Another Leap

Through the years we have sent updates using the photos above. Each of these photos represents years of God's faithfulness. While the future is unknown to us. God's faithfulness never ceases. Across the years we have seen God revitalize ministries, launch two international teams and plant an amazing church.

This summer the Oaks family is leaning once again and praying for God's provision in a new ministry endeavor.

Since our time in Birmingham, Heather and I have had an increasing desire to bridge the Sunday to Monday gap. From owning a marketing business to getting my MBA, I have seen the importance of bringing the gospel into the marketplace. This was a distinctive our Church Planting endeavors and a significant factor to our initial growth. For us, shepherding people in their Monday thru Friday endeavors has become a cornerstone of discipleship.

Excited but scared:

Officially this is called marketplace chaplaincy (or community chaplaincy). This is a pioneering work. But truth be told, credit belongs to others who have gone before us. In fact, the events of the past 5 years accelerated a cultural shift and Church's across the land are partnering with Chaplains. They serve as an extension of the Church into the local community. Meeting specific needs that exist beyond the bandwidth of the local Church.

There are many different chaplaincy organizations. But very few that are dedicated to business leaders. Chaplaincy is different than coaching. It is pastoral work. NEW VERTICAL will be dedicated to shepherding community leaders (clergy and marketplace) independent of their operational hierarchy.

That's the key. We are not seeking funding from those being pastored. We are asking to be sent. And perhaps sent by you. The needs are immense. And call it what you want, the Church's struggle to recover from Covid will continue on for many years to come. NEW VERTICAL seeks to serve the Church by taking the gospel into the spaces beyond her reach.

Our vision is for NEW VERTICAL to become a national network of chaplains that can serve the Church in ways very similar to campus ministries like RUF and CRU. Placing a chaplain with a chamber of commerce (or similar) to serve as a dedicated minister of the gospel. Think of the impact on our local communities. Think of the benefit for the local Church.

One Big Leap

A whimsical look at my last six months
Launching this new work needs resources. We have an incredible board of directors. Collectively they are a dream team of advisors full of wisdom. Long term we believe NEW VERTICAL will be underwritten by funds dedicated to bringing spiritual health into the marketplace. But the next 2 to 3 years will be building years. And we need financial support to get there. We are beginning the support raising process and would like you to prayerfully consider joining our team as a monthly supporter as we take this big leap.

You can find our giving platform on the website newvertical.org or go direct here

The Oaks Family is thrilled about this endeavor. By faith we will have more pictures of God's faithfulness like the ones below.

Please Pray

I am super grateful for the existing resources we have. Primarily we have an amazing Board and years of experience. Which means we are already doing the work. In fact, aside from the ecclesiological endorsements (PCA, PRCC, MNA), the biggest confirmation came from our existing discipleship endeavors.

AKA - THATS A PRAISE!!!!

Hands down we need donors. There are many of task coming in the fall. But we have an immediate financial need for monthly supporters. Our passion is that NEW VERTICAL will be funded externally (like RUF, CRU etc.). This is unique for a chaplaincy organization and we believe it's critical to engaging the business community. Please pray for:

Individual donors at the 100, 200 and 300 / month level.
Church partners
Our family.
- Chapel graduated Highschool
- Mason is about to be driving (yike)
- Cannon is officially taller than Heather.
Heather - rest from teaching 6th grade.

Thank you for praying for us and supporting us in this extraordinary adventure. We are PUMPED and there is NO WAY any of our endeavors (Church Planting or NEW VERTICAL) could have borne fruit without the work of the Holy Spirit through you. Without your support none of our existing labors could have been accomplished. God has used your hands and feet. Thank you for your friendship and prayers across many seasons.

Grateful

You are loved and we are grateful. His Grace is enough.