The idea of a missionary school teaching church planting arose from a vision God gave to Kari Ahola in the year 2000. Working on the mission field himself, and having seen so many missionaries become discouraged and fail, Kari understood there was a need to educate missionaries in basic things: church planting, team work, culture adjustment, etc. Over the years the vision became clearer, until it
was time to open The Rock – Church Planting Academy. The Academy is meant for Christians, who have a call from God for missionary work. The students are not expected to have previous experience in being a missionary, nor is it necessary to have a clear vision of a specific mission field. However, it is essential to have a true interest in church planting, and a willingness to seek the will and guidance of God. Many teachers in the Rock have years of experience in serving God on the mission field or in some other ministry. The Academy also invites other Christian ministers outside of the school to teach and share their knowledge. The year in the Rock also consists of prayer, fasting, worship and seeking the face of God. The Academy does not restrict its teaching to one particular branch of Christianity. Thus all born again Christians are welcome to study in the Rock.
