Partnership Criteria

Churches and Pastors We Partner With

Before we partner, we want to be clear. Here's what we believe, who we look for, and how we discern and decide on each partnership.

What We Believe

Core Convictions

I.

Scripture & Doctrine

Grounded in the Lausanne Covenant

We affirm the Lausanne Covenant as a broad statement of doctrinal clarity — a trusted, historic foundation for gospel work across traditions.

Read the Lausanne Covenant
II.

The Gospel

The Centrality of Christ

From the beginning of our Christian journey to the end, we affirm that the good news of Jesus' death in our place and the Spirit's work in our lives is our only hope for salvation, life, and ministry.

Galatians 3:1–3 · John 15:1–5

III.

Creation & Marriage

God's Good Design

God's special creation is humanity — male and female image bearers with inherent dignity, value, and worth. Men and women are equal as image bearers, each with vital roles to play in God's mission in the world. Marriage is the covenant union of one biological male and one biological female.

Genesis 1–2 · Matthew 19

IV.

Leadership in Home & Church

Male Servant Leadership

Every Christian

Every Christian is called to reflect and represent Christ as a sacrificial servant in every sphere of life — including the home and the church.

Philippians 2

Husbands

Husbands carry the unique role of sacrificial servant leader in the home. They are called to lead like Jesus — loving their wives, and leading through sacrifice and service.

Ephesians 5

Elders

Elders carry the unique role of sacrificial servant leadership in the church — exercising oversight without domineering, teaching sound doctrine, and leading God's people. For this reason, we affirm that preaching in the primary gathering is for biblically qualified men.

1 Peter 5 · 1 Timothy 2

V.

Gospel Advancement

Faithful. Fervent. Generous. Focused.

Faithful Preaching

Churches that value faithfully preaching the Word of God, week in and week out.

2 Timothy 4

Fervent Prayer

Humble in prayer, hungry to see the gospel advance in neighborhoods and among the nations.

Ephesians 6

Financial Generosity

Conduits of God's resources, not containers. Our partners commit to being generous toward other 23 Project churches.

2 Corinthians 9:10–11

Focused Evangelism

Seeking those who are far from God with the life-changing gospel of Jesus — patiently, personally, persistently.

Matthew 28:16–20

What We Look For

Beyond Belief, We Look for Character

Theology is the foundation. These qualities are the fruit we hope to see present and growing in every partnership.

  • A Clear Calling to Ministry

    We partner with men whose calling to pastoral ministry has been tested and confirmed — by their church, their family, and their own walk with the Lord.

  • A Healthy Marriage and Family

    Ministry begins at home. We look for pastors whose marriages are healthy and whose families are cared for — not perfect, but honest and growing.

  • Openness to Coaching and Care

    Our partnerships include monthly coaching and care calls. We look for pastors and wives willing to be known, honest about the hard things, and ready to receive support.

  • A Heart for the Gospel and the Local Church

    Whether planting a new church or leading one into a season of rest, we look for pastors whose driving motivation is the advancement of the gospel in their community.

  • Alignment with Our MOU

    Every partner reviews and agrees to our Memorandum of Understanding before funding begins. Shared beliefs and shared expectations make for healthy partnerships.

By Partnership Grant

A Few Specifics by Grant Program

Church Planting

For Church Planters

We partner with planters in the core gathering stage who are moving toward a public launch in the next 12–18 months.

Pastor Sabbaticals

For Established Pastors

We partner with pastors who have served faithfully in ministry for 10 or more years and have been at their current church for 5 or more years.

Before You Apply

Review the Memorandum of Understanding

Each grant has its own MOU. Take a few minutes to review the one that applies to you.

Church Planting Grant

Church Planting MOU

Commitments and expectations for pastors applying to plant a new church with our support.

Read the MOU →

Sabbatical Grant

Sabbatical MOU

Commitments and expectations for established pastors applying for sabbatical funding.

Read the MOU →