Can a church that is not currently a part of Sovereign Grace Ministries join this ministry? It isn't our primary means of expansion—that would be church planting—but occasionally we do adopt churches when we believe the partnership would bring mutual benefit.
Partnership with a church not related to this ministry usually begins as we build a close relationship with the church over the course of a few years. By meeting up with Sovereign Grace leaders at our conferences, gaining exposure to our materials, and engaging in ongoing dialogue with us, a church gradually becomes more familiar with our doctrine and practice. This relationship enables the church to see us accurately—including both strengths and weaknesses—and gives us an opportunity to discern whether the church would be fully compatible as a part of Sovereign Grace Ministries.
While this relationship develops we look for a truth-based partnership, manifested in substantial theological and methodological agreement, as well as faith toward God for formalizing the relationship. When those elements are in place and we have sufficient capacity to serve the church adequately, adoption often results.
Each of the times we have adopted a church the dynamics have been different, but the process will always follow these basic contours. If you'd like to learn more about what this means in practice, listen to the adoption story told by Ian McConnell, senior pastor of Grace Bible Church in Philadelphia, which joined Sovereign Grace Ministries in July 2009.
If you're interested in exploring this process with us, we recommend you start by familiarizing yourself with our Statement of Faith, attending one of our conferences, and contacting us using the form below to let us know of your interest.