Michael Epp

This initiative outlines a strategic response to the urgent challenge of a looming shortage of evangelical Christian leaders in Canada, emphasizing the need to equip a new generation. It identifies the demographic crisis among current leaders and the projected annual need for replacements. The core strategy involves pioneering local church hubs to provide accessible, accredited, competency-based theological and leadership training, enabling individuals to develop without disrupting their families or careers. The vision is to reverse the Christian leadership crisis by preparing leaders with wisdom, courage, and hope to address modern challenges and build the Kingdom, sustained through donor support and community partnerships.

This document introduces "Horizon 8.0", a strategic vision for Horizon College & Seminary, intended to redefine Christian education. Launching in Fall 2015, this initiative commemorates the college's 80th year by implementing a completely new, competency-based curriculum. The plan aims to prepare competently trained Christian leaders for ministry in the 21st century through a distinct and innovative educational model.

This strategic plan addresses the urgent challenge of a declining number of Christian leaders in Canada due to an aging demographic and impending retirements. The plan focuses on raising up new leaders by pioneering church hubs where individuals can pursue accredited, competency-based college and seminary-level training in Bible, theology, leadership, and counseling within their local churches. This flexible model enables aspiring leaders to receive education and practical ministry experience without leaving their families or current careers. The overarching goal is to prepare a new generation of pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders who possess wisdom, courage, and hope, thereby reversing the Christian leadership crisis and building the kingdom in an era of uncertainty.

This plan addresses the significant leadership gap for pastors in Canada. It aims to meet this demand by reimagining Christian higher education, pioneering competency-based education, and launching a new church hub model nationwide. The initiatives focus on providing practical skills and theological training, ensuring affordable tuition through donor support, expanding church hubs, and equipping the next generation of Christian leaders for service.

This document outlines the "Horizon 8.0" vision for Horizon College and Seminary, set to launch in Fall 2015. The strategic direction involves transitioning from a traditional bible college model to a Christian leadership training institute, emphasizing a competency-based education. Key pillars include developing leaders and administrators, fostering spiritual maturity, promoting contextual awareness, cultivating ministry developers and disciple-makers, and ensuring students are skilled communicators and biblically/theologically sound. The plan also details needs for quality faculty, facility upgrades, technological engagement, and promotional efforts.