August 14-16, 2025

Our one-year discipleship program (September–August) is designed for urban pastors in Southern California with 3–5 years of ministry experience who are discerning a call to plant a gospel-centered church. Each month, participants engage with a selected book covering theology, leadership, character, or spiritual formation. Gatherings include a shared meal and a three-hour discussion to apply key principles to personal and leadership contexts. The program fosters lifelong learning and a supportive community among leaders, aiming to develop healthier, gospel-centered pastors who can advance to our Church Planting Incubator.

City to City SoCal’s Church Planting Incubator is a two-year training program equipping church planters—full-time and co-vocational—with the knowledge and tools to start and grow gospel-centered churches rooted in their communities. Through monthly sessions, readings, and strategic planning, participants prepare for launch and beyond. Key modules include Gospel Fluency, City Vision, Preaching, Leadership, Mercy & Justice, Finances, and Ministry Design.

A key predictor of church planting success is having a coach. City to City SoCal invests in trained coaches to support planters through the two-year Incubator, providing a safe space to clarify goals, navigate challenges, and process training. Planters value the guidance of experienced leaders who listen, empathize, and encourage them in both ministry and personal life.

City to City SoCal supports committed planters who complete the Incubator and coaching programs by providing resources like conference travel, soul care retreats, and micro-grants ($10,000–$15,000) to cover key church planting costs. These grants help with essentials like chairs, sound systems, and children’s ministry equipment. Since many planters are bi-vocational and without a large sending church, we raise funds annually to equip them for success.

Mentoring is a vital part of City to City SoCal’s support for church planters. During the Incubator, planters receive monthly coaching, and after graduation, they continue to seek mentorship from Larry and the team. This organic support network offers prayer, encouragement, and guidance through the challenges of church planting. As we grow, our Regional Directors will provide ongoing mentorship, ensuring pastors feel seen, valued, and supported in life, leadership, and ministry.

Graduates of our Incubator and mentorship programs join the City to City SoCal family—a community of church planters who share the unique joys and challenges of ministry. This life-giving network provides ongoing support, encouragement, and training through every season of church leadership.