Communal as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership Explore the Communal theme of Polycentric Leadership, showing how shared identity, mutual responsibility, and collective discernment shape trust, resilience, and long-term sustainability in decentralized leadership systems.

(PCL) Communal as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership: Explore the Communal theme of Polycentric Leadership, showing how shared identity, mutual responsibility, and collective discernment shape trust, resilience, and long-term sustainability… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Leading Together: Collective, Collaborative, and Network Leadership in a Polycentric Age GUEST POST BY LAURA SLEZAK WITH JOSEPH HANDLEY The challenges of our time—whether in the church, mission organizations, or the marketplace—are complex. In the unpredictable, global world we’re in, traditional ways of viewing leadership just don’t reflect the reality organizations face in navigating constant change and unpredictable global forces. Increasingly, leadership must be understood as […]

ICYMI: (PCL) Leading Together: Collective, Collaborative, and Network Leadership in a Polycentric Age: GUEST POST BY LAURA SLEZAK WITH JOSEPH HANDLEY The challenges of our time—whether in the church, mission organizations, or the marketplace—are… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Collaborative as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and collaboration across decentralized, global networks.

ICYMI: (PCL) Collaborative as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership: This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Leading Together: Collective, Collaborative, and Network Leadership in a Polycentric Age GUEST POST BY LAURA SLEZAK WITH JOSEPH HANDLEY The challenges of our time—whether in the church, mission organizations, or the marketplace—are complex. In the unpredictable, global world we’re in, traditional ways of viewing leadership just don’t reflect the reality organizations face in navigating constant change and unpredictable global forces. Increasingly, leadership must be understood as […]

(PCL) Leading Together: Collective, Collaborative, and Network Leadership in a Polycentric Age: GUEST POST BY LAURA SLEZAK WITH JOSEPH HANDLEY The challenges of our time—whether in the church, mission organizations, or the marketplace—are complex. In… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Collaborative as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and collaboration across decentralized, global networks.

(PCL) Collaborative as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership: This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Polycentric Leadership at All Nations United Methodist Church: By HUNN CHOI

Read the story here: http://dlvr.it/TRmWbq

#PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

YWAM and the Emergence of a Polycentric Leadership Model Over the past two decades, Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has undergone one of the most significant leadership shifts in global mission structures — a move away from executive hierarchy toward distribute...

(PCL) YWAM and the Emergence of a Polycentric Leadership Model: Circles, Circuits, Cycles Over the past two decades, Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has undergone one of the most significant leadership shifts in… dlvr.it/TRhlkh #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

YWAM and the Emergence of a Polycentric Leadership Model Circles, Circuits, Cycles Over the past two decades, Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has undergone one of the most significant leadership shifts in global mission structures — a move away from executive hierarchy toward distributed eldership. This shift was not merely structural. It was theological, relational, and movement-oriented. YWAM describes this framework using the language […]

(PCL) YWAM and the Emergence of a Polycentric Leadership Model: Circles, Circuits, Cycles Over the past two decades, Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has undergone one of the most significant leadership shifts in global mission structures — a move away from… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Polycentric Leadership at All Nations United Methodist Church By HUNN CHOI Introduction Polycentric leadership has emerged as one of the most effective approaches to addressing the complexity of today’s global church. Over the years, I have seen how monocentric leadership, whether hierarchical, personality-driven, or centralized, often struggles in multicultural and globalized settings. In contrast, polycentric leadership distributes authority, encourages collaboration, and promotes accountability […]

(PCL) Polycentric Leadership at All Nations United Methodist Church: By HUNN CHOI Introduction Polycentric leadership has emerged as one of the most effective approaches to addressing the complexity of today’s global church. Over the years, I have seen… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

Who stole my sheep? The church’s hidden barrier to growth International (MNN) — The world is changing, and the way the church is operating is changing.

