Aloha From the Hawaii Pastor’s Practicum
I am in Honolulu right now at the New Hope Pastor’s Practicum. What can I say? It really is about the conference, but it sure is beautiful here. My purpose for coming here is to learn. The bible says in Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding. (NCV) One of the important principles of life and ministry is to be a lifelong learner. I am here this week to learn from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and New Hope Church.
Here is an overview of their influence for Christ: New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii has over 11,500 in weekend attendance. New Hope is also listed as one of the top ten most innovative churches in America with Outreach Magazine listing them as one of the “top five churches to learn from.” New Hope is known for redeeming the arts and technology. Over 3,000 attend services each week via the Internet. New Hope has seen over 73,000 first time decisions in Hawaii since its inception 29 years ago.
Pastor Wayne is a church planter at heart with over 140 churches planted in the Pacific Rim countries of the Philippines, Japan, Australia and Myanmar. Nationally, he has planted churches in Hawaii, California, Washington, and Nevada. He has authored twelve books, including such classics as Doing Church as a Team and The Divine Mentor. Pastor Wayne is also the author of the Life Journal, a bible reading, devotional tool, which is being used by thousands of churches worldwide.
As you can see, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and New Hope Church have accomplished a great deal for God and as a result of their common priorities with Horizon, which include Pentecostal roots, a relational style, being a multi-site church and having a worldwide missions emphasis, we have chosen to come here and glean from their rich history and wisdom in the work of the Kingdom of God.
Would you pray for me, Pastor Brad, Tiffany Ordonez and our spouses as we receive this week from Pastor Wayne and New Hope Church? Pray that God would teach us and bless us with His vast knowledge and His great wisdom. Pray that we would receive all that God has for us through these wonderful servants who have been so successful in reaching the lost and discipling the found.
I believe that the best days for Horizon Community Church are ahead of us. I am here to learn and grow and be the best leader I can be as I go forward. Thanks for partnering with us in prayer.
Proverbs 2:2 …turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding… (NIV)
Grace and Truth,
Pastor Stan