A network of Christian homes
For children needing a chance
As an extension of Big Oak Ranch, Planting Oaks offers valuable resources and support to like-minded ministries. Their mission is to assist these organizations in establishing Christian homes that provide loving care for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Through collaboration and shared resources, they strive to create a nurturing environment where these children can heal and thrive.
A True Ministry for Change
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“Planting Oaks makes spiritual sense, and it makes sense for us to walk this road with them.”
Jason & Ginger Slaughter, Safe Haven Ranch
Cedartown, GA
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“It would be hard to do this without that connection and the guidance Planting Oaks offers.”
Donnie & Amy Lumpkin, Freedom Farm Crossroads
Phenix City, AL
There are many people across the country who are committing their lives to helping children in need.
They want to provide godly, long-term, loving homes for hurting children — each one similar in mission to Big Oak Ranch, but they aren’t sure where to start. Or they are simply stuck on key issues, feeling isolated during what can be an overwhelming endeavor. They are the reason we founded Planting Oaks.
Truth is, Planting Oaks was created in response to demand. For decades, many who wanted to start their own ministries have reached out to us. They knew of Big Oak Ranch and wanted advice and guidance. Over the years, we’ve happily fielded questions, shared best practices, and provided insight for others. In 2018, we decided to develop a formal program to help those who share our same passion and mission get their ministries off the ground or grow already established ministries. And Planting Oaks was born.
As of 2025, Planting Oaks serves as a Child Placing Agency, allowing us to serve even more children in need.
“The reality is that there are millions of children in this country who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. They don’t know where they’re going to sleep tonight. They don’t know if the same pain and hurt that they experienced last night is going to be waiting at the door for them again tonight.”
BRODIE CROYLE
Interested in the Planting Oaks network?
Be a Planting Oaks Member
To become a Planting Oak, you should offer or be working toward providing a long-term placement option through a traditional, Christian setting. We typically work with individuals or groups working with young people in four major organization categories:
- Long-term residential care
- Long-term foster care communities
- Transitional living
- Long-term placement for children out of human trafficking
This allows us to work closely with each of our Planting Oaks to advance the mission of safe, loving, Christian homes with a godly mom and dad, while helping Planting Oaks establish their organizational framework in a way that’s affordable, scalable, and most effective in their area of service. So far, we have observed a two-to-three-year timeframe for Planting Oaks to establish a fully operational ministry.