(MNN) Who stole my sheep? The church’s hidden barrier to growth: International (MNN) — The world is changing, and the way the church is operating is changing. #MissionNetworkNews #A3Leaders #news

The African Church is ready to do good work:  

Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but Christian leaders seek theological development.

http://dlvr.it/TRYNVC

#news #A3Leaders #missionnetworknews

The African Church is ready to do good work   Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but Christian leaders seek theological development. Africa (MNN) — Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but Christian leaders there still seek and need theological development. Jeyakaran “Jakes” Emmanuel with A3 says that in the next decade, ministries in Africa will need to invest strategically, as Christians on the continent are poised to do gospel work for several reasons. First, Africa has the youngest median age of any continent at just 19 years old.       A3 logo with tagline   Second, Africa has the fastest church growth of any continent in the world. Emmanuel says that it is projected that 40% of the world’s Church will live in Africa by 2050. Third, Africa has shifted from being a mission field to becoming a mission force, with the continent already sending out thousands of cross-cultural missionaries. Despite these blessings, there remains a critical leadership gap in the African church. With the African church growing so fast and with regional issues of conflict and poverty, resources for theological training are spread thin. “One of the greatest needs in the African church is church health and for the purity of the gospel to be preserved, because we are seeing rampant growth of the prosperity gospel and a whole lot of cults emerging all across Africa,” Emmanuel says. Due to rampant false gospel start-up churches in Rwanda, last year, the president of Rwanda shut down churches across the country, including about 9,000 churches, because of the emergence of the false gospel and scammers in start-up churches, as well as the lack of theological education for the pastors. “The false gospels, prosperity gospel being one of them, and a whole lot of heretical teachings that are rapidly gaining ground…” Emmanuel says. “There is again, the huge need for training of pastors and leaders and theological education, leadership development, and all of them become very critical needs for the continent.” Emmanuel says doors are opening and church denominations are coming together to welcome A3 into lead church leadership in discipleship and training.“ A3 is poised to impact all of Africa, but the needs are great, and we pray that the Lord of the harvest will provide the needs for us to take his kingdom into this continent,” Emmanuel says. Please pray that God will provide the financial and human resources needed to do this coming work. Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 2:51) Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Mar12-2026.mp3 More Information * This story by Katie Siedenburg was originally published on 12-Mar-2026 by Mission Network News: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-african-church-is-ready-to-do-good-work/ * Image credits: * Header photo courtesy of Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay. * A3 logo with tagline courtesy of A3. --- Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empower them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.  

(MNN) The African Church is ready to do good work:  


Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but Christian leaders seek theological development.




Africa (MNN) — Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but… @missionnetworknews #news #A3Leaders #missionnetworknews

The African Church is ready to do good work Africa (MNN) — Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but Christian leaders seek theological development.

(MNN) The African Church is ready to do good work: Africa (MNN) — Africa is emerging as a missionary-sending continent, but Christian leaders seek theological development. #MissionNetworkNews #A3Leaders #news

Hope under air sirens: reaching the unreached in war zones   Practical ways to be helpful to people in war-torn zones International (MNN) — Many people around the world remain unreached — not for lack of effort. But in war zones, danger and limited access often make sharing the Good News nearly impossible. At the same time, the hardship of conflict can leave people searching for hope and meaning. Janelle Stoops with A3 says the first step is to pray and ask God for a strategy for each specific region and its needs. Then, serve the people in front of them. “We want to go in with a strategy that looks to, ‘How can we bless the people there?’ And oftentimes that might be coming in as an NGO worker or doing some sort of humanitarian aid,” she says.       Children playing in the old tank, Kabul (photo courtesy of M.A Sarwari via Unplash)   Alongside practical help, ministries also focus on healing the deep wounds left by war. The Gospel’s message of hope is often paired with trauma counseling, as trained believers help people process the horrors they have experienced. “They [people] are able to find healing from trauma but also, more importantly, to find spiritual healing as they find their identity and their worth in Christ.” Another key strategy is working through diaspora communities. People who have left their countries often maintain close ties with family and friends still living there. “One way we can be engaging is by connecting with diaspora populations, knowing they will be reaching back into their homeland,” says Stoops. While many war-torn regions remain difficult to access, believers can still play a vital role through prayer. Pray for God’s guidance for ministries like A3 and for Christ’s work in these regions through His Spirit. A3 also seeks to equip believers to share the Gospel in places others cannot easily reach. Stoops says: “We want to be part of raising up and training more believers, equipping them to take the Gospel to the unengaged points.” Visit A3 to learn how their support Christian leaders around the world. Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 2:50) Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Mar11-2026.mp3 Call to Action * Pray for God’s guidance for ministries like A3 and for Christ’s work in these regions through His Spirit. * Pray for people in war-torn zones, especially in regions God has placed on your heart through personal stories, news, or memories. Intercede for them. More Information * This story by Darina Rebro was originally published on 11-Mar-2026 by Mission Network News: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hope-under-air-sirens-reaching-the-unreached-in-war-zones/ * Image credits: * Header photo Young Syrian boy, Idlib, Syria (Photo courtesy Ahmed Akacha via Pexels). * Inset of children playing in the old tank, Kabul (photo courtesy of M.A Sarwari via Unplash). --- Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empower them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.  

