Church Planting Residency

Why a church residency?

WCPN will call a man to plant a church only after he has completed a Church Planting Residency through WCPN.

The reasons for this include the following:

1. The uniqueness of planting in the West. Experience has proven that planting in the West presents its own unique challenges, which are different from planting in other parts of the US. Our churches are committed to appropriate contextualization and an incarnational ministry model.

2. WCPN's ability to recruit the right candidate is increased. It is imperative to identify the right candidates for planting in the West. Completing a residency al­lows WCPN to relationally assess an indi­vidual and allows him to experience the culture and realities of church planting without the pressures of organizing a church.

3. The mutual ability to determine compatibility is increased. Both WCPN and the resident will be able to determine if the western context; vision, values, and personalities of WCPN; and other factors are a good match for both parties prior to investing significant time, energy, and dollars into a new work.

4. The need to establish a pipeline for future planters. We are seeking to accomplish our goal of "Twenty in Ten" by creating a pipeline of residents from which to select new church planters for new works. Our current pipeline has the maximum capacity and resources to support 8 residencies simultaneously in Montana and Colorado.

What is the church residency process?

How do I apply?

Provide us with you Ministerial Data Form (MDF) and Assessment Evaluation (if applicable) along with a cover letter addressing: 

• Why you are interested in planting in the West. 

• How you see your gifts and experiences matching the Western context. 

• If married, describe your wife's perspective on (a) church planting; and (b) living in the West. 

• Why do you think we need more churches? (i.e. What is the purpose of church planting?) 

• Who has influenced your understanding of church planting? ​

Send your materials to the Coordinator at westerncpn <at> gmail.com