From God-Given Dream to Reality: Why the Passion for Planting Residency is Essential
If God has placed a dream in your heart to plant a church, you probably already know the excitement that comes with the vision. But you likely also feel the overwhelming weight of the practical questions: Where do I start? What am I missing? How do I take this big idea and turn it into something real?
At Passion for Planting, we believe that calling requires equipping. Our Church Planting Residency cohort is designed specifically to bridge the intimidating gap between having a vision and executing a strong launch. But don’t just take our word for it; listen to the voices of those who have walked this path before you.
For many residents, the cohort is the turning point where abstract concepts become concrete action. Kevin McNeil of Canvas Church describes the residency as the place “where the rubber meets the road”1. He found that the program helped him digest big ideas and create practical ways to execute them, ultimately turning his vision into reality.
This sentiment is echoed by Chris Pasik of Unite Community Church, who called the residency “the single most important thing I did to plant our church”. He praised the program’s “laser focus on helping planters discover and build the church God has placed in their heart”.
One of the unique strengths of the Passion for Planting residency is its design as a distance program. This invaluable resource allows planters to stay in their local context and current ministry while preparing to plant. Josh Howard of BridgePoint Church noted that this collaborative learning environment helped him clarify vision and shape how they help people trust and follow Jesus.
Furthermore, the residency provides crucial support for those transitioning from established church leadership into the uncharted waters of planting. Many residents have shared that the cohort prepared them with resources they didn’t even know they needed. From connecting with experienced leaders to receiving tangible timelines that guide the process, the cohort helps planters launch strong. Perhaps most valuable is the continued community; the team remains willing to help with ongoing questions even after the cohort concludes.
The consensus among past residents is clear: this program is vital for health and success. Alumni like Chris Flathers of Connect Church state that as they look to plant more churches in the future, they will be encouraging all of their planters to partner with Passion for Planting.
If you have been called to plant, we cannot recommend this residency enough. It is time to turn your vision into reality.