(MNN) Hope under air sirens: reaching the unreached in war zones:  


Practical ways to be helpful to people in war-torn zones




International (MNN) — Many people around the world remain unreached — not for lack of effort. But in war zones,… @missionnetworknews #news #A3Leaders #missionnetworknews

Hope under air sirens: reaching the unreached in war zones International (MNN) — Practical ways to be helpful to people in war-torn zones.

(MNN) Hope under air sirens: reaching the unreached in war zones: International (MNN) — Practical ways to be helpful to people in war-torn zones. #MissionNetworkNews #A3Leaders #news

Remembering Tom Bradford: A Christ-like Life Well Lived This week, we said goodbye to one of the most faithful friends and board members our mission has ever known. THOMAS E. BRADFORD entered the presence of the Lord peacefully at home, joining his beloved Mary Anne just weeks after she went ahead of him. As their daughter Peggy shared so tenderly, “My sweet Daddy has joined my sweet Momma in the presence of their Lord.” Silk and I are traveling to Birmingham to attend the memorial service at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and to be with the Bradford family and that remarkable church community that meant so much to Tom and Mary Anne. Our hearts are full of gratitude for a life so well lived. A Faithful Servant Tom played a pivotal role in the life of our mission. He chaired the search committee that invited me to serve with Asian Access (now A3), and he later served as the master of ceremonies at my installation service. From the beginning, Tom demonstrated the steady wisdom and Christ-like character that would shape our board for years. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Tom Bradford was faithful—faithful to Christ, faithful to his family, faithful to his church, and faithful to the mission of God. David Bennett, who also served alongside Tom on the LIFE Ministries–Asian Access–A3 board, captured this beautifully when he wrote: “Here is a man who finished well. May the Lord give grace to each of us to do the same.” Indeed, Tom’s life reminds us of the old song: “May those who come behind us find us faithful.” A Heart for the Mission of God Many in the A3 community experienced Tom’s extraordinary commitment firsthand. Our dear friend Toshio Maehara once reflected on Tom’s dedication: “Tom Bradford was a very unique person… strongly dedicated to his faith in Christ and acting upon his beliefs. When he hosted a board meeting almost twenty years ago at his home in Birmingham, I realized how far he had traveled to attend meetings in Los Angeles. I had to pass through three airports just to get to his home… How many times did he travel that distance during his tenure? Amazing, committed, sacrificial.” Tom didn’t make much of the sacrifices he made. He simply showed up—again and again—serving faithfully behind the scenes. That kind of quiet faithfulness builds ministries that last. Southern Hospitality and Kingdom Vision Silk and I had the privilege of staying in Tom and Mary Anne’s home several times over the years. Their hospitality was unforgettable. Mary Anne was an exceptional chef, bringing out the best of Southern charm and culinary delights. Tom would often invite friends to join us around their table, and he would ask me to share about what God was doing through A3 in Japan and around the world. On one such evening, I shared about the work God was doing in Japan through leadership development and church multiplication. Afterward, Briarwood’s missions pastor, Tom Cheely, told me that his wife had been deeply inspired by what she heard. That moment eventually led to the largest year-end missions gift Briarwood Presbyterian Church had ever given to A3. The next day Tom called me, clearly delighted. “Joe,” he said, “our church has never given a gift that large for our year-end giving. Praise the Lord!” Tom loved seeing the church participate in God’s mission. Wisdom That Endures Former A3 president Doug Birdsall once described Tom this way: “He was exceptionally bright, but his brilliance was exceeded by his wisdom, and his wisdom was characterized by straightforwardness and grace.” Those of us who served alongside him saw that wisdom again and again. Tom had a remarkable ability to see through complex challenges and discern the right path forward. His counsel helped guide our mission through important seasons of growth and renewal, and his influence will endure on our board for generations. Doug also shared a wonderful story about how their friendship began during a missions conference at Briarwood in 1991. After Doug complimented Tom’s sport coat, a package arrived days later with the exact same coat—this time in Doug’s size.That simple act captured Tom perfectly: thoughtful, generous, and quietly kind. A Glimpse of Eternity About a year ago, when Tom’s health seemed uncertain, Silk and I sent a short video tribute that Peggy later told us the family treasured. In that message we shared something that still feels true today. We told Tom that Jesus must surely be smiling on him—because of the countless people whose lives he helped influence for eternity. Through his leadership at Briarwood and through his faithful service with A3, Tom played a part in the spiritual journey of believers around the world. I am convinced that one day in heaven we will meet people from Japan and many other nations whose lives were touched because Tom Bradford faithfully supported the work of the gospel. That reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” The Hope We Share Tom’s passing also reminds us of the hope we share in Christ. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14: “We do not grieve as others do who have no hope… For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” Tom and Mary Anne are now reunited in the presence of our Savior. What a reunion that must have been. Until We Meet Again Tom Bradford lived the kind of life many of us aspire to live—faithful service to Christ, deep love for family, generous hospitality, wise leadership, and humble devotion to the mission of God. Phil Foxwell, current board chairman, expressed it well when he wrote: “We give thanksgiving to the Lord for a Christ-like life well lived.” We miss Tom deeply. Yet we also rejoice in the promise that we will see him again—together with Mary Anne—in the presence of our Lord. Silk and I ask the A3 community to join us in praying for Peggy, Jim, Bill, and their families—and for the Briarwood Presbyterian Church family—as they celebrate Tom’s life and legacy. Until that day when we are reunited in eternity, we give thanks for Tom Bradford: a faithful servant, a wise counselor, a generous friend, and a man whose life pointed many toward Christ. Grace and peace, Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. CEO, A3 @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  More Information The memorial service for Thomas E. Bradford will be held: Celebration of Life Monday, March 9, 2026 2:00 p.m. Briarwood Presbyterian Church 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL   

