You cannot faithfully plant the future if you do not understand the system that shaped the present.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 1:00pm Eastern

In this live interview, Todd Wilson will help church leaders look honestly at the 70-year story behind the modern American church — not to assign blame, but to recover clarity for disciple-making, multiplication, and the future of church planting.

Join us for a live 1-hour interview with Todd Wilson, Executive Director of Passion for Planting and author of the new book How Did We Get Here?

Date: Tuesday, May 19th
Time: 1:00pm Eastern
Duration: 60 minutes (with live Q&A)
Cost: Free

Todd Wilson
Executive Director/Author

The post How Did We Get Here?- A Live Book Review with Todd Wilson appeared first on Passion for Planting.

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”. 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.

Applications are now being accepting for next year’s cohort. Spots are limited, so apply today!

The post What Planters Are Saying About Our Residency Cohort appeared first on Passion for Planting.

How Jacob and Haileah McKlarney are moving from “doing ministry” to equipping the saints at Blacksburg Church.

For many church leaders, the burden of ministry can feel overwhelming. Several years ago, Jacob McKlarney found himself in that exact position. He sensed that something was fundamentally off in his approach to leadership. Looking around, he realized that instead of equipping believers to carry out the work of ministry—as Ephesians 4:12 commands of church leaders—he was doing all the ministry himself while church members simply watched.

That conviction became a catalyst. Shortly after realizing this lapse in leadership, Jacob and his wife, Haileah, sensed God calling them to step out in faith to plant a new church that would change that dynamic.

A Vision for the I-81 Corridor

The McKlarneys didn’t just feel called to start a Sunday service; they felt called to spark a movement. The mission of their new endeavor, Blacksburg Church, is clear: to equip all people to find and follow Jesus.

Their vision, however, extends far beyond the borders of a single town. Jacob and Haileah are praying to see a church planted in every town up and down the I-81 corridor between Bristol and Blacksburg, VA. To achieve such widespread multiplication, they knew they couldn’t rely on a traditional model.

A Church of House Churches

To realize this expansive vision, Blacksburg Church is not structured as one central gathering location, but as a church of house churches. This model rests on intensive discipleship, requiring the equipping of leaders who meet the biblical qualifications of an elder as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

During Jacob’s residency, the cohort prayed for God to provide two such qualified leaders within the next few months. God answered that prayer by providing John and Brandon. After being equipped by Jacob, these two men became the pastors of the church’s first two house churches, which launched the second week of January.

During the week, these groups focus on caring for one another, helping each other grow in intimacy and imitation of Jesus and developing new leaders. The ultimate goal is multiplication: developing leaders and disciples who are sent out to start new house churches, continuing the march along the I-81 corridor.

Gathering Together

While decentralized ministry is the core, corporate gatherings remain vital. On Sunday mornings, these house churches gather for corporate worship, Bible teaching, communion, and mutual encouragement.

Initially, Jacob planned for the entire church to gather in their large basement. However, their launch team has grown so much that they were forced to find a larger space. As Jacob looked for a space large enough to accommodate their Sunday worship gathering, he stumbled upon the Blacksburg Public Library. The library is an ideal location—its common room can accommodate over 100 adults, it’s free, right in the center of Blacksburg, and has off-street parking. The church launched their weekly corporate worship gatherings on January 18th there and continue to meet there every Sunday.

Partnering for Preparation

While God does the impossible, He often does it through faithful servants who take the time to prepare. Jacob and Haileah didn’t rush to plant. They recognized the need for a season of preparation to pursue God’s vision for Blacksburg Church.

They turned to Passion for Planting, first participating in our assessment to confirm their calling and identify next steps. Following a strong recommendation, Jacob then enrolled in our Distance Residency program. This process allowed them to prepare themselves and their plan, moving from an abstract calling to a concrete reality made possible with the help of our Project Management services.

We are incredibly excited about what God has in store for Blacksburg Church and the lives that will be forever changed through its ministry. Jacob and Haileah’s story is a powerful testament to the fruit that comes from taking faithful, prepared steps.

Feature Photo by Monica Bourgeau on Unsplash

The post Faithful Steps: Multiplying Disciples Along the I-81 Corridor appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Why Your Church Needs a One-Sentence Marketing Message

As a church planter, you’ve been called to share the greatest message the world has ever known. You’re building a community centered on Jesus—one that offers hope, healing, purpose, and belonging. But if the people in your city don’t know who you are or what your church is about, that message may never reach them.

That’s why developing a one-sentence marketing message is essential.

