What’s New at Asbury Church Planting?
Dear Asbury Seminary community,
This summer, the Center for Church Multiplication (CCM) continues to connect Asbury Seminary students, faculty, alumni, and ministry partners with church multiplication initiatives in the U.S. and globally. Through coaching, training, and grant support, CCM equips leaders to establish healthy, multiplying churches. You’re invited to participate, learn, and explore how God might be calling you to join in this work.
Featured Church Planter: Jon Wiest, Groundswell Prison Network
CCM grant recipient Jon Wiest—Asbury Seminary alumnus and founder of Groundswell Prison Network—is cultivating disciple-making communities among incarcerated men and women. His work reflects the heart of CCM’s mission: integrating theological education with practical ministry leadership and multiplication. Watch Jon’s story and learn more about how CCM supports church planters through coaching, prayer, and funding.
2025–26 Grant Cohort Highlights
27 Church Planters in 16 States
In the 2025–26 cycle, CCM provided coaching and financial support to a multiracial cohort of 27 church planters in their first one to three years of ministry. These leaders are serving in urban, suburban, and rural contexts across 16 states, representing a wide range of traditions, including:
- Anglican
- Vineyard
- Wesleyan
- Southern Baptist
- Free Methodist
- Christian and Missionary Alliance
- Nondenominational
- And others
Key highlights:
- Planters were highly recommended by denominations, colleagues, and church leaders
- Half received prior training through Asbury Theological Seminary
- Teams were developed to engage their local communities
- More than 165 people came to faith in Jesus Christ over the past year
Through monthly coaching and training from CCM coaches, Asbury Seminary faculty, and ministry practitioners, these leaders strengthened their ministry effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Many described CCM’s support as “absolutely essential” to their church planting efforts.
As this cohort concludes, CCM is reviewing applications for the next group of grant recipients launching this fall—many of whom are Asbury Seminary alumni preparing for new ministry initiatives.
Global Partnerships & East Africa Gathering
This summer, CCM continues to expand its global engagement:
Movement Leaders Collective
Dr. Bruce Wilson, the Director of the Center for Church Multiplication, is participating in the 100 Movements: Movement Leaders Collective, a collaborative global learning community focused on church multiplication, innovation, and movement leadership.
East Africa Training Initiative
CCM is partnering with Kenya Highlands University, an Asbury Seminary global partner, to sponsor a church planter training gathering in East Africa.
- Church planters across the region will engage in collaborative learning and ministry training
- Participants will develop case studies based on their ministry contexts
- These case studies will be published through Asbury Seminary and First Fruits for global use
New Resource Development – Summer Release
What Church Planters Need: How Community, Training, & Intentional Relationships Fuel Church Growth
This new collection of case studies highlights insights from church multiplication leaders around the world. An additional case study resource is also anticipated later this summer as CCM continues to contribute to global conversations on church planting and multiplication.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements through CCM newsletters and website updates.
Stay Connected
The CCM is here to support the entire Asbury Seminary community as we participate in God’s mission together—locally and globally. We invite Asbury graduates who are actively planting—or preparing to launch new churches—to consider applying for future CCM grant cohorts and coaching opportunities.
Ready to take the next step or learn more?
CCM Newsletter: Subscribe here
Visit the CCM Website: asburychurchplanting.com
Follow the CCM’s Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Grace and peace,
The Center for Church Multiplication
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