(A3) Remembering Tom Bradford: A Christ-like Life Well Lived: This week, we said goodbye to one of the most faithful friends and board members our mission has ever known.



THOMAS E. BRADFORD entered the presence of the Lord peacefully at home, joining his… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

A Special Call to Prayer for the Middle East Praying for Peace Amid the Middle East Conflict  Our Fragile World  This week has been full of sobering developments in the Middle East. We have been reminded how fragile parts of our world remain. I’d like to share an update regarding the Middle East and invite you to pray with the A3 Community for this situation, especially on Thursday, March 5th. Just last week, while returning home, I had a poignant conversation with my rideshare driver from Iran. He spoke candidly about the deep disillusionment many Iranians feel after decades under the current regime, even saying that many people he knows want nothing to do with Islam because of what they have experienced. He requested prayers for his country and for his personal job search as he looks for work there. As we strive to remain informed and sensitive to God’s call to prayer, I’ve included a resource from Prayercast on how to pray for Iran, along with a helpful video overview (click video below or the link here: https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/iran/  )  The very next morning after I spoke with my Iranian driver, news broke of escalating tensions in the Middle East, and several of our friends and colleagues found themselves stranded in the region as airspace closed and missile warnings sounded during the night. Many Christian leaders have been traveling through the Middle East and are stuck in hubs until further notice. In one case, more than a hundred leaders were unable to leave Dubai while drones were being intercepted overhead. In another location, friends of mine sent this photo right outside their hotel room window. (see photo)    This is a stark reminder of how dangerous it can be for these folks in light of what has already taken place.     CALL TO PRAYER  The need for peace in our broken world...    Please join us in praying for peace in the region, for our friends and colleagues navigating the uncertainty, for my Iranian driver and his family, and that even in times of upheaval, many would encounter Christ. Even when the nations are unsettled, God is still at work.   Along with praying for those in our own community who are impacted, let us continue praying for the wider regions and the conflict overall. Here are a few specific prayer points to guide us: * The church in Iran to be strengthened during this time (Matthew 16:18, 2 Timothy 2:8-9) * Spread of the Gospel:  We have seen time and time again God move His Kingdom forward in mighty ways during times of unrest and upheaval (1 Peter 1:6–7, Luke 21:9-19) * Protection for the citizens of Iran (Psalm 91, Psalm 46: 6, 10) * Peace throughout the Middle East (Psalm 122:6) As Jesus reminded us, even when the world feels shaken, the fields remain “white for harvest” (John 4:35). Online Prayer Gathering for the Middle East THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 • Option A: 14:00 UTC (9am ET / 6am PT) • Option B: 24:00 UTC+1 (7pm ET / 4pm PT)    “The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective.” — JAMES 5:16 Sign up for one of our online prayer gatherings! Join Janelle Stoops (A3’s new U.S. President), me, and other A3 leaders as we gather together online for 45 minutes to pray for Iran and the Middle East. We will offer two time slots: THU, MAR 5, 2026 Option A: 14:00 UTC (9am ET / 6am PT)  Register for Option A »   THU, MAR 5, 2026 Option B: 24:00 UTC+1 (7pm ET / 4pm PT)  Register for Option B »  Please join us by standing in the gap. Trusting Jesus, Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. CEO, A3 @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  More Information * Register for Option A »   14:00 UTC (9am ET / 6am PT)  * Register for Option B »  24:00 UTC+1 (7pm ET / 4pm PT)  * Cover photo and video thumbnail screenshots courtesy of Prayercast  

ICYMI: A Special Call to Prayer for the Middle East: Praying for Peace Amid the Middle East Conflict 




Our Fragile World 




This week has been full of sobering developments in the Middle East. We have been reminded how fragile parts of our world remain.


I’d… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

Charisma as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and collaboration across decentralized, global networks.

ICYMI: (PCL) Charisma as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership: This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

