What is Adopt a Pastor Ministry (AAP)?

We exist to strengthen pastors, Christian leaders and local churches through solid biblical training, pastoral mentoring, ongoing ministry support and access to trusted resources.

Walking alongside pastors

AAP is not a seminary, college or formal academic institution. Its purpose is to walk alongside pastors and leaders, offering biblical training, pastoral mentoring and ministry support for the strengthening of the local church and the faithful proclamation of the Gospel.

The program was developed especially for contexts of greater ministry need, with priority given to Portuguese-speaking countries.

Our conviction is simple: a well-trained pastor builds up the local church, and a built-up church reaches its region.

Our purpose
  • Walking alongside pastors and leaders
  • Offer biblical training, mentoring and ministry support
  • Strengthen the local church and the faithful proclamation of the Gospel

Our values

Faithfulness to Scripture Centrality of the Gospel Love for the local church Pastoral service Ministry fellowship Godliness and integrity Christian humility Missionary commitment Healthy formation of leaders

More than 30 years strengthening pastors

More than 30 years ago, missionary Pastor Ricardo Denham (1927-2013) began Adopt a Pastor Ministry. His vision was to encourage and equip pastors and leaders through resources faithful to the Holy Scriptures, so they could serve Christ faithfully in their ministry contexts.

That same conviction continues to guide AAP today. More than 3,000 pastors from Brazil, Africa and Portugal have already benefited from the ministry.

And you can be part of this story. Join AAP in this mission.

A well-equipped pastor edifies the local church, and an edified church reaches its community and region.

Pastors embrace during a training gathering

Who participates in this mission?

One mission, two groups walking together.

Program participants

Pastors, elders and seminarians serving in contexts of greater ministry need, with priority given to Portuguese-speaking countries, may apply for the program. Selected participants receive, over three years, biblical training, pastoral mentoring and resources to strengthen their churches and communities.

Supporters and partners

Christians, churches and institutions join AAP to strengthen pastors and churches through one-time gifts or by supporting a complete three-year pastoral training cycle. These supporters receive updates, accountability and concrete evidence of ministry impact.

A word from the director

At AAP, we believe that caring for churches begins with caring for their pastors. We walk alongside those God has called to ministry, offering encouragement, support, training and biblical resources that promote the precious doctrines of grace and help them preach the Word, shepherd the flock and exercise their calling faithfully. We seek to strengthen pastors so they may serve faithfully, build healthy churches and display the glory of God in their communities and beyond.

Tiago J. Santos Filho
Director — Ministério Fiel

Learn about the AAP Pastoral Program

In the AAP Pastoral Program, selected pastors receive literature, mentoring, ministry fellowship and take part in a biblical training curriculum over three years.

Your support sustains the AAP Pastoral Program and helps strengthen pastors and churches in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Learn more