This is not your mission statement or a theological summary. It’s not the tagline of your denomination or a vision for internal alignment. This one sentence is an external message—a phrase designed specifically for the people you’re trying to reach. It’s the first thing you want your community to associate with your church when they see a yard sign, scroll past an ad, or meet someone from your launch team.

Think of it as your church’s “first impression.” In just a few words, it should capture attention, spark curiosity, and reflect the heart behind your church plant. A strong one-sentence message builds a bridge between your vision and your community’s needs.

Consider these examples:

• “A church for people who don’t go to church.”
• “Helping you find hope and purpose.”
• “See your mess become a message.”
• “Real people. Real faith. Real community.”
• “You Matter!”

These statements aren’t slogans—they’re invitations. They’re crafted to resonate with people who are spiritually curious, skeptical, or disconnected from church. They convey warmth, clarity, and purpose. Most importantly, they make it easy for someone to think, “Maybe that’s a place I could check out.”

In the early stages of your church plant, this sentence will shape your communication strategy. It should appear on your website, printed materials, social media, signage, and even spoken from stage. When your team knows the message and repeats it often, it brings consistency and alignment to everything you do.

At Passion for Planting, we’ve helped dozens of churches launch with clarity and intentionality. We’ve seen how a well-crafted sentence becomes a rallying cry for the launch team and a recognizable message in the community. It helps create awareness and anticipation—long before your grand opening.

Romans 10:14 asks a pointed question:

“How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Let’s make sure they hear—and that what they hear is compelling, simple, and true.

So what’s the one sentence you want your city to associate with your church? What message do you want them to remember?

Craft it carefully. Make it memorable. And most importantly—use it everywhere.

The post A Message That Sticks appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Your Webinar Hosts

Sean Cronin
Training Lead

Patrick Bradley
Director of Operations

The post Residency Webinars appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Residency Isn’t a Classroom. It’s a Calling in Action.

…

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 3:00pm Eastern

What’s a church planting resident actually do? It’s not about busywork—it’s about formation. This webinar breaks down the key components of a healthy residency, and how you as a resident, or you as a church-planting church, can reap all the benefits of a church planting residency without having to create one from scratch.

You’ll learn:

• The cost of launching church planters without training
• Why now is a uniquely ripe moment for multiplication
• A proven framework you can adopt today

Bring your church planter questions for Q&A.

Date: Tuesday, July 22
Time: 3:00pm Eastern
Duration: 60 minutes (with live Q&A)
Cost: Free

Sean Cronin
Training Lead

Patrick Bradley
Director of Operations

The post Info Meeting: What Do Church Planting Residents Actually Do? appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Residency Isn’t Optional Anymore. It’s Essential.

Explore why churches that act now will shape the next decade of church planting.

Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 2:00pm Eastern

Residency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the most effective, biblical, and sustainable way to prepare future planters. This 60-minute webinar will help you see why the window for multiplication is now—and how you can build a healthy sending culture without burning out your team.

You’ll learn:

• The cost of launching church planters without training
• Why now is a uniquely ripe moment for multiplication
• A proven framework you can adopt today

Bring your church planter questions for Q&A.

Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 2:00pm Eastern
Duration: 60 minutes (with live Q&A)
Cost: Free

Sean Cronin
Training Lead

Patrick Bradley
Director of Operations

The post Info Meeting: Why Residency? Why Now? appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Planting or relocating a church often means going mobile before securing a permanent location. Portable venues offer flexibility, affordability, and unique outreach opportunities—but choosing the right space can dramatically influence your church’s growth and impact. Here are ten (with a bonus one thrown in) of the most popular options for portable churches, each with its own strengths and limitations.

1. Public Schools

Pros:

• Large auditoriums and gyms accommodate big crowds
• Classrooms make ideal spaces for children’s ministry
• Central locations and parking availability
• Affordable rental rates in many districts
• Built-in outreach opportunities to school 

Cons:

• Restricted use of religious signage and materials
• Limited access for mid-week activities
• Setup and teardown every week
• School holidays and events may create scheduling conflicts

Summary: Schools remain a top option due to their infrastructure and community roots, though they come with regulatory and logistical hurdles.

2. Movie Theaters

Pros:

• Built-in stadium seating and excellent AV capabilities
• Comfortable and familiar environment for visitors
• Located in commercial areas, making them easy to find

Cons:

• Limited space for children’s ministry 
• Rental access typically restricted to mornings
• Higher cost per hour in many locations

Summary: Movie theaters create a modern, immersive experience, especially for tech-savvy congregations, but space and cost can be limiting factors. 