“When Leaders Abide, Movements Multiply” What independent research and alumni feedback reveal about A3’s impact:  CHANGING THE FEW WHO CHANGE THE MANY Over the years, I’ve often been asked a simple but important question: "Does A3 actually work?" It’s a fair question. We’re not in the business of running programs. We’re in the business of forming leaders—Christ-like leaders—who multiply disciple-makers and churches. Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to look at that question from multiple angles: * External ratings * Independent field research * Alumni surveys * And decades of observable fruit Here’s what we’re seeing. 1. Independent Credibility Charity Navigator has evaluated A3 (Dec 2025) and awarded us strong ratings for accountability and financial health. And Candid has given A3 its highest Platinum Seal of Transparency. That matters. Stewardship is spiritual. Transparency is spiritual. Trust is spiritual. Yet financial ratings only tell part of the story. The deeper question is not just “Are you efficient?” but: " Are you effective in transformation?" 2. Field Research: What the Outside Evaluation Found Several years ago, Dr. Karen Boden conducted an independent evaluation across Japan, India, and Cambodia, interviewing 40 pastors in depth. Her research wasn’t promotional, but it was exploratory. She asked: * How are participants’ lives changed? * To what extent are A3’s four intended outcomes evident? These four outcomes are foundational to our DNA: * Living in a love relationship with God * Growing as a Christ-like leader * Reproducing disciple-making leaders * Planting multiplying churches (today: Accelerating Christ-Centered Movements) What Dr. Boden discovered was striking. 3. Before A3: Performance, Pressure, Isolation Across regions and cultures, pastors described similar patterns before entering A3: * Ministry driven by performance and pressure * Loneliness at the top * Preaching-centered discipleship * Neglected marriages and families * Ambition for larger churches rather than deeper disciples Some spoke of burnout, others spoke of competition. Many felt they were doing ministry for God but not necessarily walking with God. It’s sobering. But it's honest. 4. After A3: Abiding Before Activity The most consistent shift across all regions? Ministry began flowing from intimacy, not insecurity. Pastors described: * Renewed spiritual disciplines * Listening prayer and solitude * A reorientation toward “finishing well” * Moving from boss to servant * Choosing relationship over platform One pastor said, “I got my family back.” Another described shifting from “using people to build ministry” to “growing together as family.” That’s not cosmetic change. That’s inner formation. 5. Multiplication, Not Just Growth There was also a measurable strategic shift. Pastors moved from: “Come to my church.” to: “How do we disciple deeply and send people out?” In Japan, pastors are training the next generation of leaders under 30. In India, A3 graduates launched "B3" movements (School of the Harvesters and others) to equip rural pastors. In Cambodia, alumni formed the "School of Discipleship" and serve the United Pastors Fellowship to train emerging leaders and foster unity. Multiplication became embedded in their vision. Not addition or empire building, but Kingdom building. 6. What Our Alumni Surveys Confirm Our ongoing alumni surveys align remarkably with the outside research. We consistently see: * Increased intimacy with Christ * Stronger marriages * Healthier leadership cultures * Greater intentional disciple-making * New churches planted * Leaders raised up The narrative findings and the quantitative data point in the same direction. When different methods converge on the same story, you pay attention. So… Is A3 Effective? Effectiveness in leader development is not measured in attendance charts or even skills acquired. It’s measured in: * Character formation * Faithfulness over decades * Generational multiplication * Christlike fruit A3 is not perfect by any means. We continue listening and refining, learning and improving. But the evidence — from independent evaluation, alumni feedback, and global fruit—tells us something deeply encouraging: When pastors slow down to abide in Christ, when they embrace servant leadership, when they are supported in community, when they invest in the few, the few truly do change the many. Our Prayer We don’t want to build large organizations. We want to form Christ-like leaders who finish well and multiply faithfully for generations. Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for walking with us. The work is quiet and the impact is generational. And by God’s grace—it is multiplying! For more Christ-centered servant leaders, Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. CEO, A3 @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  More Information * Cover photo of selfie in a busy intersection by Soo Ann Woon on Unsplash * 4-Star Charity graphic courtesy Charity Navigator * See A3's rating on Charity Navigator * Read: "How Effective is A3?" based on Karen Boden's alumni survey * More on the Four Outcomes of A3  

