world, it can be easy to feel anxious about the future of missions, the church, or global sending. But the mission of God is not hanging in the balance of human effort. Jesus is reigning, interceding, and sustaining his mission even now.

We’re excited to welcome Kate to the Upstream team as our new Engagement Manager! 🎉 Originally from Missouri, Kate brings more than a decade of global missions experience, having served with her husband in India and the Czech Republic since 2013.

We celebrate the ones who go. But this Mother’s Day, let’s not forget the ones who stay. If you know a missionary mama, this is your chance to remind her she’s seen, too. Grab a copy of The Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide: bit.ly/4f6zsdB #MissionaryMama #MothersDay

We recently heard that one of our sending churches ends every service with these words: “You are loved. You are sent.” ➡️ Want to see your church become a people who are sent? Take the first step: theupstreamcollective.org/church-centric…

Last week, we met with two couples preparing to head to Belgium and Japan and walked through everything from cross-cultural life to team dynamics. If you’ve been wondering about a life lived sent overseas, we'd love to start a conversation: bit.ly/upstreamsending

We're thrilled to welcome Bryce to the Upstream team! 🎉 Bryce is stepping in to shape our long-term content strategy and build our media workflow. When he's not crafting content strategy, you'll find him goalkeeping for his soccer team and logging miles on long runs.

Upstream President Larry McCrary visited church planters Antonio and Daniela, who planted a church in Madrid alongside one of our partner churches. They started with 100 chairs and just had to order 100 more. 🙌 We love seeing what God is doing throughout the world!

A church recently purchased 100 copies of Holding the Rope to equip those caring for missionaries from their local body. Want to help your church build a biblical approach to missionary care? ➡️ Buy: bit.ly/3ORegO4 ✉️ Bulk discounts (10+): kate@theupstreamcollective.org

We’re thrilled to have Laura on the team! As our new Sending Administrative Assistant, she’s already helping strengthen the pre-field process and keep key systems running smoothly. She brings a love for ministry, a sharp eye for detail, and a sense of adventure.

Our Field Network is growing! 🌎 Last month, we welcomed a new location and field leader in Northern Italy. We also have three more new locations and leaders in process in Japan, Thailand, and Spain. Want to become a sending church? Start here: theupstreamcollective.org/send

Last week, we celebrated the ordination of two pastors connected to Upstream: Chofong Alfred, a missions pastor in Cameroon, and Jeremy Shelton, the planter of Hy Vọng Church in Louisville. It's been a joy to walk alongside them as they lead their churches into God’s mission.

What if the people you’re already discipling are the very ones God wants to send? Our President Larry McCrary unpacks how secular vocations can become one of the most strategic sending pathways your church has. Read more: radical.net/article/job-je…

God sent Jesus. Jesus gave His life. Jesus rose again. And now—we are sent. Missions may inspire us, but sentness defines us. Happy Easter! 🕊️

Healthy missionary sending doesn’t happen by accident. Upstream membership gives you access to a growing library of resources and a community committed to helping your church send well. Join now: theupstreamcollective.org/join

Throughout Holy Week, we invite you to be praying for our sent ones in the Middle East. While everyone is currently safe, tensions in the region remain high and situations can change quickly. Please continue to pray for their protection and peace.

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