Newsletter: March 2026
Welcome to this quarter’s update from Horizon Network. We’re grateful to stay connected with you as we continue working together toward greater Kingdom impact—doing more together than we ever could on our own.
This newsletter is designed to keep everyone in the loop with important updates, upcoming events, opportunities for gathering, and the latest on grants and initiatives happening across the network. We’re excited about what’s ahead and thankful for the ways each of you continues to be part of the story.
Our Shared Purpose: Exponential Kingdom Impact
As a Network, “we exist to facilitate transformation and exponential Kingdom impact… to do exponentially more together than what we’re able to do on our own”. Inspired by the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and the call to be witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8), we run this race together to make disciples who make disciples.
New Board Members
The Horizon Network Board was excited to welcome two new board members, Ross Fernsturm and Doug Boone, at our January meeting.
Ross Fernstrum
Serving Through Leadership and Discipleship Ross Fernstrum, a northwest Iowa native residing in Rock Valley, brings a deep commitment to the local church to the Horizon Network Board. Ross and his wife, Lisa, are active members of Faith Reformed Church, where Ross has served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and is currently an Elder.
Ross’s faith was shaped by his upbringing in Primghar and further solidified during his time at Northwestern College. It was in college that his love for the church found a biblical foundation through the study of theology and God’s word.
Ross is passionate about leadership development and maintaining a lean structure that effectively connects churches. Having observed ministry across multiple states, he brings a perspective focused on building trust and communication to help local consistories and church staffs thrive.
Doug Boone
Moving the Kingdom Forward Doug Boone, a lifelong resident of Sioux Center, joins the board after a distinguished 42-year career with Premier Communications, where he served as CEO for 20 years. Doug and his wife, Janet, have been active members of Central Reformed Church, where Doug has served extensively as both a deacon and elder.
While Doug grew up in the church, a "Promise Keepers" conference in 1993 served as a catalyst for his faith, leading him to see the global Church through a new lens. This spark led to a deeper understanding of God’s grace and a commitment to men's ministry and missions.
Doug is a proponent of the idea that the greater Church works better together. He hopes to use his extensive experience in organizational leadership to "move things forward" and help lay leadership better understand how to engage missionally for the Kingdom of God.
2026 Grants!
Did you know that Horizon Network has grants that our Network churches can apply for?
As your network church pursues making an 'exponential Kingdom impact' - we invite churches to request a financial grant from the Horizon Network Board. Grants are awarded for initiatives that fit within our shared priorities:
Multiplication
Leadership Development,
Missional Engagement
If you and your church are interested in more information on these grants, reach out to Network Leader, Bobby Van Otterloo (bobby@networkhorizon.org) or check out our grant page:
Update from the Covenant Keeper’s Team:
The Covenant Keeper’s Team is getting ready to start our Five-year Church renewals for the denomination. During this process, the Covenant Keeper’s Team will connect with our network churches to start the process. The Horizon Network Covenant Keepers Team will engage the consistory and pastor(s) in a conversation to determine whether the church and pastor(s) remain theologically and missionally aligned with the Alliance. This conversation is intended to be characterized by mutual encouragement and engagement.
Looking for Short-Term Missions Opportunities?
An Alliance partner Serge has a number of opportunities for your missions teams or individuals considering missions work. Check out the attached opportunities in Chile, Dominican Republic, North Africa and South Asia.
Serge is a grace-based international missions organization that brings together mission and spiritual renewal. Serge is a church equipping and missions organization with deep Reformed roots.
Serge realizes we need the grace of the gospel in our own lives, even as we take the message of God’s grace to others. Their work consists of helping people experience ongoing gospel transformation and equipping them to move outward into mission.
How to Pray for the Horizon Network
We invite you to join us in lifting up these specific needs:
Laser-Focus: Pray that we remain strictly focused on the mission of Christ in the world.
Missional Blessing: Pray for opportunities to bless our Network churches as they share the gospel in creative ways.
Strategic Growth: Ask for guidance as we add new churches and staff to facilitate the needs of the network.
The Right Partners: Pray specifically that God would bring the right partner churches to join the Horizon Network.