Services that support every stage of planting
From discerning a call to sustaining decades of ministry, here's how we walk alongside the people doing the work of church planting and renewal.
Training
Training equips planters and pastors at every stage through a mix of formal education, cohort learning, and one-on-one coaching.
Thirdmill Learning Hub
In partnership with Thirdmill Seminary, we host a local Learning Hub, combining accredited, affordable seminary education with local fellowship, mentoring, experiential learning, and PCA-specific preparation. Students from Thirdmill and other seminaries (including LAMP, MINTS, and PRTS) are welcome to participate.
We help high school students, college students, and young adults discern callings to ministry, connect with mentors, and understand next steps toward vocational ministry. These opportunities are open to all TN Valley Network churches with partnerships including Chattanooga Christian School and Covenant College.
Cohorts and Courses
Structured, cohort-based training for planters and residents at every stage; from clarifying your calling and philosophy of ministry to building the skills seminary doesn't teach. Costs are generally covered through partner support.
Coaching and Assessments
One-on-one support to discern your calling and sustain long-term health; from planter assessments and readiness seminars to pastoral coaching and fundraising training.
Residencies
Church planting residencies give future planters hands-on experience inside an established church before they lead one of their own — with structure, mentoring, and the freedom to start thinking and ministering like a planter.
Each residency includes:
- Pastoral Mentorship
- Ministry leadership opportunities
- Theological and practical training
- Preaching and teaching practice
- Community engagement and outreach
Grace Community
Trenton, GA
Grace + Peace Church
Ooltewah, TN
Christ Covenant
Knoxville, TN
Grace Presybterian
Dalton, GA
Grace Community
Trenton, GA
Grace + Peace Church
Ooltewah, TN
Christ Covenant
Knoxville, TN
Grace Presybterian
Dalton, GA
Parakaleo Partnership
Parakaleo is a ministry of the PCA that comes alongside women in church planting, especially planter spouses, helping them see their stories through God's redemptive narrative and embrace their gospel identity. Through regional networks, coaching, and caring initiatives, Parakaleo fosters resilience and connection — because when planter wives flourish, church plants are strengthened.
“Parakaleo has been an incredible source of encouragement and support for me—a place to be known, strengthened by the gospel, and reminded that I’m not alone in the joys and challenges of ministry.”
– Holley Gregory
Programming
A few of the ways we bring planters, pastors, and their families together throughout the year.
Marriage Retreats
Small Town Pastors' Retreats
Network Retreats
Quarterly Gatherings bring the whole network together four times a year for shared strategy and prayer. Our Marriage Retreat gives planters and residents unhurried time away with a spouse, and throughout the year we host a few smaller retreats for pastors in specific contexts, like rural ministry and cross-presbytery partnerships. See our upcoming events for dates and details on what's next.
