When tragedy strikes a pastor or church planter, the impact ripples through an entire congregation.  Grief overwhelms.  Daily responsibilities pile up.  The mission feels fragile.  And yet, even in seasons of deep suffering, the work of ministry continues — sermons must be preached, people must be shepherded, and the gospel must be proclaimed.  The Minute Man Initiative exists to meet that moment.

Born out of Bent Tree’s commitment to care for pastors and churches in crisis, the Minute Man Initiative sends trained pastors — along with their wives when possible — to step in immediately and temporarily assume the full pastoral load of a church whose shepherd has been struck by tragedy.  This is not pulpit supply.  This is not occasional help.  This is interim shepherding in the valley of suffering.

A Minute Man pastor relocates to the community, living among the congregation and providing fulltime pastoral leadership until the original pastor is able to return.  His ministry includes:

• Weekly Preaching — offering stability and gospel hope from the pulpit.
• Pastoral Visits & Counseling — tending to the flock with compassion and presence.
• Teaching & Leadership Development — equipping the church to remain healthy and mission focused.
• Support for the Suffering Pastor & Family — listening, praying, and caring in tangible ways.
• Community Presence — continuing the church’s witness during a season of grief.

This is burden bearing.  This is incarnational ministry.  This is the church being the church.

Churches whether plants or solo pastorates, are especially vulnerable during pastoral crises. With limited staff and financial margin, a tragedy can threaten the stability — and even the future — of a young congregation.  The Minute Man Initiative ensures:

• The suffering pastor and family receive space to heal.
• The congregation is shepherded with consistency and care.
• The mission of gospel witness continues in the community.
• The church plant remains strong, hopeful, and moving forward.  

Your partnership makes this ministry possible. Funding supports:

• Temporary housing for the Minute Man pastor
• Weekly preaching and teaching
• Pastoral care and visitation
• Leadership development
• Ongoing support for the suffering family
• Stability for the church during a critical season

Every gift is an investment in a pastor’s healing, a church’s future, and the gospel’s advance.  The Minute Man Initiative is a tangible expression of Christ’s love — stepping into suffering, carrying one another’s burdens, and protecting the mission of the church when it is most vulnerable.