A Word from Our President

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

Critical Need

The statistics for ministry burnout are alarming:alarming statistics for burnout in pastoral ministry

  • 35-40% of Pastors leave ministry in the first five years
  • 60-80% of Pastors leave ministry in the first ten years
  • 90% of Ministers indicate they weren’t adequately prepared for the demands of their jobs

We are hearing increasing stories of those who complete a post graduate theological degree and never go into ministry at all!

Next Generation Gospel Leaders are best developed in partnership with the local church as Seminaries and Bible colleges alone are not able to fully prepare individuals for pastoral ministry.

Bridging the Gap

Fully immersing our Residents in the ministries of a local church over a two year period gives opportunities to practice skills while our Vocational Ministry program MOMENTUM causes participants to persist in their study of Biblical doctrine and pursuit of godly living.

bridging the gap in pastoral ministry preparation

Testimonies

 “I loved the tremendous variety of topics that LEVERAGE covered and the in-depth coverage with such humble expertise. I felt everything had its place in the course. LEVERAGE is a tremendous asset to ANYONE in ministry, and honestly, anyone that is a Christ follower.” Colin Craig, LEVERAGE graduate (2018)

“One lesson I learned is the value and blessing of connecting with other ministry leaders to grow and be stretched together in Biblical teaching. Often ministry leaders are focused on those we are serving. There isn’t much priority given to meeting with other leaders to spur one another on in the Gospel. LEVERAGE offered that and so much more.” Katy Domsten, LEVERAGE graduate (2018)

“While at MOMENTUM, I’ve been particularly thankful for the pastoral wisdom imparted to us by those in the leadership team at The Orchard. This has provided me with a hope-inspiring vision of what healthy, godly leadership in ministry can look like – and how such godly leadership is inseparable from godly character.” Will Hong, MOMENTUM graduate (2018)

MOMENTUM has equipped me with knowledge, skills and confidence to serve as a minister of the Gospel.” Matt Robertson, MOMENTUM graduate (2018)

Study matters, but so does hands on experience. Bringing what can best be learned in the classroom together with what can best be learned in the church offers the best way to equip leaders for sustainable ministry.” Senior Pastor Colin Smith describing the Residency Experience

I left a church plant process confused over ministry philosophy differences and prayed to be strengthened in my convictions. At my first MOMENTUM session, Pastor Colin taught about theological convictions, specifically Scripture. It was an answer to prayer. I will stand firmly on the Word of God and not be persuaded by distractions.André Ballard, Pastoral Resident and MOMENTUM graduate (2018); Currently Campus Pastor of The Orchard – Chicago

I am thankful to God for allowing me an opportunity to grow in such a healthy, gospel-saturated environment. Each module and every speaker in MOMENTUM made an impact on my life and ministry.” Karolina Bajkowska, Missions Bi-vocational Resident and MOMENTUM graduate (2018)

“There is a lot of emphasis (rightly) on orthodoxy, having right doctrine, in ministry. There is not always as much emphasis on orthopraxy, or right practice. The Orchard Network Residency Experience provided just that — an opportunity to prepare for ministry (in my case, to plant a church) by practicing real-life ministry: coordinating actual volunteers, preaching actual sermons, sharing the gospel with actual people, and then debriefing it with other brothers and sisters in Christ who are pursuing similar callings.” Tim Ophus, Church Planting Resident and MOMENTUM graduate (2017); Currently Pastor of Chicago Gospel Fellowship

“I came to the Residency burned out. After Seminary, my soul was dry. From FOUNDATIONS where we prayed for one another and meditated on the Word, to the teaching in MOMENTUM, to the support and counsel of The Orchard Network staff, a process of restoration began. The Lord healed me, redeemed my life, crowned me with steadfast love and equipped me for His Kingdom work!” Martin Shin, Pastoral Resident and MOMENTUM graduate (2017); Currently a pastor in Argentina

“Every Friday morning I left encouraged and refocused on the importance of the ministry God has called me to. I felt refueled and recharged. I learned that ministry is difficult at times for everyone, not just me. I learned that this is a job I can do and a job that I must do – bring the Gospel to women.” Laura Kleinschmidt, MOMENTUM graduate (2016); Currently Director of Women’s Ministries, The Orchard – Barrington

“When the Orchard Network was launched I was extremely excited to be a part of this incredible ministry. Words alone do not suffice to express the full scale of impact The Orchard Network has had on my life. The Orchard Network not only helped me bridge and show me how to apply what I had learned at Moody College or in the local church, but also how to serve Christ’s church in love. Personally, as a result of the MOMENTUM training and Residency experience alongside Orchard pastors and staff, I have grown to be more like Christ and am better equipped to serve the Lord as a leader and pastor to my own people group in Albania through church planting.” Kujtim Rushiti, Missions Resident and MOMENTUM graduate (2016); Currently Pastor of Durres Evangelical Church, Durres, Albania

LEVERAGE has helped reinforce the importance of intentionality in pursuing after God, and reminded and spurred me on to do so – from daily devotions, to working at my job and at home for God’s glory, to seeking to use my gifts in various ministry opportunities.” Jo Kok, LEVERAGE graduate (2016)

I’ve seen The Orchard Network’s vision to grow gospel leaders for churches become a reality in my life. As a Church Planting Resident, I’ve grown to understand that all I do in the name of Jesus should be an extension of my walk with him. This understanding is the fruit of Gospel-centered training that aligns my heart to God and compels me live as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-2) I am grateful for God’s provision of the network to affirm and equip my calling to unleash God’s kingdom where brokenness reigns.” Jeremy Barahona, Church Planting Resident and MOMENTUM graduate (2016); Currently Pastor of Multiplication at The Brook Chicago