The Advent Christian General Conference (ACGC) has officially launched its Church Planting Residency — a bold initiative designed to equip, mentor and release the next generation of Advent Christian church planters. And thanks to a significant commitment from Berkshire Christian, the program will welcome its first resident sooner than anticipated.
This new ACGC program offers a robust educational experience grounded in real-world ministry. Over the course of 18 to 24 months, each resident will be immersed in hands-on training through a partnering congregation, receive ongoing pastoral mentorship, complete theological and leadership coursework through the Ministry Training Institute (MTI) and be prepared to launch a gospel-centered, multiplication-minded church.
Berkshire Christian is honored to serve as the first financial supporter of this exciting initiative. “Our mission has always been to prepare and empower leaders for Christ’s Church,” said Dan Thorpe, executive director of Berkshire Christian. “We believe this residency reflects the very best of what ministry training can be — local, immersive and transformational. That’s why our board voted unanimously to fund the full cost of the first Church Planting Resident.”
According to ACGC’s executive director, Justin Nash, this gift came at just the right time. “We had the framework and vision in place, and we needed partners willing to invest in the future. Berkshire Christian’s generous support fast-tracked our ability to recruit and launch the first residency candidate. We’re grateful for their confidence in this model and their commitment to the growth of the kingdom.”
The residency’s curriculum is comprehensive and deeply formational. Under the guidance of Adrian Dixon, ACGC’s church planting coordinator, residents will not only receive theological training but also develop vital skills in strategic planning, church leadership, discipleship, budgeting and community engagement. The result is a pipeline of well-equipped leaders ready to shepherd new congregations and inspire a multiplying movement within the Advent Christian denomination.
For Berkshire Christian, this is just one part of a renewed season of ministry investment. In 2025, the organization also raised its scholarship amounts across the board and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MTI students and the next generation of Christian leaders. These steps reflect a clear and growing focus: funding experiences that don’t just educate, but mobilize.
“This residency is more than an opportunity for one person — it’s a chance to impact a community, strengthen a local church and lay the groundwork for future church plants still to come,” said Thorpe. “We are honored to play a role in what God is doing through ACGC and through this incredible new effort.”
To learn more about the Church Planting Residency, visit acgc.us/church-planting.
One Response
So much excited to read the developments on ACGC’s Churchbplanting efforts. Praying continuously for many Churches to be planted.