What does it mean for the church to truly live on mission—both in our neighborhoods and among the nations?

This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Bradley Bell, Executive Director of Equipping with Upstream, to talk about the role missions should play in the life of every local church. Bradley shares how God shaped his passion for reaching the nations and why equipping believers to live on mission is central to the church’s calling.

In this thoughtful conversation, we explore the biblical foundation for missions and where we see God’s heart for the nations woven throughout Scripture. Bradley helps us understand how the Great Commission shapes both local outreach and global engagement—and why the church was never meant to choose between the two.

We also talk about the impact missions has on a church’s spiritual health, what happens when one side of the mission is neglected, and how organizations like Upstream are helping churches equip everyday believers to participate in God’s global story.

Whether you’ve always had a heart for missions or are just beginning to wonder how God might use you, this episode offers practical encouragement and a renewed vision for living with gospel purpose.

It’s a conversation about calling, obedience, and the joy of joining God in His mission to reach the world.

For more information about Upstream, visit: https://upstreamsending.org

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