Churches send church planters. We help equip them to thrive.

These training experiences are designed for emerging and existing leaders who sense a call to deeper, gospel-centered, Spirit-led, missional ministry. Ideal participants are group leaders, lay leaders, ministry staff, or church planters—either early in their work or preparing to step into ministry leadership. You should be at least 22 years old, have confirmed leadership experience, and a desire to serve within a ministry organization in the future. Your sense of calling should be affirmed by both trusted ministry leaders and, if applicable, your spouse.

These programs are built to fit the schedule of a working adult, typically requiring around 6–8 hours per week, plus periodic retreats or gatherings.

We are working with institutions such as Western Seminary (Portland, OR), various Baptist schools in Texas, and Grimké Seminary (Richmond, VA) to offer academic credit for your participation. Credit availability and transferability vary by institution. Academic credit may involve additional institutional fees. For more details, email hi@equippinggroup.com.

Our pricing includes

• All online and print training materials

• Administrative and coaching support

• Retreat or Lab Week expenses (meals, trainers, activities, etc.)

Participants or their churches are responsible for travel and lodging to in-person gatherings and any costs associated with a local church internship.

If cost is a barrier, we follow a “pay-what-you-can” model. Let us know your situation, and we’re happy to discuss scholarship and fundraising options with you.

Yes.

• Assessment costs (if required by a sending organization) are not included and vary.

• Stipends or salaries for residents or planters are arranged directly between the individual and their church.

• Participants are encouraged to raise support to cover training and related expenses.

• We’re available to help you explore funding strategies and support options.

Depending on your lab, your experience may also include:

• One-on-one coaching sessions

• Monthly cohort gatherings

• Retreats or intensives with lodging and meals

• Access to digital courses and exclusive training content

• Membership in a practitioner community for discussion, Q&A, resources, and ongoing support

• An invitation to invest in the next generation by mentoring others in earlier stages of their journey

On average, you should plan to spend 6–8 hours per week on your training experience. This includes:

• Prep Work & Assignments (3–4 hrs/week):
  Self-directed reading, watching, writing, and practical application that helps you integrate learning with real-life ministry practice.

• In-Person Lab Weeks (2–3 days, every other month):
  Immersive gatherings held every other month, typically lasting 2–3 days. While intensive during those weeks, the time commitment averages out when spread across the season.

• Organizational Focus & Assessments (0.5–1 hr/week):
  Tailored development aligned with your sending church’s values and structure. May include periodic assessments or ministry-specific tasks.

• Spouse Coaching & Involvement (~2 hrs/month, for a call and prep work):
  Monthly spouse coaching calls and participation in select assignments or gatherings.

This schedule is intentionally designed to fit into the rhythm of a working adult’s life while still offering robust formation and training.