We are excited to announce that Seeds of Change has been selected as a finalist in the Next Ventures Shark Tank!
After completing yet another application process, Seeds of Change was chosen as one of only 12 ministries invited to participate in this unique event. The invitation-only competition will take place in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 29–30, where ministries from across the country will present their vision and ministry models before Christian leaders, ministry partners, and denominational representatives.
What a Journey!
For those who may not know the story, this journey actually began back in March at the Exponential National Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Seeds of Change applied for the opportunity to pitch our ministry as part of the Next Ventures initiative. We later learned that approximately 450 ministries submitted applications, and only about 40–50 were selected to make presentations.
Our assignment was simple but challenging: present the ministry in seven minutes, followed by three minutes of questions from the panel.
One question caught me completely by surprise. The very first thing they asked was:
"How can we help you?"
That question revealed the heart behind the event. This wasn't simply a competition—it was an opportunity for ministry leaders to come alongside organizations seeking to expand God's Kingdom.
At the conclusion of the presentation, we were told that finalists would be notified within a couple of weeks. Two weeks later, I received an email informing us that Seeds of Change would be advancing to the next round. Another application followed, and then came the waiting.
Learning to Wait
If I'm honest, waiting is not one of my strengths.
I like answers. I like clarity. I like knowing what comes next.
Yet over and over again, God has led me into seasons of waiting. While they are rarely comfortable, they have consistently proven to be good for my soul. Waiting forces me to trust God's timing rather than my own.
Nearly two months later, another email arrived.
Seeds of Change had been selected to advance to the finals.
The emotions were difficult to describe.
I felt humbled that God had opened this door and that others saw value in what Seeds of Change is doing.
I felt excited about the opportunities that might come from this experience.
I felt terrified at the prospect of pitching before influential Christian leaders, Exponential partners, network leaders, and denominational representatives.
And if I'm being completely transparent, I also felt that familiar knot in my stomach that whispers:
"What are you doing? This is way outside your comfort zone!"
Following the Holy Spirit's Lead
This entire experience has been another reminder of what it means to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Step by step, I have simply tried to be faithful to where Jesus is leading. Looking back, I can clearly see that God has opened this door far wider than I ever imagined possible.
On September 28, my wife and I will travel to Jacksonville for two days of presentations, conversations, and ministry networking. Along with hearing 9-11 other ministries share their vision, we will also be leading a one-hour breakout session where we can introduce Seeds of Change more fully and answer questions from ministry leaders.
At the end of the event, the ministries will be ranked from first through twelfth place. Every ministry will receive some level of support, with the grand prize reaching up to $25,000.
Why This Matters
While the financial support would certainly be helpful, what excites me most is the opportunity to expand the mission of Seeds of Change.
Our passion is helping pastors and churches—specifically churches with fewer than 100 people—create multiplying disciple-making movements.
Across the world, God is stirring revival on multiple fronts. One of the most surprising places where He is moving powerfully is within the small church.
For years, many people have overlooked the potential of small congregations. Yet we are witnessing God do extraordinary things through faithful pastors and ordinary believers who are committed to making disciples who make disciples.
We have seen this happening within our own church and throughout the Seeds of Change network. Lives are being transformed, leaders are being developed, and new disciple-making movements are emerging.
As we prepare for Jacksonville, we are grateful for your prayers and support. Most of all, we are eager to see what God will do next.
The journey continues, and we believe the best is yet to come.