About : Northview Leadership Institute

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Northview Leadership Institute is to develop and equip Christian leaders, whether they are involved in lay ministry, exploring a vocational calling in the Church, or are already pastors looking for competency-based theological education and training. Whatever your level of involvement in ministry may be, we offer programs focused on Christ-like formation that will help you meet your current leadership goals while, at the same time, challenging you to think deeper about God’s Word and its application in the lives of those around you. Northview’s ‘DNA’ is rooted in the Mennonite Brethren, Anabaptist tradition, and is prominent in its central message of following Jesus Christ, individually and collectively. While bolstering this affinity, we also learn much from different Christian traditions throughout history and across cultures. We desire to equip followers of Christ, regardless of denomination, with foundational knowledge and understanding of the Bible so they gain confidence in discipling others—whether it involves leadership in the home, a Bible study or small group, or entire congregations.

The Northview Leadership Institute is inspired by the directive in scripture from Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV),

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’.”

It is our desire that the Institute will prepare followers of Christ to live each day for the glory of God because they have received instruction to know the doctrine of scripture and have learned the habits that cultivate spiritual disciplines.

Our Vision

The Northview Leadership Institute is founded, funded, and facilitated by Northview Community Church, and its programs are offered through Northwest Seminary and MB Biblical Seminary. The mission of Northview Community Church is to help people become deeply rooted followers of Jesus. Northview aspires to see people mature and increase in their love of God, His Word, and His world. In order to have healthy local churches, it is necessary to equip the people in the church to know God and love God at all levels of ministry within the Church. Northview has a strong desire to see the next generation of church leaders flourish in ministry and therefore provides a place where future leaders have an opportunity to develop their skills and discern where the Lord is calling them. All of this is carried out within the local church—it is the training ground.

As we see it, the journey begins with rooting ourselves in the Bible and creating spiritual disciplines in our lives that deepen our faith and understanding of who God is. By discovering how to become a better disciple of Jesus ourselves, we are then able to share in that journey with others. From this foundation, some will come away with a call on their lives to serve the church in perhaps a larger capacity. By exploring ministry opportunities we open ourselves up to see where God is leading us and how He wants to use us in the Church. As disciples who are grounded on a firm foundation of scripture and spiritual habits and who have begun to pursue God’s calling in their lives for ministry, there need to be opportunities to engage your ministry calling. Disciples need to be discipled by those with more experience and who have walked this path before them. They need to engage with mentors who can speak into their lives and confirm God’s call while they continue to grow in their knowledge of theology and biblical doctrine. At this point in the journey, our hope is that you know how and potentially where God is leading you in ministry and it is time to prepare for pastoral vocation. It is time to invest in specific training that will develop your conviction and competence and provide you with leadership experience.