Why Planted?
Too many ministry leaders are actively considering a transition out of vocational ministry roles... roughly 40% to be precise. That number is staggering, and we want to do something about it.
There are two likely categories of ministry leaders looking for a way out: 1) those who entered ministry roles without actually confirming their calling, and 2) those who were underprepared and unsupported for the intense, unique pressures of church leadership. Planted is designed to address both issues.
We intentionally explore ministry calling with each apprentice and resident, seeking clarity and conviction to ensure that the leaders we launch into ministry have verified that this is their life's calling. Success, sometimes looks like honestly identifying that vocational ministry is not the right fit for an individual, and helping them confidently explore other avenues for faithful impact.
We also focus on developing the whole leader, through dedicated ministry mentorship, robust theological training, and intentional peer to peer discipleship. This process builds spiritual resilience and cultivates the healthy habits that will prepare leaders for a life-long, sustainable ministry focused on discipleship.
Inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8, Planted's core mission is to help ministry leaders put down deep, sustaining roots of faith that will anchor them through the inevitable difficult seasons of ministry. While challenging seasons are a certainty, we don't just hope you survive; we equip you to weather hard times with integrity and conviction, persevering in faithful ministry that reliably produces fruit.
There are two likely categories of ministry leaders looking for a way out: 1) those who entered ministry roles without actually confirming their calling, and 2) those who were underprepared and unsupported for the intense, unique pressures of church leadership. Planted is designed to address both issues.
We intentionally explore ministry calling with each apprentice and resident, seeking clarity and conviction to ensure that the leaders we launch into ministry have verified that this is their life's calling. Success, sometimes looks like honestly identifying that vocational ministry is not the right fit for an individual, and helping them confidently explore other avenues for faithful impact.
We also focus on developing the whole leader, through dedicated ministry mentorship, robust theological training, and intentional peer to peer discipleship. This process builds spiritual resilience and cultivates the healthy habits that will prepare leaders for a life-long, sustainable ministry focused on discipleship.
Inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8, Planted's core mission is to help ministry leaders put down deep, sustaining roots of faith that will anchor them through the inevitable difficult seasons of ministry. While challenging seasons are a certainty, we don't just hope you survive; we equip you to weather hard times with integrity and conviction, persevering in faithful ministry that reliably produces fruit.
Leadership
Adam Christian oversees Planted as the Director of Apprenticeship & Residency at Christian Fellowship Church because he believes deeply in intentionaly investing in emerging leaders.. He was brought into this role after four years serving as the Adult Ministry Team Leader, where his primary role was facilitating adult discipleship in the church.
Prior to CFC, Adam was on staff at Western Seminary in Portland, OR where he taught Greek and New Testament, and directed the Center for Leadership Development. He brings a blend of academic rigor and practical ministry experience to the Planted program.
He is an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, and especially loves to read C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, or practically anything written about them and the other Inklings, especially works investigating the interplay between their fictional writings and their theology. His ministry interests include the intersection of faith and culture, technology and its use in ministry.
He has earned a BA in Christian Ministry from Ozark Christian College, an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies and a Th.M. in New Testament from Western Seminary, as well as a Th.M. in Pedagogy and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Synoptic Composition: The Use of Oral and Written Sources in the Synoptic Gospels.
Prior to CFC, Adam was on staff at Western Seminary in Portland, OR where he taught Greek and New Testament, and directed the Center for Leadership Development. He brings a blend of academic rigor and practical ministry experience to the Planted program.
He is an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, and especially loves to read C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, or practically anything written about them and the other Inklings, especially works investigating the interplay between their fictional writings and their theology. His ministry interests include the intersection of faith and culture, technology and its use in ministry.
He has earned a BA in Christian Ministry from Ozark Christian College, an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies and a Th.M. in New Testament from Western Seminary, as well as a Th.M. in Pedagogy and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Synoptic Composition: The Use of Oral and Written Sources in the Synoptic Gospels.