About Leadership First

Based in Belfast, Leadership First is committed to the encouragement, support and development of effective leadership within the church in Northern Ireland and beyond. Because, quite simply, the local church is the hope of the world, and as such she must be well led.

Founder Chris Hollies has many years of experience in working with churches from across the denominational spectrum. He has helped churches develop at many levels and has effectively assisted with processes of change and the implementation of vision plans. He is a Mission Accompanier to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Northern Ireland representative of both the Willow Creek Association UK & Ireland and Purpose Driven UK. He loves Christ and His bride – the Church.

Chris particularly focuses on:

• Strategic planning within the local church – especially the development of ‘vision plans’ and their implementation. See the Looking to the Future course for one option as to how churches may receive help in this.
• The use of excellent diagnostic ‘tools’, such as the Natural Church Development survey, to assist churches in carrying out a review.
• The training of leaders for the development of a ‘small group’ ministry within a local church’s context.
• The development of church leaders.
• Resourcing churches with good quality training material and networking amongst leaders.
• Assisting with the organisation of office administration in the church, especially through training in the use of databases and accounting packages such as OMEGA.

Chris understands that each local church is unique and believes in offering a ‘church specific’ approach, with tailored support and resources to suit accordingly.

His desire and vision is to see healthy churches grow, supported by trained and equipped leaders, who enable each member to play their God given role and thus to see the church “build itself up in love as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16), for ultimately the Church is the hope of the world!