THE OXFORD CHURCH PLANTING INSTITUTE
Biblical training for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.
Teaching & Curriculum
The Oxford Church Planting Institute trains and equips present and future church planters according to Scripture. Our aim is the glory of God, the spread of the gospel, and the establishing of biblical and confessional churches across the UK, Europe, and the world.
PRACTICAL and THEOLOGICAL TRAINING
Church planters are called to be pastor-theologians. They must have an intimate knowledge and understanding of God’s Word to establish a biblical church. In addition, church planters must be equipped with practical wisdom, on a variety of matters, if they are to flourish on the field of ministry. At the Oxford Church Planting Institute, we endeavour to shape well-rounded church planting pastors that are both theologically sound and practically wise.
EXPERIENCED CHURCH PLANTERS
The Oxford Church Planting Institute provides instruction and mentorship from experienced church planters from the UK, Europe, and the United States. More extensive than classroom interaction, the mentorship dynamic of our one year certificate program provides opportunities for small group and one-on-one interaction with seasoned church planters.
COHORT FELLOWSHIP
The Oxford Church Planting Institute is specifically designed to be a cohort experience. Every student is assigned to a cohort fellowship group. In this cohort fellowship students will engage in mutual encouragement, grow in wisdom, and foster lifelong friendships among present and future church planters from around the world. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Pr. 27:17)
Requirements for Certificate in Church Planting
Church Planting Symposium
The two-day symposium will take place in Oxford, England; 25–26 August 2026. It will be taught by seasoned church planters from the UK, Europe, and the United States. The symposium will include informative lectures, engaging discussions, student presentations, and warm fellowship over meals and coffee. Stay tuned for more information on location and accommodation.
Course Assignments
The one year certificate course includes a substantial reading list. The curated books and articles will invite reflection on important theological, historical, and practical aspects of biblical and Reformed church planting. Reading assignments will be due throughout the course of study. A final paper and interview are also requisite.
Cohort Summits
Each student will be assigned to a church planting cohort. These cohorts will meet six times per annum (online) with a seasoned church planter/mentor from the Institute. These summits will provide further instruction, and an opportunity for discussion on a range of topics and experiences related to church planting. Our hope and prayer is that lifelong friendships would spring forth from these cohorts.
“At the Oxford Church Planting Institute, our strategic aim is to train, equip, and encourage a new generation of faithful church planters—courageous men who will plant Reformed and confessional churches in cities across the UK, continental Europe, and the world. Whether you are currently planting a church or planning to do so in the future, I warmly encourage you to join us this summer in Oxford.”
REV DR JON D. PAYNE
DIRECTOR, OXFORD CHURCH PLANTING INSTITUTE
The Church Planter
Read our latest articles on church planting and mission, and gain wisdom from seasoned pastors and church planters from around the world.
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We rely on God’s gracious provision through the generosity of our supporters. By partnering with us financially, you can help more men access the training they need to plant churches wherever Christ calls them.
ABOUT REV DR JON D. PAYNE
Rev. Dr. Jon D. Payne (ThM University of Edinburgh, New College; D.Min Reformed Theological Seminary) has served as church planter / organizing pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA) in Charleston, South Carolina since 2013. Previously he served ten years as senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Douglasville, GA. For over thirty years Dr. Payne has been heavily involved in foreign mission and church planting. He has preached and lectured in over a dozen countries. Dr. Payne is a trustee of Westminster Seminary, UK, Director of the Oxford Church Planting Institute, and Executive Coordinator of the Gospel Reformation Network. He has authored, edited, and contributed to almost twenty books including the Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament (co-editor with Joel Beeke), In the Splendor of Holiness; Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century, John Owen on the Lord’s Supper, A Faith Worth Teaching: The Heidelberg Catechism’s Enduring Heritage, and A Faith Worth Defending: The Synod of Dort’s Enduring Heritage. He is also a regular contributor to TableTalk magazine. Dr. Payne and his wife Marla have been married for twenty seven years and have two adult children.