About Us
Partnering With You As You Become A Fully-Devoted Follower of Jesus
What is Leadership Development?
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:12-13, lays the foundation for the Leadership Development Institute at Hope Community Church:
To equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is specifically designed to partner with followers of Jesus to explore and enhance their leadership skills for service both inside and outside of the church.
Ultimately, effective leadership blesses others and brings honor to God, while poor leadership has the potential to cause harm. LDI provides a space for everyone to cultivate biblical thinking, develop Christ-like character, and improve their ministry skills.
Why Church-Based Leadership Development?
We believe that churches are uniquely positioned and tasked with nurturing future Kingdom leaders. Leadership Development within a church setting provides a comprehensive 360º view of a leader’s life, as they receive feedback and support from staff, peers, and congregation members throughout their internship and in various situations.
What is the difference between a traditional internship and a LDI Internship?
Traditional internships often concentrate solely on the professional skills necessary for a specific industry, neglecting the essential aspects of personal and resource development. However, an LDI internship offers a holistic approach that combines personal growth (like self-awareness, character, and mindset), resource development (focusing on leadership, time management, and financial literacy), and professional advancement (including skill enhancement, networking opportunities, strategic thinking, and organizational skills). By tailoring the experience to each intern’s unique needs, we create an environment that not only maximizes potential but also fosters gospel-centered transformation.
Pillars of LDI
God’s word informs everything we do and think. Christian leaders must develop sound theology and learn to read and interpret Scripture to navigate a world flooded with input and information.
Character is critical for leadership. Leaders must know and adopt the character of Christ. Through LDI’s church-based training, we provide an environment for this process, which requires knowledge, persistence, and guidance.
All followers of Jesus are called to be ministers of the gospel in the church and the world. Learning more about ministry while receiving guidance from experienced leaders allows participants to grow their practical leadership skills.
History of the Leadership Development Institute
Since its founding as a church in 1996, Hope Community Church has been committed to church-based leadership development. The Leadership Development Institute started in the fall of 2000, with the first class of interns graduating in the spring of 2001. Since then, church-based leadership development has continued to be a key priority of Hope Community Church.
Over the past 22 years we’ve had over 140 interns who have completed our 10-month long internship program. About 30 of those interns felt a desire to work in ministry, plant churches, or other related spheres and so continued on for a second and third year. We have had 16 church planters participate in the program who have gone on to plant domestic churches and pursue international cross-cultural church planting, including amongst unreached people groups.
Staff
Naty Severson
Senior Director of LDI
Kaelyn Larson
Associate Director of Connection and Discipleship Associate