Resources for Ministers
Books, assessments, mentoring groups and trusted partner ministries, gathered to help you stay healthy, grow as a leader, and serve your church well in every season of ministry.
Click a category to see its resources.
HN Mentoring GroupsGuided peer cohorts led by experienced ministers1 program
Early Ministry Leadership Cohort
Helping young ministers thrive while strengthening the churches they serve
The first years of ministry are formative, shaping both the minister and their congregation. This mentoring cohort supports ministers in those crucial early seasons by developing spiritual depth, leadership clarity, and relational wisdom. Through guided discussion and peer learning, participants gain meaningful insight into themselves, their ministry, their leadership relationships, and the culture of the churches they serve. All sessions are conducted via Zoom, making participation accessible regardless of location.
Leadership Bootcamp for Women in MinistrySmall-group coaching from experienced women ministers1 program
Leadership Bootcamp for Women in Ministry
Two experienced women in ministry guide a small group of female ministers through virtual sessions that build confidence, conflict-resolution ability, credibility, and courage. Email HN Associates Amanda Box or Becky Burroughs for details.
HN BooksPractical wisdom from HOPE Network’s own ministry leaders2 books
Navigating the Storm: Resources of HOPE for Church Leaders
by HOPE Network Ministries
Practical guidance and encouragement for leaders facing the challenges of ministry, with chapters on group leadership, vision, non-anxious leadership, spiritual formation, and church health.
Doing God’s Work: A Primer for Church Leaders
by HOPE Network Ministries
Wisdom on mentoring, leadership identity, renewing a church’s mission, shepherd selection, spiritual formation, soul care, and helping weary leaders.
Self-Assessment ResourcesTools for honest reflection on your health, calling, and next season7 resources
Burnout Inventory
Reveals your level of burnout so you can take the steps needed to remain, retain, or regain personal health and vitality. Helpful for ministers and elders alike.
Theological Worlds Inventory
Helps you discern the “world” you’re living in (your experiences, thoughts, feelings, and surroundings) and whether it has become stifling or unhealthy.
Compelling Preaching Survey Report (2023)
Pepperdine University & HOPE Network Ministries
Eight audiences in Restoration Heritage churches on what makes sermons and preachers compelling, and what makes the story of Jesus feel real and powerful.
Why HOPE Network Uses the Grip-Birkman
An overview of the personality and behavior assessment HOPE Network uses with ministers and leadership teams.
The Emotionally Healthy Leader
by Peter Scazzero
Gets beneath the surface to the core issues of Christian leadership: how transforming your inner life transforms your church, team, and world.
Stuck!: Navigating Life and Leadership Transitions
by Terry B. Walling
For leaders who feel stuck between seasons, a guide to understanding and moving through life and ministry transitions.
The Third Third of Life: Preparing for Your Future
by Walter C. Wright Jr.
Considering retirement? Eight sessions that lead you thoughtfully into the third third of life and help you plan your next steps.
Team BuildingHelp your staff and leaders understand one another1 resource
Why HOPE Network Uses the Grip-Birkman
How the Grip-Birkman helps ministry teams see their strengths and stress patterns, and work together better.
Leadership Marriage CareStrengthening the marriages of those who lead4 resources
Partner Ministry
Growing Love Network
Founded by HN Partner Jon Anderson
Helps struggling and failing marriages through weekly classes, seminars, retreats, and professional counseling.
Growing Love: The 9 Essentials of Lifelong Love
by Jon R. Anderson
A nine-week guide for classes or group study, which also works as a self-growth aid when a spouse is unwilling to get help.
365 Days of Growing Love
by Jon R. Anderson
A few moments a day for a year to grow the way you love: a daily supplement for your relational health.
Marriage Mentoring: 12 Conversations
Twelve guided conversations for mentoring couples in ministry leadership.
Spiritual FormationNourishment for the leader’s own soul4 resources
God Hungry
by HN Partner Jim Martin
Encouraging ideas about life, marriage, parenting, leadership, and ministry, with at least one post each week for church leaders.
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership
by Henri Nouwen
A counter-definition of leadership rooted in community and in our identity as a people “called.”
The Way of the Heart
by Henri Nouwen
Connecting with God through prayer, wisdom, and silence, leaving the noise of the world for the way that leads to God.
Practicing God’s Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today’s Reader
by Robert Elmer
An updated edition of the sayings of Brother Lawrence, the 17th-century monk who showed believers how to live in God’s presence.
Church HealthLeading your congregation toward wholeness and maturity2 books
The Emotionally Healthy Church
by Peter Scazzero
A discipleship strategy that actually changes lives, and what it takes to lead a congregation to wholeness and maturity in Christ.
The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community
by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay
Real-life stories of how the best ancient church practices can re-emerge today, in a church of any size.
Children’s MinistrySupport for those who lead and teach kids1 website
The Confident Kid Ministry
by HN Associate Shannon Rains
Articles for children’s ministry leaders, including these especially helpful pieces from the COVID-19 season:
Not sure where to start?
You don’t have to navigate ministry alone. A HOPE Network minister would be glad to talk with you.