Gospel Focused: The Foundation of Family Preservation

A letter from Ken

In June of 1980 I got lost. 

I was in the SC woods, somewhere between what I knew was a fishing lake and our camp location. It was a quick run to the lake to check my fishing lines, dreaming of how excited I would be to provide my friends and family with delicious fresh fish for our evening meal. As many of you may know, distractions are way too common for me - especially as a decade old young boy - I remember chasing a squirrel on my way back to the camping area. After a quick adventure, I suddenly found myself - lost, scared and incredibly confused. 

What was a quick three minute walk back to camp became a 90 minute adventure and a forever life lesson. A small detour to add squirrel to the menu had turned into a heart-wrenching desire to be rescued and found. 

The emotions of that afternoon even now are clear and penetrating - even decades later. I was so close to being home but so unsure what direction to go. 

For Upstream, I think this is what we so highly hold to the principle vision value of Gospel-Focused. It is foundational - it is essential. And in a world that can often be distracting, especially in trying to serve and love well - we need an understood “north star" to keep us from getting lost.

At the heart of Upstream Collaborative’s mission is a steadfast commitment to being Gospel Focused. We hope our efforts and our hearts display this principle —indeed this very foundation and guiding force behind every initiative, partnership, and act of service within all our Family Preservation ministries.

Why does Gospel Focus ministry matter?

The Gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—offers hope, restoration, and ultimate transformation. In the context of Family Preservation, being Gospel Focused means that our work is not merely social or humanitarian; it is deeply spiritual and redemptive. We believe true and lasting change - societal and familial change - comes when families encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ. This perspective shapes our approach to strengthening families, supporting vulnerable children, and empowering local churches to serve their communities. In essence, it's not about us - but who we serve in serving others.

What Happens When We Serve Apart from the Gospel?

When ministry initiatives - or Christian nonprofit efforts - are not rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, even well-intentioned programs can miss the mark—sometimes producing unintended consequences that fail to bring the hope of “good news”;  lasting transformation. 

1. Temporary Relief Without Lasting Change
Example: Many organizations provide food, housing, or financial aid to families in crisis. While these efforts meet immediate needs, they often do not address the root causes—broken relationships, lack of hope, or cycles of trauma. Without the Gospel, families may receive help but remain spiritually lost or emotionally broken. ANd as we know, often repeating patterns of crisis that serve to harm and not heal.

Result: Relief is temporary, and families may return to patterns of brokenness once the support ends.

2. Dependency Instead of Empowerment
Example: Charities that focus solely on providing physical resources can inadvertently foster dependency. Individuals and families in need may come to expect ongoing handouts rather than being equipped to overcome obstacles or build a purpose-filled new future.

Result: People become reliant on programs, rather than being empowered to thrive through Christ’s transforming power and the community of the local church.

3. Burnout and Disillusionment Among Volunteers
Example: Volunteers motivated only by compassion or a desire to “do good” often face understood burnout, compassion fatigue, or disappointment when they don’t see quick results. They can become lost in what began as good intentions grounded in what makes them “feel better” or to check the “love thy neighbor” box.

Result: Without the sustaining hope and purpose found in the Gospel, volunteers may become cynical or withdraw from serving altogether. This can create bitterness and opens the door to spiritual confusion.

4. Loss of True Identity and Purpose
Example: Programs that focus only on well intentioned self-help, personal achievement, or generic “goodness” can leave both those served and those serving with a sense of emptiness. It’s simply too exhausting to have all the answers to life’s troubles - or presume we do.

Result: Without the Biblical truth of who we are in Christ - a Gospel-centered identity , we lack a foundation for true identity, belonging, and purpose.

We all need the consistency, peace and direction that the lasting truth of scripture - indeed the very words of God alone can provide. We can get so lost, so easily - no matter the heart’s intention, apart from the transforming power of His word - we are only striving, exhausted vessels of shattered grace.

Our desire to be Gospel Focused ensures that every aspect of Family Preservation ministry — prevention, intervention, and restoration—is rooted only in Christ’s love and truth. This is not just a strategy; it’s a conviction that the Gospel is the ultimate answer for families and communities in need. 

Indeed it is the power in which we can all be “found”.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”  — Romans 1:16 (ESV)