How Burlington Baptist Built a Foster & Adoption Ministry
Many churches wonder how to support foster and adoptive families in their congregation or community. They know God’s heart for the orphan and care about the families in their church. They just aren’t always sure where to start.
The first step, most often, begins with a relationship. Take Burlington Baptist, for example.
David Preston, Regional Ministry Leader, contacted a friend at Burlington to see how he could equip the church for ministering to vulnerable children and families. His friend informed him that a new pastor was coming who was a foster/adoptive father.
That pastor was Josh Schmidt.
David and Josh met for coffee, and what began as an introduction quickly became a friendship centered around a shared passion.
“Josh already had a heart for foster care,” David said. “He wanted Burlington Baptist to become a church where foster, adoptive, and kinship families would feel supported.”
Living 1:27
The first visible step came in May 2025 when the church hosted a community event they called “Living 1:27” in reference to James 1:27.
Representatives from OCA, Sunrise Children’s Services, CASA, Boone County DCBS, Giving Tree of Northern Kentucky, and other organizations were invited to participate. Each organization shared for just a few minutes before the fifty attendees enjoyed a meal and explored information booths.
“Our heart for the Living 1:27 conference was and continues to be that people within our church would see orphan care as their blessing and responsibility. We have used that event as a launching pad to connect our foster families to resources such as Orphan Care Alliance,” Pastor Josh shared.
Trauma Training
A few months later, Burlington Baptist hosted OCA’s Resound trauma training, equipping nearly forty participants to care for children from hard places with compassion.
Resound is a two-hour introduction to trauma-informed care. It helps churches better understand the experiences of children and families impacted by foster care, adoption, and other difficult life circumstances while equipping them to respond with compassion and practical support.
One unexpected outcome surprised Pastor Josh – the trauma training helped his own family. “My wife and I fostered and adopted twins that came from extreme trauma backgrounds. This training better equipped our church to lovingly manage trauma responses better. I am so grateful for this training,” shared Pastor Josh.
Family Advocates
David began meeting with Pastor Josh to develop a vision for a sustainable foster and adoption ministry. David worked with him to create a ministry structure and identify family advocates who would guide the effort. Nathan and Sarah accepted those roles, even though they are not foster or adoptive parents themselves.
“They simply have a heart for this ministry,” David pointed out.
Pastor Josh is grateful for this planning time with David. “Without OCA, David Preston and their family advocate consultation, we would not have launched this ministry. It was invaluable. We are excited to see how Nathan and Sarah will facilitate relationships between those in our church who foster and those in our church who want to see foster care done well.”
Wrapping Around Families
David provided coaching and training while Pastor Josh and the new family advocates completed OCA’s WRAP training (Words of Encouragement, Respite, Acts of Service and Prayer), learning practical ways existing church ministries could better serve foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Several members have completed respite care training. The church plans to train others through Sunrise Children’s Services in the future.
The Church Became a Community Resource
The impact quickly expanded beyond Sunday mornings.
Giving Tree of Northern Kentucky began using Burlington Baptist’s facilities to host clothing distributions where foster families could “shop” for needed items.
Boone County DCBS has also partnered with the church. They are now bringing children staying temporarily at the local office to use the church’s showers, enjoy meals, receive gift cards, and simply play basketball in a welcoming environment.
The church formed a strong bond with one young man who has now found a foster family. “People in our church brought birthday gifts, made a birthday cake, took home cooked meals regularly, sent him to the Boone County Fair and regularly supplied him with snacks and games,” Pastor Josh explained.
Future Steps
The church now hopes to launch an OCA Connect Group on Wednesday evenings, complete with childcare, and is praying for God to raise up the right leader.
Burlington has plans to host another “Living 1:27” event. They will invite pastors and other churches to participate.
Equipping the Church
For David, Burlington Baptist demonstrates what happens when churches are equipped instead of overwhelmed.
“Josh realizes we’re not asking churches for something in return,” David said. “We’re equipping the church to reach families in their own community.”
Burlington’s story serves as a reminder that a healthy foster care/adoption ministry doesn’t happen overnight. It grows through relationships, training, leadership development, and a willingness to take the next faithful step.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your church would be interested in having a conversation around how OCA can equip you.