With the theme “Eternal Hope for the Unreached,” more than 200 Hope Channel leaders and Adventist Church leaders from around the world gathered in Dubai for the 2025 Network Leadership Conference (NLC25) for a week of connection, collaboration, and Spirit-led strategy. Held from April 25–30, the event offered a time to pause and reflect, then press forward with clarity and renewed commitment to the network’s shared vision: reaching 1 billion people with the message of eternal hope by 2030.

The conference was structured around four key segments: Inspire, Equip, Strategize, and Connect the Network. These pillars shaped the flow of the week and created space for worship, training, vision-casting, and storytelling from across the globe.

"Hope Starts Here" – A Call to Bold, Creative Disruption

In the opening keynote, Vyacheslav Demyan, president of Hope Channel International, challenged the network to embrace creative disruption and media innovation to fulfill the 2030 Vision.

“We cannot stick to what was,” Vyacheslav urged. “We must break outdated models and take risks — not just for the sake of change, but because people everywhere need the hope only Jesus can bring. Media is our tool. The gospel is our mission. Let’s not be afraid to disrupt what’s comfortable to reach what’s possible.”

This spirit of bold faith and practical innovation was echoed throughout the week — from inspiring devotionals by Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, to strategy-packed plenary sessions, practical breakout discussions, and updates from across the global network.

Plenary Sessions and Strategic Insights

Throughout the week, plenary sessions explored creative strategies for reaching new audiences, producing contextualized content, and using digital platforms effectively. Leaders shared practical tools, lessons from recent outreach efforts, and powerful stories of impact. The conversations were grounded in a shared mission to make meaningful spiritual connections across cultures and generations.

Breakout sessions allowed attendees to explore tools and strategies for making meaningful impact at the local level, while “Connecting with the Network” sessions spotlighted exciting developments from around the world – including the official launch of Hope Channel Nepal, Hope Channel Papua New Guinea, Hope Channel South Sudan, and Hope Channel Mizo – each one representing new opportunities to share the message of hope in local languages and contexts.

Network Strategic Framework Approved

A major milestone of NLC25 was the formal approval of the Hope Channel Network Strategic Framework, a five-year roadmap developed through extensive global consultation. Built around four key priorities – Impactful, United, Adaptable, and Resourced – the framework is designed to align the network’s efforts while honoring the diversity and context of each local entity.

Rather than prescribing a single plan, the framework offers a shared foundation for decision-making, empowering each Hope Channel to create its own locally adapted strategic plan in harmony with the global mission. It also encourages deeper collaboration, resource sharing, and a renewed focus on using media as a tool for disciple-making.

A Spirit of Unity and Purpose

As NLC25 drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of shared dedication and hopeful anticipation. From newly launched channels to innovative digital strategies, from deep spiritual renewal to practical collaboration, the week reflected a network both growing in reach and deepening in mission.

Following the event, Demyan reflected on the significance of what God is doing through the Hope Channel Global Network: 

“At NLC25, we saw more than plans and presentations — we saw God’s Spirit at work. The Hope Channel Network is full of leaders who are passionate about using media to make disciples, and that gives me great hope. I believe we’re just beginning to see what God can do when we move forward together, in faith, in creativity, and in unity,” he said. “Hope starts here — with the Hope Channel global network, with church leaders and church members, with anyone passionate about sharing the love of God. Hope starts here.”

The next Hope Channel Network Leadership Conference will take place July 3–8, 2026, in Australia.

The original article was published on the Hope Channel International news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.