Why Residencies?

WCPN will call a man to plant a church only after he has completed a Church Planting Residency through WCPN. The reasons for this include the following:

1. The uniqueness of planting in the West. Experience has proven  that planting in the West presents its own unique challenges which are different from planting in other parts of the US. Our churches are committed to appropriate contextualization and an incarnational ministry model.

2. WCPN's ability to recruit the right candidate is increased.  It is imperative to identify the right candidates for planting in the West. Completion of a residency al­lows WCPN to relationally assess an indi­vidual; and it allows him to experience the culture and realities of church planting without the pressures of organizing a church.

3. The mutual ability to determine compatibility is increased. Both WCPN and the resident will be able to determine if the western context; vision, values, and personalities of WCPN; and other factors are a good match for both parties prior to investing significant time, energy, and dollars into a new work.

4. The need to establish a pipeline for future planters. We are seeking to accomplish our goal of "Twenty in Ten" by creating a pipeline of residents from which to select new church planters for new works. Our current pipeline has a maximum capacity and resources to support 8 residencies simultaneously in Montana and Colorado.

What is the process?

How do I apply?

Provide us with you Ministerial Data Form (MDF) and Assessment Evaluation (if applicable) along with a cover letter addressing: 

• Why you are interested in planting in the West. 

• How you see your gifts and experiences matching the Western context. 

• If married, describe your wife's perspective on (a) church planting; and (b) living in the West. 

• Why do you think we need more churches? (i.e. What is the purpose of church planting?) 

• Who has influenced your understanding of church planting? ​

Send your materials to the Coordinator at westerncpn <at> gmail.com

Current Residents

David is a Church Planting Resident at Deer Creek.  He serves in a variety of roles, including teaching pastor and small group leader, while simultaneously working to plant a church in Golden, Colorado in the fall of 2024.  David is a native of Denver.  He met his wife, Jennifer, while working together as mountain guides in Colorado during summers in college.  They both attended Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, where David received his Master of Divinity degree in 2003.  Before coming to Deer Creek in 2022, David and Jennifer started a new Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) campus ministry at the University of Oregon (2003-2008) and then moved to Temple, Texas in 2008 to plant Redeemer Presbyterian Church, which David pastored until 2022. They have three children: Wyatt, Darby, and Stella. David loves being outdoors and especially enjoys various board sports.