ICYMI: (A3) “When Leaders Abide, Movements Multiply”: What independent research and alumni feedback reveal about A3’s impact: 




CHANGING THE FEW WHO CHANGE THE MANY



Over the years, I’ve often been asked a simple but important question:


"Does A3 actually… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

A Special Call to Prayer for the Middle East Praying for Peace Amid the Middle East Conflict  Our Fragile World  This week has been full of sobering developments in the Middle East. We have been reminded how fragile parts of our world remain. I’d like to share an update regarding the Middle East and invite you to pray with the A3 Community for this situation, especially on Thursday, March 5th. Just last week, while returning home, I had a poignant conversation with my rideshare driver from Iran. He spoke candidly about the deep disillusionment many Iranians feel after decades under the current regime, even saying that many people he knows want nothing to do with Islam because of what they have experienced. He requested prayers for his country and for his personal job search as he looks for work there. As we strive to remain informed and sensitive to God’s call to prayer, I’ve included a resource from Prayercast on how to pray for Iran, along with a helpful video overview (click video below or the link here: https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/iran/  )  The very next morning after I spoke with my Iranian driver, news broke of escalating tensions in the Middle East, and several of our friends and colleagues found themselves stranded in the region as airspace closed and missile warnings sounded during the night. Many Christian leaders have been traveling through the Middle East and are stuck in hubs until further notice. In one case, more than a hundred leaders were unable to leave Dubai while drones were being intercepted overhead. In another location, friends of mine sent this photo right outside their hotel room window. (see photo)    This is a stark reminder of how dangerous it can be for these folks in light of what has already taken place.     CALL TO PRAYER  The need for peace in our broken world...    Please join us in praying for peace in the region, for our friends and colleagues navigating the uncertainty, for my Iranian driver and his family, and that even in times of upheaval, many would encounter Christ. Even when the nations are unsettled, God is still at work.   Along with praying for those in our own community who are impacted, let us continue praying for the wider regions and the conflict overall. Here are a few specific prayer points to guide us: * The church in Iran to be strengthened during this time (Matthew 16:18, 2 Timothy 2:8-9) * Spread of the Gospel:  We have seen time and time again God move His Kingdom forward in mighty ways during times of unrest and upheaval (1 Peter 1:6–7, Luke 21:9-19) * Protection for the citizens of Iran (Psalm 91, Psalm 46: 6, 10) * Peace throughout the Middle East (Psalm 122:6) As Jesus reminded us, even when the world feels shaken, the fields remain “white for harvest” (John 4:35). Online Prayer Gathering for the Middle East THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 • Option A: 14:00 UTC (9am ET / 6am PT) • Option B: 24:00 UTC+1 (7pm ET / 4pm PT)    “The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective.” — JAMES 5:16 Sign up for one of our online prayer gatherings! Join Janelle Stoops (A3’s new U.S. President), me, and other A3 leaders as we gather together online for 45 minutes to pray for Iran and the Middle East. We will offer two time slots: THU, MAR 5, 2026 Option A: 14:00 UTC (9am ET / 6am PT)  Register for Option A »   THU, MAR 5, 2026 Option B: 24:00 UTC+1 (7pm ET / 4pm PT)  Register for Option B »  Please join us by standing in the gap. Trusting Jesus, Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. CEO, A3 @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  More Information * Register for Option A »   14:00 UTC (9am ET / 6am PT)  * Register for Option B »  24:00 UTC+1 (7pm ET / 4pm PT)  * Cover photo and video thumbnail screenshots courtesy of Prayercast  

