Pastoral Leadership in Orphan foster adoption kinship care
You do not have to do everything. The Alliance helps pastors and church leaders understand the foster care crisis, discover where their church fits, and take one faithful next step with support.
To Pastors and Church Leaders
We know you are already carrying a lot.
You are shepherding people, making disciples, caring for families, leading through complexity, and responding to real needs in your church and community.
We are not here to add another burden to your plate.
The need is real. Your church does not have to do everything.
Mike Kraft"You do not have to do everything. But your church does have a place."
One church did not begin by launching a full foster care ministry.
They began by paying attention to a foster family already in their congregation.
With meals, encouragement, childcare, and practical help, that family was reminded they were not carrying it alone.
The church did not have to do everything.
Find Your Place in the River
The foster care crisis touches families at many different points.
Some families need support before crisis leads to removal. Some foster, adoptive, and kinship families need strength to keep going. Some young adults need people who will walk with them after they age out of the system.
Your church does not have to serve in every place. One faithful place is enough to matter.
Prevention
Help families before foster care becomes necessary.
Caregiver Support
Strengthen the foster, adoptive, and kinship families already in your church.
Aging Out Support
Walk with youth and families for the long haul.
How We Walk With You
You do not have to build this alone. The Alliance walks with you through a simple process shaped around your church, your people, and your season.
1. We Get to Know Your Church
We begin with a conversation. No assumptions. No pressure. We listen to what is already happening in your church, who is already connected to this work, and what questions you are carrying.”
2. We Build a Strategy Around Your Church
Together, we identify one or two places in the river that fit your church’s capacity and calling. The goal is not to do everything. The goal is to take a faithful next step your church can sustain.
3. We Walk With You as You Move Forward
When your church is ready to move, the Alliance stays with you. We help you communicate clearly, identify leaders, and support the people who step into this work. This is not a handoff. It is an ongoing relationship.
Upcoming Pastors Gathering
Pastors Gatherings create space for local pastors and church leaders to understand the foster care crisis, hear what is already happening through churches in our region, and begin discerning where their church may fit.
You are welcome to bring key staff, ministry leaders, or foster, adoptive, and kinship families from your church. Come listen, ask questions, and leave with a clearer sense of what a faithful next step could look like.
- HEAR FROM LOCAL PASTORS INVOLVED IN THIS SPACE
- LEARN ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF CHILD WELFARE
- Leave with clear next steps to begin exploring your church’s unique place
Mike Kraft, Director of Pastoral Engagement, walks alongside pastors and church leaders as they discern how their churches can respond to the foster care crisis.
As a pastor and leader, Mike understands the weight of ministry. He knows your role is not to carry every need yourself, but to help your church see clearly, respond faithfully, and take a next step that can be sustained.
If you are wondering what this could look like in your church, Mike would be glad to talk with you. Use this form to connect.
There is no cost to start a conversation or partner with the Alliance. We come alongside your church with guidance, resources, and connection. If a specific project has real costs, we will talk through that together before anything is asked of you.
The first step is a conversation, not a program launch. In many churches, the ongoing work can be supported by a lay leader or team rather than sitting entirely on the pastor or staff.
We are asking you to be open to a first conversation and help your church discern one faithful next step. You do not have to run the work yourself or become the expert.
No. Many churches begin by supporting one family, identifying who is already connected to foster care, attending a gathering, or exploring one place in the river. A faithful next step does not have to become a full ministry overnight.
Yes. Your role is not to have every answer. Your role is to shepherd your church toward faithfulness, listen well, and help create space for people to respond with support.
No. The Alliance helps your church discern what fits your capacity, people, and season. We are not here to pressure your church into doing everything.
That is exactly why this work begins with discernment. Sometimes the best next step is not starting something new, but strengthening the people and families already connected to your church.
That is okay. Come to a Pastors Gathering, download a resource, or schedule a conversation with Mike. You can begin by listening.
