The Path to Plant
Church planting in the Pacific Northwest requires deep formation and long-term commitment. Our training pipeline begins as early as college and continues through seminary, residency, and launch, with ongoing support throughout your ministry. Here's the journey:
For High schoolers to seminary students - Exploration
Stage 1: Summer Interest Intensives
Our Summer Interest intensive is designed for young men considering a future vocation in ministry. During this intensive you’ll hear from experienced pastors and church planters from our region. They will both share a vision for ministry and provide opportunities for you to test your calling.
What You'll Do:
Over four days you will follow the hours of prayer throughout the day
Receive teaching and training on the call to pastors ministry with an emphasis on Church planting
Connect with others around the region discerning a call
Write and deliver a short sermon
Who This Is For:
High School students (rising Juniors and Seniors)
College students
Men exploring calling to pastoral ministry pre-seminary
Distance Seminary students looking to explore planting in the PNW
Timeline: 4 days in the Summer
For those seeking a longer Summer internship, we will pair you with a local church in our region to help get a taste of what pastoral ministry is like in the PNW.
For Seminary Students - Formation & Discernment
Stage 2: Church Planting Internship
Church planting internships are year-round positions at local churches specifically for distance seminary students remaining in the Northwest. This stage combines theological education with hands-on ministry experience under pastoral oversight.
What You'll Do:
Serve in a local church residency year-round
Participate in monthly regional training gatherings
Attend annual network-wide retreats
Develop ministry competency alongside seminary coursework
Who This Is For:
Men enrolled in distance seminary programs
Committed to staying in the Pacific Northwest during training, at an approved local PCA church
Sensing call toward church planting
Timeline: 3-4 years (duration of seminary)
For Seminary Graduates - Assessment & Launch Preparation
Stage 3: Church Planting Resident
Residents are seminary graduates who are ordained or ordainable, hired by a church to be trained toward planting. This stage includes formal assessment and intensive preparation for church launch.
What You'll Do:
Work full-time in a church residency
Complete PCA assessment process
Work on ordination (if not ordained already)
Develop launch strategy and raise support
Receive ongoing coaching from regional directors
Who This Is For:
Seminary graduates (M.Div. or equivalent)
Ordained or ordainable in the PCA
Assessed and ready for church planting
Financial Model:
Network contribution: ~$20,000/yr for two years
Personal fundraising and host church make up the rest of agreed upon income.
Timeline: 1-2 years before launch
Launched & Planting - Ongoing Care & Coaching
Stage 4: Church Planting
Church planters have launched their plants and are actively building gospel communities. Our support doesn't end at launch—we provide ongoing coaching, care, and resources throughout the planting journey and beyond.
What You'll Receive:
Regular coaching from an approved church planting coach
Planter community gatherings
Network resources and consultation
Ongoing relationship through particularization and beyond
Who This Is For:
Planters who have launched churches
Pastors navigating the challenges of early-stage church planting
Families needing support and encouragement
Financial Model:
Network contribution: ~$20,000/yr for four years
Personal fundraising makes up the remainder of approved presbytery budget
Timeline: Launch through particularization and beyond
Find Out More.
Whether you're just beginning to explore church planting or you're ready to take the next step, we're here to guide you. Reach out and let's start a conversation about your calling.
