2024-25 Annual Update
As 2025 gets in full swing and the dust of 2024 settles, I would like to thank you for supporting our endeavors with New Vertical. We are pioneering a new approach to marketplace ministry and are grateful for your willingness to dream with us.
A New Vertical Ministry Update and Refresher
Over the past 50 years a shift has fundamentally changed our culture’s view of the organized Church. This shift will continue over the next 15 years as marketplace leadership migrates from Millennials to Gen Z. The result is a growing gap between church and culture and new methods of outreach are required.
Based on observational and statistical studies, New Vertical engages the community with a campus ministry mindset. For decades missional groups such as FCA, Young Life, RUF, CRU, Navigators etc. have served the local Church in this fashion. Similarly, New Vertical engages civic groups, social clubs, and economic systems that are often outside the bandwidth of a local church.
While the cultural shift is a global phenomenon, the nuances are unique to particular communities. New Orleans is different from Chicago. Seattle is different from Atlanta. New York is different from Miami. The needs vary and the gap is growing.
Starting in Atlanta
Serving as a marketplace chaplain in Atlanta is a global endeavor.
Atlanta is among the top 20 global economic regions.
Over 80% of the US population can be reached within a 2-hour flight.
The region is growing at a rate of 7k people per month.
New Vertical engages marketplace leaders, a strategic step in supporting local churches in a rapidly shifting region.
New Vertical Now
Through the PRCC (The multi-denominational chaplaincy arm of the PCA), our Board of Directors, and the many friends who support us, New Vertical seeks to build a sustainable discipleship pipeline by shepherding those outside the local Church or lost within her margins. Three priorities are presently required to pursue this vision.
Fund Raising, Development and Discipleship
Fundraising: Raising onetime and monthly contributions in pursuits of sustainable giving.
Development: Designing networks, content, and resources to supplying long term needs.
Discipleship: Shepherding community leaders to the gospel and supporting local churches
New Vertical Practice
As a 501C3, New Vertical serves the local community and regional churches through:
Leading one-on-one discipleship
Facilitating group discipleship
Organizing retreats (renewal and catechetical)
Hosting hospitality and social gatherings
A myriad of pastoral duties: preaching, teaching, counseling, care, mentoring, etc.
As a stateside missionary New Vertical extends the local Church’s reach into industries such as: Athletics, Hospitality, Business, The Arts, etc. These industries function as buffer zones for the self-described “Spiritual But Not Religious” (SBNR). These individuals express genuine interested in spiritual matters yet remain averse to traditional practices. As a result, their lives are often beyond the scope of the local Church.
Baby Steps First
As we enter 2025 it is important to celebrate the work God has done through New Vertical. Below are some highlights from our first steps.
Reached 85% of our short-term funding goal.
Spoke to multiple pastoral cohorts on topics ranging from Anxiety to Rest.
Our first retreat. (Men’s Mountain March Madness)
Topic: Faith and Work: Understanding the three layers of work.
Attendance quickly filled up and now has a waiting list.
Four weekly gatherings to explore the scriptures.
Counseled multiple local pastors on facilities, staff and pastoral care issues.
Serve the community and several local businesses as pastor-at-large.
While North Atlanta is business minded, some communities orbit on other industries. As New Vertical grows it will be important to develop a framework that is pliable to the unique needs of a particular community. Our desire is to shepherd leaders on the fringe and to create a pathway for others to do the same.
Future Steps
We look forward to this next season as we stretch our networks and resources to accomplish the following and more.
Repeat our men’s retreat
Take 4 local pastors on a renewal retreat in Georgia Mountains
Expand our Discipleship Curriculum with more gospel centered business tools.
Pray for more Chaplains to labor with or alongside New Vertical
Seek long-term funding
Prayer Request
We believe New Vertical belongs to the Lord. Every good endeavor is by his mercies. We ask that you join us in prayer for the following.
That many in our ministry would come to know Jesus as Lord
That our budget will be fully funded by monthly supporters.
Wisdom and Discernment for the board of New Vertical as we care for a growing ministry.
Health and provision for the Oaks family as we take these steps of faith.
Spiritual protection for our marriage and children.