our mission
“One of the greatest gifts I ever received as a pastor was when our elder board said,
‘We’d like you to have a sabbatical.’’”
Brad Franklin
Founder and Executive Director of Church Hope
When pastors get a sabbatical, they receive a God-inspired gift that benefits both pastor and church for long-term health and effectiveness.
In 2018 I began seeking ways to offer sabbatical renewal services to other churches. I was fortunate to use my own sabbatical from Lakeside Church to serve a church in Rumney, New Hampshire. This became the foundation of Church Hope.
The primary tool we use for this mission is Sabbatical Renewal. We provide pastoral leadership for a six-week period while the church’s pastor receives a sabbatical. To this end, we have assembled a team of highly qualified and gifted Pastor Partners who share the mission of Church Hope. Each brings a passion to serve our Lord Jesus in ways that encourage pastors and the churches they serve in support of the health of the church We support the vision and mission of the church during those six weeks and serve in whatever capacities the pastor requests: preaching, leading Sunday gatherings, coaching the elder board and/or encouraging church volunteers and members.
Two principles shape our ministry. First, we offer our service at no cost to the church. It is designed as a gift.
Second, we commit to make no changes to the church in the pastor’s absence. The pastor must be free of worry about the church while he is away from the church during sabbatical. The sermons and series we prepare are always guided and approved by the pastor before his departure for sabbatical.
We have one request for our team – the church is asked to provide housing for Church Hope’s Pastor Partners. These arrangements are made with the pastor or a church leader before the sabbatical begins.
Brad launched Lakeside Church in Folsom, Ca, by means of a telemarketing campaign in 1987, which means he embraces adventure. He has served as Lakeside’s lead pastor through the honeymoon phase, in the...
Paul spent 40 years serving five congregations, ranging in size from 50 to 2,000, in various settings including rural, urban and suburban environments. He is uniquely gifted in the...
Paul has served in local church ministry for over 40 years in various capacities: as a youth pastor, adult ministries pastor, church planter/lead pastor, and associate pastor...
Mike served as pastor for over thirty years. His mission was compassionate outreach to people in the community through the church. In Rancho Cordova he led the church to start...
Dale brings over 42 years of experience in leading and revitalizing churches. He is passionate about encouraging congregations to pursue a vibrant walk with Christ...
Paul has led over 700 church consultations and authored multiple books on church health. He continues to train pastors and equip congregations globally...
Greg spent over 30 years in public service, the last 30 for the community in which he grew up. During that time, he managed the budget and finance department operations as well as...
the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. It reveals God Himself, and His will for humanity.
(Psalm 19:7-11, Isaiah 40:8, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:21)
in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect & eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1:26, Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 28:19-20)
in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is true God and true man. He was born of a virgin, died on a cross for the sins of humanity, rose bodily from death and ascended into heaven. We believe his promise to return to earth for his disciples.
(John 1:1-14, John 14:1-9, Acts 1:11, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 24:1-51, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
the Holy Spirit convicts the world and indwells and empowers the believers in Christ.
(John 16:8-14, Romans 8:26, Acts 2:38-39, Ephesians 5:18)
that all human beings have sinned and are now saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
(John 14:6, Romans 3:10-23, Titus 3:5)
in the global church, comprised of all people who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation. This church is expressed visibly in local assemblies of baptized believers who practice the ordinances and are actively living to fulfill the great commission and the great commandments.
(Matthew 16:18, Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 4:1-15)
Here are some of the ways we can help


Watch the video to hear more about our mission and how you can help be a part of it.
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