Newsletter: September 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.
Leadership Development – Horizon Network All-Staff Gathering
In August, staff from across the Horizon Network gathered at New Life Church in Sioux Center for a morning of learning, encouragement, and fellowship. We were blessed to hear from Brimstone Leadership and Coaching Group as they led us through conversations around workability and sustainability in leadership—helping us consider how we can lead ourselves, our churches, and our teams in ways that are healthy, authentic, and rooted in who we are in Christ. We wrapped up our time by sharing a meal together and enjoying the opportunity to connect with fellow ministry leaders from across the Network. These all-staff gatherings, which we try to hold a few times each year, continue to be a valuable opportunity to grow together, strengthen relationships, and encourage one another as we serve our churches and communities.
Horizon Network at the Alliance Gathering
August 19–21, representatives from every church in the Horizon Network traveled to Zeeland, Michigan, for the 2026 Alliance Gathering. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with pastors, leaders, and church members from across the country as we worshiped, learned, and enjoyed fellowship together as part of the larger Alliance family.
This year’s Gathering was rooted in our shared call to discipleship, inviting leaders and churches to engage with God, with one another, and with the mission of making disciples. Through worship, main-session teaching, breakout sessions, and shared learning, we were challenged to sharpen our vision, strengthen our practices, and live more fully into God’s call of discipleship.
Beyond the teaching, the Gathering provided many opportunities to build relationships and discover resources to strengthen our churches and ministries. Women serving in ministry and leadership also had a special opportunity to gather for fellowship and encouragement.
We are especially grateful that every Horizon Network church was represented at this year’s Gathering. It was a blessing to spend time together, strengthen relationships across the Alliance, and return home encouraged and better equipped to make disciples in the places God has called us to serve.
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 and
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 has completed the two churches scheduled to go through the Five-year Church renewal for 2026. New Life and Centerpoint Churches in Sioux Center both went through the process and have been renewed. The Covenant Keepers Team was blessed by the process and had good discussions with leadership teams from both churches. These conversations were characterized by mutual encouragement and engagement.
How to Pray for the Horizon Network
Thank you for praying with us as we seek God’s leading and continue pursuing His mission together. Here are a few specific ways you can pray for the Horizon Network:
Missional Impact: Pray that God would open doors for our Network churches to creatively and faithfully share the gospel, serve their communities, and make disciples.
Healthy Growth: Pray for wisdom and discernment as the Horizon Network grows—adding churches, developing leaders, and building the staff and resources needed to serve our churches well.
New Church Partners: Ask God to lead the right churches into partnership with the Horizon Network—churches that share our heart for the gospel and desire to pursue God’s mission together.