3. Community Centers

Pros:

• Affordable and often available on weekends
• Already serve as gathering places in neighborhoods
• Include multipurpose rooms and kitchens

Cons:

• May lack a “sacred” or worshipful feel
• Can be noisy or shared with other groups
• May not have adequate AV equipment

Summary: Ideal for outreach-focused churches, community centers offer flexibility but may require creativity to transform the space.

4. Hotel Conference Rooms

Pros:

• Clean, climate-controlled, and well-maintained
• Access to professional event support and furniture
• Often include AV packages

Cons:

• Limited space for children’s programs
• Higher rental fees, especially in urban or seasonal locations
• Availability varies based on hotel events and bookings

Summary: Hotels provide a polished, guest-friendly environment great for first impressions, but space and budget are key concerns.

5. Performing Arts Theaters

Pros:

• Professional lighting, acoustics, and seating
• Great for worship bands and media-rich services
• Prestigious and appealing for new visitors

Cons:

• Limited access during rehearsal or performance seasons
• Lack of fellowship or ministry support spaces
• High rental costs

Summary: A great venue for excellent worship services, but not ideal for full church programming (e.g. children’s ministry) without additional space.

6. Civic or Municipal Buildings

Pros:

• Accessible and recognizable public spaces
• Reasonable rental rates
• Typically include meeting rooms and parking

Cons:

• Restrictions on religious expression or signage
• Often require lengthy approval processes
• Lack of church “atmosphere”

Summary: Good for visibility and accessibility, but churches may face policy and branding limitations.

7. Warehouse Spaces

Pros:

• Open floor plans allow for customization
• Can accommodate larger gatherings
• Often located in commercial zones with good parking

Cons:

• May require significant effort to create an inviting atmosphere
• Usually lack HVAC, restrooms, and sound systems
• Not always ADA-compliant

Summary: Warehouses offer blank-slate potential for creative congregations with the manpower to convert raw space into a worship area.

8. Event Centers or Banquet Halls

Pros:

• Designed for groups, with ample seating and AV equipment
• Often include kitchens and restrooms
• Professional staff on-site

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other options
• May not feel like a church space
• Decor may be unsuitable or distracting

Summary: Event centers offer convenience and professionalism, but branding and spiritual ambiance may be lacking.

9. YMCA or Recreational Facilities

Pros:

• Family-friendly, with built-in outreach potential
• Multipurpose rooms and gyms available
• Partnership opportunities with the organization

Cons:

• Availability may be limited to off-peak hours
• Competing events or noise from other areas
• May lack seating or presentation technology

Summary: A great venue for churches focused on youth and families, especially when relationships with staff are strong.

10. Retail Spaces (Strip Malls or Storefronts)

Pros:

• High visibility and easy access
• Often customizable and flexible lease terms
• Good for small-to-mid-sized congregations

Cons:

• May require renovation and permits
• Parking can be limited
• Higher rental costs depending on location

Summary: Storefronts are a practical stepping-stone to permanent facilities, ideal for church plants wanting a semi-permanent presence.

Bonus: Private Homes

Pros:

• Intimate and personal, ideal for authentic community
• Zero cost or very low overhead
• Flexible schedule and fewer limitations

Cons:

• Limited space for growth, especially for families
• May not feel like “real church” to visitors
• Parking and privacy concerns

Summary: Homes are the original model of the early church (Acts 2:46), perfect for planting, small groups, or micro-churches—but not always scalable for large congregations.

A Few More

In case the above options won’t work for your church consider these as potential options:

• Funeral Home
• VFW Post, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, American Legion Post
• Historical Societies
• Art Galleries
• Manuscript Museums 
• Night Club/Concert Venue
• Other Church Buildings
• Casino 
• Coworking Space 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right venue for a portable church isn’t just a practical matter—it’s a theological and missional decision. Your space shapes how you do ministry, who you reach, and how effectively your people can worship, grow, and serve.

Here are some guiding questions to ask:

• What are our non-negotiables? (e.g., children’s ministry space, AV capabilities)
• What impression will this space give to newcomers?
• Can our team handle weekly setup and teardown?
• Is the space available during holidays and for midweek events?
• Is there onsite storage? (tip: When touring a possible venue, don’t ask if they have storage ask how much storage they have for you to utilize)
• Will we be able to grow here—or outgrow it quickly?

Portable church doesn’t mean second-class church. Many thriving congregations have launched, grown, and reproduced while meeting in unconventional spaces. The key is to make the most of your venue’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses with strong systems, creative design, and a clear mission.

