The Seeds Project
The Seeds Project is an apostolic training network for ministry entrepreneurs taking a creative approach to building community and sharing the Gospel in our ever-changing world.
What’s the Seeds Project?
The Seeds Project is a 10-month, fully funded fellowship for leaders who are passionate about the Gospel, eager to grow, and creative in their approach to developing new ways of being church in a changing world.
If you’re passionate about helping others discover the difference Jesus makes in everyday life, already engaged in ministry in this area in some way, shape, or form, and want to share stories of what you’re learning with a broader audience, you’re exactly the kind of leader we’re looking for.
I have experienced God through my participation with the Seeds Project Fellowship. I have felt a peaceful reassurance of God’s hand on me. Simply wonderful. Thank you.
-2021 Seeds Project Fellow
What are the benefits of becoming a Seeds Fellow?
A $1,500 cash stipend, plus non-monetary resources, and up to $600 in travel support for domestic fellows and up to $900 for international fellows for each of two in-person retreats. Let us support your new ministry experiments!
Meaningful connections and relationships with other Christian innovators are fostered through regular gatherings, both virtual and in-person.
Access to a supportive community of mentors and coaches who can help you navigate the ins and outs of innovative ministry.
Optional, specialized support (one-on-one coaching, technological support, consulting, etc.) for advancing ministry projects and tackling specific challenges.
Here’s what you can anticipate as a Seeds Project Fellow:
In 2024, Seeds Project Fellows will participate in the following activities:
- x1 60 to 90-minute coaching calls, hosted via Zoom monthly.
- x2 in-person retreats.
- x1 possible online retreat.
- x4 online equipping webinars held quarterly.
- Additional one-on-one coaching and support are provided as needed.
- The authorship of one blog post for the Faith+Lead blog.
Get to Know Our Seeds Project Fellows!
The Seeds Project has affected dozens of incredible innovators since its launch in 2021. Check out their stories of courageous faith and creative ministry today!
2024 Leadership Team
Dr. Michael Binder
Assistant professor of congregational mission and leadership, Luther Seminary
Michael is a professor, pastor, and church leadership consultant. He currently is on the faculty of Luther Seminary teaching ministry leadership; Michael also serves on the Innovation Team at Luther. He helped start Mill City Church in Northeast Minneapolis in 2008 and continues to serve there. He also consults with congregations and denominations in the U.S. and Canada. He lives in Saint Paul with his wife and three children.
The Rev. Nicole Bullock
Evangelical Covenant church planter and coach
The Rev. Nicole Bullock is an innovative and passionate pastor, dedicated to empowering people and inspiring purposeful action. As the senior leader at Blue Oaks church online, she combines traditional teachings with modern technology, reaching a diverse audience. Nicole is the visionary behind two groundbreaking initiatives: She Preaches and Make Room. These ministries empower women and individuals from all backgrounds to discover their purpose and take courageous steps in their lives. Nicole is a committed wife and mother of two, residing in the scenic Pacific Northwest. Her impactful message of hope and empowerment has made her a sought-after speaker and influential leader, positively impacting the lives of many.
Dr. Alicia Granholm
Senior director of Faith+Lead
Alicia is a leadership and church consultant based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Dr. Granholm helps pastors and leaders engage culture to make a lasting impact. For nearly two decades, she has trained, equipped, and empowered followers of Jesus to engage their local communities by contextualizing the Gospel and its application. Alicia compassionately crosses cultural boundaries having lived, studied, traveled, and served in 25 countries on six continents. Alicia has a Doctor of Strategic Leadership, Global Consulting (Regent University), MDiv (Bethel Seminary), and MA in Teaching (University of St. Thomas).
The Rev. Charisse Jones
Founder of Grace+Grit and 2021 Seeds Fellow
The Rev. Charisse Jones is a dream catcher, purpose pusher, and vision catalyzer. Charisse is the founder and CEO of Grace + Grit Unlimited, LLC. Charisse seeks to create brave and bold spaces for women who are ready to own their worth and live the vision of who they are created to be.Â
Chuck Whitley
Executive coach and 2022 Seeds Fellow
Chuck is a coach, trainer, pastor, non-profit leader, and business owner. Chuck currently serves as the executive director of 4C Business and has dedicated his life to influencing culture through kingdom business practice.
Dr. Dwight Zscheile
Vice President of Innovation and Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership at Luther Seminary
Dwight is Vice President of Innovation and Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership at Luther Seminary. He has authored or co-authored several books, including Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future, The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age, and The Missional Church in Perspective: Mapping Trends and Shaping the Conversation.
A graduate of Stanford University (BA), Yale University (MDiv) and Luther Seminary (PhD, Congregational Mission and Leadership), Dwight previously served congregations in Minnesota, Virginia and Connecticut. Dwight’s experience growing up in a secular home in California has shaped his commitment to helping the church cultivate Christian community with neighbors in today’s changing world.
Read More by and about Seeds Project Fellows
All The Whosoevers
The Seeds Project welcomes new fellows for 2023 program
Chris Kramer: Ministry Amidst a Housing Crisis
Tyler Sit: Co-Creation Is Our Discipleship Ethic
Andrew Nemr: Artistic and Spiritual Formation
