THIS ACADEMIC YEAR, Highlands College hosted two memorable gatherings—distinct in format yet united in purpose. The Impact Partners Retreat hosted pastors and churches known as Impact Partners, and the Impact Summit hosted individuals and families known as Impact Team, both of whom give $100k+ per year to the College. Amongst key leaders of Highlands College, these key supporters were invited deeper into the heart of our mission: to develop students who are spiritually grounded and practically trained, ready to embody a life-giving culture within any area of ministry.

We first hosted a group of Impact Partners, pastors from churches across the country, at a special retreat off-campus. Chancellor Chris Hodges and Church of the Highlands’ Lead Pastor Mark Pettus invested in the pastors by creating an intimate, intentional space to share powerful leadership principles and to inspire the pastors’ partnership in equipping those who will lead tomorrow. As these pastors heard stories of transformation and saw firsthand the vision for what’s ahead, many left with a renewed commitment to help fuel our mission.

At the Impact Summit, a select group of high-capacity donors and prospective partners joined us for a three-day retreat. Through powerful stories of students who had once wrestled with calling, found clarity at Highlands College, and are now courageously leading in churches or completing their ministry degrees, guests encountered the undeniable fruit of God’s work through Highlands College.

In this meaningful space, relationships flourished, strangers became friends, and individual passion became a collective vision. In a remarkable outpouring of generosity and belief, nearly $12 million was committed to continue building America’s Ministry Leadership University.

These events beautifully expressed the unity in strengthening the local church and ensuring that future ministry leaders are fully prepared to serve with excellence, compassion, and faith.

The ripple effect of these gatherings is still unfolding, a testimony to what God can do through shared vision and surrendered hearts. If your heart beats for the next generation of ministry leaders, there is a place for you here. Come see what God is doing. Let’s build it together. ■