Church Adoption
Already leading an established church? Church adoption is how established churches join Harbor Network and gain access to trusted relationships, comprehensive support, and a movement of like-minded churches committed to multiplication. Whether you're navigating transition, deepening your mission, or preparing to plant, Harbor is with you.
Casey Smith, Director of Partnerships & Marketing
“Thriving churches are strengthened through gospel partnership. It isn't about what you can get from a network; it's about who you become together.”
Why church adoption?
Faithful, sustainable ministry doesn't happen in isolation. Church adoption is the process by which established churches join Harbor Network—not out of weakness, but out of wisdom.
Partnership with Harbor means joining a family of churches that share your theological convictions, prioritize pastoral health, and are committed to multiplying churches across North America.
What makes Harbor different? We move at the speed of trust. Church adoption isn't a transaction—it's a relational journey of mutual discernment. We're not recruiting; we're building family.
Our Support
Harbor provides comprehensive care for adopted churches at every stage of the journey:
Leadership Care & Renewal
Access to retreats, renewal gatherings, crisis support, and the Renewal Fund—because healthy leaders build healthy churches.
Strategic Guidance & Coaching
When you face transitions, staffing challenges, or strategic decisions, Harbor's team provides trusted counsel and connects you with other leaders who've walked similar paths.
Multiplying Resources
When your church is ready to plant, Harbor provides residency curriculum, training, and a network of multiplying churches to learn from and partner with.
Connection & Community
Regular gatherings, digital learning, prayer meetings, and access to a growing family of like-hearted leaders across the country.
Our Process
Church adoption is a thoughtful, relational journey designed to ensure alignment and build trust.
STEP 1: Initial Interest & Conversation
Fill out our interest form, and a member of our Church Adoption Team will reach out to learn about your church and help you discern whether exploring partnership makes sense.
STEP 2: Alignment Intensive
Attend the live webinar with network leaders to learn about Harbor's partnership principles, theological beliefs, core values, and membership expectations. Bring your entire leadership team.
STEP 3: Church Adoption Profile
Complete a profile that paints a picture of your church context. This helps our team assess fit and helps you clarify what you're hoping partnership will provide.
STEP 4: On-Site Visit
If the profile indicates strong alignment, our Church Adoption Team will visit your church to deepen relationships, clarify questions, and discern together whether partnership is the right next step.
STEP 5: Invitation to Partnership
Upon approval, your church is welcomed into the Harbor family. A staff member will guide you through onboarding, connecting you to ministries and relationships.
STEP 6: Partnership Agreement
Formalize the partnership with an agreement outlining mutual commitments and expectations. You'll gain immediate access to all member benefits.