The Progressive Planter: A Handbook for Ecclesial Entrepreneurs

by Joe Graves

Discover how to launch an inclusive Church for today’s world.

Equip new church start pastors, sending churches and denominational leaders with the essential tools to establish an inclusive, theologically healthy church that will impact its community. Learn about crafting a vision, recruiting leaders, working with parent churches and denominations, marketing, reclaiming evangelism, and cultivating generous givers.

With the purchase of The Progressive Planter, you will receive access to supplemental digital download templates and tools for starting a church, including a board manual, job descriptions, core values, surveys, prayer guides, and more.

Genres: Church

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Joe Graves is an author of both fiction and nonfiction whose work explores faith, power, and the deeply human consequences of the stories we tell ourselves. His fiction—including short stories published in various anthologies—often blends speculative elements with ethical questions, while his nonfiction centers on leadership, justice, and community renewal. He is the President of the Ohio Writers’ Association, a local nonprofit that serves hundreds of authors throughout Ohio. Through his writing and literary leadership, he advocates for thoughtful, inclusive storytelling. He has been featured in several local publications discussing issues like banned books and safeguards for authors. Learn more at http://www.joegraves.org/press.

Reviews

[Destiny Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I've been taking it everywhere with me find myself taking all kinds of notes. I even share some of the things I learn with my friends. The book is down to earth yet educational; this is how you reach people where they are

Can't wait to read it again!