Regardless of where your church gathers, God can do extraordinary things in ordinary places.

Featured image by Chantel on Unsplash

The post 10 Popular Portable Church Venues: Pros and Cons for Reproducing Churches appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Discover how your church or network can equip a church planter without building a residency from scratch.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 1:00pm Eastern

Most churches never send out a planter—not for lack of vision, but because they don’t have a scalable system. In this 60-minute live webinar, we’ll show you how distance residency removes barriers, empowers planters, and keeps your church focused on what matters most.

You’ll learn:

• What planters really need (and what they don’t)
• How distance-based training works, even for small churches
• A plug-and-play solution to get started now

Bring your church planter questions for Q&A.

Date: Wednesday, June 25
Time: 1:00pm Eastern
Duration: 60 minutes (with live Q&A)
Cost: Free

Sean Cronin
Training Lead

The post Info Meeting: Why Distance Residency is the Future of Church Planting appeared first on Passion for Planting.

In the early years of the church, Christians were oftentimes considered atheists by their neighbors. That’s because Christians didn’t travel to a dedicated temple to worship their deity. Instead, they referred to themselves as the temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19). They knew without a doubt that the church wasn’t a building, but a group of people on mission together. 

Today churches are finding creative ways to utilize their buildings for the sake of their mission. For instance, Passion for Planting’s home church, New Life Christian Church in Chantilly, VA, never owned a building of their own until they bought a former Budweiser distribution center and turned it into a community sports complex called the nZone. Seven days a week community members flock to the building to exercise, socialize, and rub shoulders with church members dedicated to helping them discover God. 

The idea for the nZone resulted from church’s leaders asking how the church could best steward its resources with a building. It didn’t make much sense to them that they would build a facility that would be utilized primarily by church members. It didn’t make sense to them to invest in a space that would only be used a few days a week. To them it made much more sense to build something that would be used seven days a week primarily by the people they were trying to reach.

Running a sports complex and leading a church isn’t for the faint in heart. It’s a lot of work, but the opportunity the nZone provides the church to serve its community and share the gospel makes it with it. 

Another church that’s leading the way in utilizing its facilities to serve its community and proclaim the gospel is National Community Church. NCC has been focused on positioning itself in the middle of the marketplace since it began meeting in Washington, D.C.’s Union Station. Today they continue to think of innovative ways to redeem their community’s real estate for Kingdom purposes. 

A core conviction of NCC is their belief that the church belongs in the middle of the marketplace. That’s why they bought an abandoned crack house on Capitol Hill and turned it into Ebenezer’s Coffee Shop. It’s why they opened the Miracle Theater in a historic movie theater. It’s why they bought an entire city block and are transforming it into a place where the church and community can cross paths. 

The Well Coffee House was started by The Church at The Well in Boston as a way to reach their neighbors with the gospel. As of today they have three locations serving various neighborhoods in the city. Their mission is to create high quality coffee house environments that produce opportunities to build relationships, serve the community, demonstrate love, present the Gospel, and bring glory to Jesus. Six days a week (they are closed on Sunday) these coffee shops provide the church opportunities to interact with members of their community and share the gospel with them.

Churches like New Life, National Community, and The Church at The Well remind us that light of Christ was never meant to be hidden under a bushel. It’s meant to infiltrate into every nook and cranny of the community. Jesus commanded his followers to let our light shine in the darkness (Matt. 5:16). As easy as it may be, we can’t hide in our buildings or homes, but must go into public places and shine for him. 

Perhaps your church doesn’t have its own space. If that’s true, don’t be content to allow your people to meet for small groups in homes. See your lack of a building as an opportunity to be the church in your community. Encourage your people to utilize public spaces for small group gatherings. Meet with leaders in local coffee shops or even your local McDonald’s. Yes, McDonald’s is a great meeting spot. Don’t believe us? Read Trevin Wax’s On Mission at McDonald’s. It may just help you solve the problem of where that small group with all the kids can meet. 

If your church does own a building, consider how you can use it to serve the community. Some churches allow outside groups use their building for free, while other churches rent out space to small businesses, creating a symbiotic relationship that helps the church pay its bills. If you’re looking for inspiration on how you can use its facility for ministry seven days a week, read Ways to Facilitate Weeklong Ministry in Your Church Building. While you’re at it, check out Sacred Spaces: How Your Church Building Can Bless Your Community 7 Days a Week. It’s another short but inspiration read.

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