4 Min Read
Resource Recommendations
Learn With Us
There is an ocean of resources about missions, technology, faith and work, theology…the list of topics goes on and on. If you’re like us, life is busy and you can’t read everything. We’ve curated a shortlist that we hope illuminates a trusted pathway through the sea of options. Or at least it can serve as a good starting point.
These resources have also formed and shaped Upstream. We’ve allowed these books to influence how we think and approach ministry. In this sense, the list also gives a bit of a behind the scenes look into who we are and what we value.
Team DNA and Community
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
Several of our Core Team members have been formed by Lencioni’s leadership principles. If we’ve been successful at implementing his lessons, you should expect to find Lencioini’s fingerprints at Upstream.
Team DNA and Community
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
Mary recommends The Art of Gathering. The principles in this book are woven into the way we interact when we come together, even if it’s remote.
faith & work
Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work
Anthony was impacted by this book and recommends it to anyone interested in building a healthy view of faith and work.
Missiology
No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions
Caleb recommends this book as a helpful overview of issues and imbalances in modern missions. It’s generated quite a bit of buzz and is worth reading even if you disagree with Rhodes.
coding
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
Jaya found this book helpful while working as a mobile app developer. We aim for our code to follow the principles in this book.
Design
Field Guide to Human-Centered Design
This manual introduces the principles and practices of human-centered design which emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and iteration. As a missional tech foundry with users spread across the most remote areas, it has influenced Upstream's design process, reminding us that every service we create is tailored precisely to the needs and preferences of each audience.
Philosophy of Technology
L.M. Sacasus
Sacasus writes at the intersection of technology, culture, and ethics.
He’s particularly brilliant in the areas of the history of technology and
philosophy of technology. His online presence can be found at his
website
or his
podcast and blog.
cultural-engagement
Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling
Anthony read this book a few years after graduating university, during what his wife calls “second puberty”. It has shaped the way he thinks about culture and our responsibility as Christians. The ideas expressed in this book apply to Christians of all vocations.
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