Our Story

Across the world today, more pastors are leaving the ministry than entering it. Churches are closing their doors not for lack of passion or calling, but because the next generation of leaders often lacks the support, training, and resources needed to step confidently into full-time ministry. 

 

Trellis began with a desire to be part of the solution. 

Our History

  • Pastors Jake and Sarah Zaske saw this growing need firsthand while leading in their own local church. They watched gifted young leaders sense a call into ministry, but struggle to find clear pathways forward—educationally, financially, and practically. Out of that burden, Trellis was born. 
  • The name Trellis paints a picture of growth with structure and support. A vine cannot flourish without something strong to guide and hold it up. In the same way, we believe future pastors and church leaders thrive best when they’re supported by mentors, community, and a framework that helps them grow. 
  • Trellis welcomed our first students in 2021, Trellis has been about walking alongside those called into ministry—providing not just education, but formation. Not just opportunity, but community. Not just a path, but people who walk it with you. 
  • Today, through our Internship and Residency programs, Trellis partners with local churches and accredited universities to offer real-world ministry experience, meaningful mentorship, and fully scholar-shipped degrees. But at the heart of it all remains our founding conviction: ministry was never meant to be done alone. 

Who We Are

Mission

We equip the called to pastoral ministry, so churches have pastors in this generation and the next. 

Vision

We position pastors with education, experience, and no debt.

Values

We are Christ-centered 

We are prayer-saturated 

We are humble and hungry 

We are Spirit led and gifted 

We are better together 

Leadership & Staff

Advisory Board

Bishop Timothy Clarke 

Lori Fast 

Eric Livingston

Treasurer 

Rod Stafford 

Jake Zaske

Trellis Co-Founder and Board Chairman

Sarah Zaske

Trellis Co-Founder 

Trellis Staff

Brian Bennett

Trellis Executive Director  

Provides overall leadership and vision for Trellis, ensuring the mission to equip the next generation of church leaders is carried out with excellence and impact. Read Bio >

Kacey Kendall 

Trellis Administrator + Event Coordinator 

Manages day-to-day operations and logistics while coordinating Trellis events that engage and support students, churches, and partners. Read Bio >

Jon Nicholas

Trellis Hub Church Director  

Leads and oversees the Trellis program within their local church, guiding and mentoring students as they are trained and equipped for full-time ministry. Read Bio >

Our Key Partnerships

Trellis is built on partnership. Together with local churches, academic institutions, and ministry organizations, we’re creating a holistic pathway for the next generation of ministry leaders. 

Hub Churches
Academic Partners
Strategic Partners
Hub Churches

Our Hub Churches are the heartbeat of Trellis — local congregations where students gain hands-on ministry experience, mentorship, and spiritual formation. 

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Academic Partners
Strategic Partners