Hopewell Network of Churches

Leadership Training

We are a fellowship of churches empowered by the Holy Spirit to advance Christ's Kingdom by preparing leaders for ministry and mission. Our vision is to be an Apostolic Network wherein we raise up and prepare leaders who can build and multiply contemporary New Testament-oriented churches.

There are five spheres of training provided to pastors.

1. Network Orientation

We require that all new pastors and people requesting Network credentialing read certain orientation material.

Hopewell Network Manual (Includes our vision, Network values, faith statement, and bylaws)
History of the Hopewell Network Video
The New Testament Church and Its Ministries by Bill Scheidler
Building Churches That Last by Dick Iverson
Effective Keys to Successful Leadership by Frank Damazio

2. Regular Pastors/Leaders Meetings

We ask that full-time pastors that live nearby faithfully attend these meetings. Bi-vocational pastors are encouraged to make this meeting a priority if at all possible. These meetings are designed to:

Provide ongoing training through teachings and interaction with other leaders
Address current issues and moves of the Spirit
Opportunities for worship and personal ministry
Relationship building among leaders of the Network
Apostolic guidance and vision
Coordination of Network events

3. Core Foundational Courses

We ask that every Senior Pastor take these courses as part of his or her foundation for ministry. If these courses were never taken in seminary or a Bible college or as part of preparation for leadership ministry, we will try to provide or recommend a course of study or reading material.

Old and New Testament Survey
Gifts and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Church Leadership/Government
Small Group Ministry
Hermeneutics
Sermon Preparation
Preaching
Vision Development and Congregational Goal Setting
Anabaptist History and Theology
Dealing with Conflict
Leading Church Meetings
Worship and the Arts
Missions
Bible Doctrines
World Views and Cults
Evangelism
Demonology and Angelology
Pastoral Counseling
Pre-marital Counseling
Weddings, Funerals, Baby Dedications, Baptisms
Church Budgets
Team Ministry i.e. Staff Development

4. Personal Growth Training (Seminars/Courses)

Our goal is to provide opportunities for ongoing leadership development for the leaders of our Network. This may include ministry courses or seminars that the Network plans to put on or seminars that we encourage leaders to attend. This may also include courses and seminars that you decide to engage in for a one, two or three-year plan.