2027 Church Life, Leadership, and Planting (Advanced) Network
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The Church Life, Leadership, and Planting (Advanced) Network is designed to equip leaders with the theological foundations, practical strategies, and spiritual resilience needed to lead evangelistic churches and networks and navigate the complexities of pioneering ministry in the 21st century.
2027 Theme: A Theological Vision of God's Holiness for Christian Life, Church, and Mission
These sessions seek to recover a biblical and theological vision of the holiness of God through a progression that moves from God's self-revelation to Christian formation and mission:
- See the Holy God.
- Understand the Holy God.
- Be transformed by the Holy God.
- Become a holy people.
- Join God's mission.
Beginning with Scripture's unfolding revelation of God's holiness across redemptive history, we will develop a theological understanding of divine holiness before exploring its implications for the Christian life, the church, and Gospel mission. Throughout, the aim is to combine biblical exposition, theological reflection, and practical application in a way that serves pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders.
Prior preparation will be set for all applicants.
What Network Participants Are Saying
- “I really enjoyed the leaders who spoke in the Network. They listened and were able to communicate and share their knowledge with us. They took time to stop and ask questions as well as let us stop to ask them questions.” - 2024 Network Participant
- "I'm thankful to you for the opportunity to attend ELF and meet many experienced people who are able to share their knowledge and heart. ELF is a tremendous opportunity to get to know people who have the same vision, to learn from them, and to develop the ministry. Inspired plenary sessions, great fellowship, training at the Network, and deep and profound sessions at the workshops are great blessings for me. It will enormously help me in my ministry, helping me to be more effective in leading the people and spreading His Kingdom." - Mykola Sychev, Pastor and Executive Secretary of AMCU, Ukraine
- "I came into the Forum with hurt and was a little disillusioned about continuing in ministry. Through the encouragement of new friends, the prayers of fellow ministers, and new connections through networking, the Lord has answered my questions. I am now returning home with a fresh vision and energy to continue on in the calling God has placed on my heart." - Noah Johnson, Church Planter, Slovakia
Applicants should be involved in senior leadership within a local church or those leading or seeking to build a network of churches. This Network explores principles and practices found in the New Testament for local church life, leadership, and planting. Applicants should be leaders who have previously participated in the Church Life, Leadership, and Planting Network.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Maurice Nightingale is a member of the Relational Mission core team with responsibilities that include the supervision of early-stage church planting on the mainland of Europe, in particular training and coaching pioneer leaders and developing strategies for both initiating and supporting church… Read more
Vlada Stojanovic was born and raised in Nis, Serbia, where he graduated in mechanical engineering. He spent 4 years in the UK training in missions and receiving his education in theology and leadership, at the same time working in local churches. Currently, he is finishing his master’s degree in… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 23 May
In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah experiences a profound vision of God seated on a high throne, surrounded by seraphim who proclaim His holiness. Overwhelmed by his unworthiness, Isaiah fears for his life, yet one of the seraphim touches his lips with a burning coal, declaring his sins forgiven, upon which God commissions Isaiah to deliver a message to his spiritually wayward nation. This episode provides a fitting introduction to this Network, seeking to recover a biblical, theological, and missiological vision of the holiness of God for church life and leadership today.
We continue by tracing God's self-revelation as the Holy One throughout the biblical storyline. Rather than starting with an abstract definition, we will explore how holiness emerges through creation, the fall, Israel's history, the prophets, the cross of Christ, and the new creation. The goal is to see holiness as one of Scripture's great unifying themes and to understand how it frames God's purposes throughout redemptive history.
Monday, 24 May
Building on the biblical foundation, this session will develop a theological understanding of divine holiness. We will briefly consider major emphases within the Christian tradition before presenting a constructive vision that seeks to integrate and deepen them. Along the way, we will explore how God's holiness relates to the cross of Christ, God's glory, the unity of His character, and the coherence of the Gospel, showing why a rich understanding of God's holiness matters for Christian theology, worship, and ministry.
In an honour-shame culture, the divine holiness of God is seen as a standard of moral purity and communal integrity. God's holiness emphasises the importance of upholding honour and avoiding shame, as actions impact family and community reputation. Believers often view sin as dishonourable, driving a desire for redemption and reconciliation. This perspective highlights the struggle to restore one's standing with both God and the community, showcasing the transformative power of grace in overcoming shame.
Tuesday, 25 May
What does it mean to encounter God as holy? And what happens when we do? This session explores how God's holiness shapes the Christian life, not only morally but spiritually and intellectually. We will reflect on the interconnected themes of holiness and joy, holiness and sanctification, and holiness and worship. We will also consider how a robust vision of God forms resilient believers whose confidence and assurance rest not in themselves but in the character of God.
The holiness of God inevitably shapes the people of God. This session will consider how God's character forms Christian leadership, authentic community, and healthy ministry. Particular attention will be given to integrity in leadership, the church as a holy people, and the way God's holiness shapes both the culture and the purpose of local churches as they seek to reflect Christ in the world.
Wednesday, 26 May
Positional holiness is the believer's status before God, granted through faith in Jesus Christ and not based on personal merit. This unchangeable status defines their identity as righteous and holy. In contrast, practical holiness involves the daily expression of faith through behaviours and choices aligned with God's standards. It encompasses the sanctification process, reflecting growth in Christ's likeness and serving as evidence of one's positional holiness, showcasing the transformative power of Christ in a believer's life.
The final session draws the week together by asking how a deeper vision of God's holiness shapes discipleship and mission. Rather than merely acquiring theological knowledge, believers are invited to inhabit God's redemptive story and participate in His purposes for the world. We will consider practical ways leaders can cultivate churches that are deeply rooted in the knowledge of God and equipped to make mature disciples across diverse cultural contexts.