Calling Ernest While the goal is to engage every person uniquely, some parts of discipleship are consistent. However, every once in a while, someone's spiritual journey takes you by surprise. I recently had such an experience.  The passion Ernest has for vocational discipleship goes beyond words. He is discussing the process with his family and has made significant vocational and financial adjustments to prepare for his next call. For him, it's not just words, but an action set in motion.  On one hand this sounds brave. Much like Jim Elliot's surrendering all for the love of the gospel. However, God's call on Ernest's life is different. While he is surrendering worldly comforts, he is not yet sure of who he is surrendering to.  Ernest is not silly or reckless. He is a senior manager in industrial engineering. He has had a long career of making calculated risk assessments. Now, (in a way that sounds similar to the Apostle Paul) he hears the undeniable call of God on his life, while he is discovering who that God is.  I am grateful to walk with Ernest as we read the scriptures and explore the meta-narrative of the Gospel. Perhaps we could modify Jim Elliot's quote for Ernest: "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot yet fully explain." I am fascinated by Ernest's story and grateful to walk with him in this process.

Matching Monthly  Non-profits (like NEW VERTICAL) often look to end of year giving as partners seek to maximize their deductible contributions.  As a Bonus: NEW VERTICAL currently has monthly match. New partnerships will double their gospel reach with a generous challenge match. See Below!   Financial partnership with NEW VERTICAL mobilizes the gospel by keeping us at the table with business leaders just like Ernest. Additionally, it propels us toward our vision of building a network of chaplains who reach an expanding gap between culture and the Church. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10 Please prayerfully consider joining us in extending the gospel into the marketplace GIVE HERE

2025 Revised Newsletter   In 2025 we will migrate our updates away from "Plant The Oaks" to a newsletter dedicated to NEW VERTICAL. We initially used PLANTHEOAKS as a familiar platform. However, as we gain traction and grow, it is important to move away from content centralized on our family and develop a platform that focuses on marketplace ministry.  This is in keeping with our larger Strategic Plan to build an organization for chaplains across multiple communities.

Ladders in the Mist New episode coming soon.  In an attempt to engage unreached spaces of our community, we recently sat down with leaders in Food Service and Hospitality Advocacy. We discussed barriers and opportunities to engaging one of the largest industries in America. We look forward to posting these conversations.

Grateful We know support comes in many forms. We cannot pioneer marketplace ministry without you. Thank you for your support. You are loved and we are grateful. His Grace is enough.