LEADERSHIP ESSENTIALS

When & Where: Monday nights at the LH Office, for five consecutive weeks.

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

This is an investment in you. These five weeks are designed to produce real fruit in your life and in the life of Living Hope Church. We take what we do very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves very seriously. Leadership Essentials will feel a bit like a college course, because what we do as leaders has real impact.

Assignment 1: Meet with a Mentor

Deadline: Before Week Four

Schedule a meeting with a leader of your choice and intentionally take the posture of a student.

Instructions:

  •  Schedule a 30–60 minute meeting.

  • Before the meeting, ask yourself: This time will be productive if I learn what?
    Clarify what you’re hoping to gain.

  • Come prepared with a written list of questions.

  • Take notes during the conversation.

Suggested Questions to Ask Influential Leaders:

  1. What’s a moment or story that shaped the way you lead and live today? What drives you?

  2. What’s one of the greatest leadership lessons you’ve learned?

  3. When you’re making hard decisions, what principles guide you?

  4. How has failure shaped you as a leader?

  5. What have you read or listened to recently that’s shaping the way you think?

  6. I want to win at home. What advice would you give me?

  7. What have you done that you think I should do?

  8. What question should I be asking that I haven’t asked yet?

  9. How can I add value to you?

Assignment 2: Share Jesus

Deadline: Before Week Four

Intentionally share how Jesus has impacted your life with someone.

Instructions:

  • Actively look for an opportunity at the gym, work, a store, or in your neighborhood.

  • Pray and ask God to give you spiritual eyes to see the right moment.

  • Introduce yourself and engage naturally in conversation.

  • When appropriate, say something simple and sincere, such as:
    “I’m a person of faith, and I just wanted to tell you that Jesus has changed my life…”

Keep it genuine. You’re not giving a sermon — you’re sharing your story.

Weekly Homework:

  • Watch the two assigned videos each week.

  • Take notes and come prepared to discuss the content during the following class session in table talks.

Attendance & Make-Up Work:

  • You are to expected to attend all classes, only 1 class could be missed.

  • If you miss a session, class notes will be provided.

  • You will be required to write a one-page, double-spaced reflection paper summarizing what you learned and took away from the material.

1. Character Formation | February 23rd

Subtitle: Becoming the kind of person God can trust with influence.

Description: Your gifting may get you into a position, but your character is what keeps you there. At LHC, we believe who you are matters more than what you can do. In this session, Pastor Alex will teach the essential spiritual practices and habits that form Christlike character, build integrity, and make you the kind of leader God can trust with real influence.

Schedule:

  • 6-6:30pm – Social hour (pizza)

  • 6:30-6:45pm – Program Breakdown (Pastor Johnny)

  • 6:45-7:45pm – Teaching (Pastor Alex)

Homework:

2. Theological Alignment | March 2nd

Subtitle: Building a biblical foundation that anchors how we lead.

Description: Bold, unified leadership requires biblical clarity. When our theology is aligned, our ministry moves in one direction—strong, confident, and unshaken. But when theology drifts, everything drifts. In this session, Pastor Alex will lay out LHC’s theological convictions, including our positions on abortion, sexuality and marriage, Israel, and the gifts of the Spirit. We lead from conviction, not cultural drift.

Schedule:

  • 6-6:15pm – Table Talks (Discussion from the Last Session & Homework)

  • 6:15-7:15pm – Teaching (Pastor Alex)

  • 7:15-7:45pm – Breakout (Statement of Faith review) (Pastor Johnny)

Homework:

3. Cultural Integration | March 9th

Subtitle: Embodying the culture of LHC and how we do ministry.

Description: Culture is who we are and how we operate. Great leaders don’t just understand culture—they embody it and protect it. In this session, Pastor Johnny will unpack the values, expectations, and ministry rhythms that shape LHC. You’ll learn how our teams function, how we lead people, and the practical principles that make our ministry healthy and aligned.

Schedule:

  • 6-6:15pm – Table Talks (Discussion from the Homework)

  • 6:15-7:15pm – Teaching (Pastor Johnny)

  • 7:15-7:45pm – Breakout (Mission & Values Worksheet, Strengths & Weaknesses)

Homework:

4. Leadership Capacity | March 16th

Subtitle: Developing the skills to lead with excellence and move the mission forward.

Description: As Leaders you are the lid to your ministry. Healthy teams, strong ministries, and forward momentum all start with a leader who chooses to grow. In this session, Pastor Alex & Johnny will share practical leadership tools, habits, and mindsets that help you expand your capacity, sharpen your skills, and lead with confidence and excellence.

Schedule:

  • 6-6:15pm – Table Talks (Discussion from the Homework)

  • 6:15-7:30pm – Teaching (Pastor Alex & Johnny)

  • 7:30-7:45pm – Breakout (Content to Subscribe To)

Homework:

5. Leadership Empowerment | March 23rd

Subtitle: Receiving spiritual authority and being released to lead.

Description: Leadership is more than training—it’s spiritual. In our final session, we gather for a powerful time of worship, prayer, and commissioning. Pastor Alex will anoint each leader, praying for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, authority, and grace to lead God’s people. You are not just trained… you are entrusted, empowered, and sent.

Schedule:

  • 6-6:30pm – Worship

  • 6:30-6:50pm – Word of Encouragement (Pastor Alex)

  • 6:50-7:10pm – Anointing Prayer

  • 7:20-8pm – Ceremony & Fellowship