(A3) A Special Call to Prayer for the Middle East: Praying for Peace Amid the Middle East Conflict 




Our Fragile World 




This week has been full of sobering developments in the Middle East. We have been reminded how fragile parts of our world remain.


I’d… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

“When Leaders Abide, Movements Multiply” What independent research and alumni feedback reveal about A3’s impact:  CHANGING THE FEW WHO CHANGE THE MANY Over the years, I’ve often been asked a simple but important question: "Does A3 actually work?" It’s a fair question. We’re not in the business of running programs. We’re in the business of forming leaders—Christ-like leaders—who multiply disciple-makers and churches. Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to look at that question from multiple angles: * External ratings * Independent field research * Alumni surveys * And decades of observable fruit Here’s what we’re seeing. 1. Independent Credibility Charity Navigator has evaluated A3 (Dec 2025) and awarded us strong ratings for accountability and financial health. And Candid has given A3 its highest Platinum Seal of Transparency. That matters. Stewardship is spiritual. Transparency is spiritual. Trust is spiritual. Yet financial ratings only tell part of the story. The deeper question is not just “Are you efficient?” but: " Are you effective in transformation?" 2. Field Research: What the Outside Evaluation Found Several years ago, Dr. Karen Boden conducted an independent evaluation across Japan, India, and Cambodia, interviewing 40 pastors in depth. Her research wasn’t promotional, but it was exploratory. She asked: * How are participants’ lives changed? * To what extent are A3’s four intended outcomes evident? These four outcomes are foundational to our DNA: * Living in a love relationship with God * Growing as a Christ-like leader * Reproducing disciple-making leaders * Planting multiplying churches (today: Accelerating Christ-Centered Movements) What Dr. Boden discovered was striking. 3. Before A3: Performance, Pressure, Isolation Across regions and cultures, pastors described similar patterns before entering A3: * Ministry driven by performance and pressure * Loneliness at the top * Preaching-centered discipleship * Neglected marriages and families * Ambition for larger churches rather than deeper disciples Some spoke of burnout, others spoke of competition. Many felt they were doing ministry for God but not necessarily walking with God. It’s sobering. But it's honest. 4. After A3: Abiding Before Activity The most consistent shift across all regions? Ministry began flowing from intimacy, not insecurity. Pastors described: * Renewed spiritual disciplines * Listening prayer and solitude * A reorientation toward “finishing well” * Moving from boss to servant * Choosing relationship over platform One pastor said, “I got my family back.” Another described shifting from “using people to build ministry” to “growing together as family.” That’s not cosmetic change. That’s inner formation. 5. Multiplication, Not Just Growth There was also a measurable strategic shift. Pastors moved from: “Come to my church.” to: “How do we disciple deeply and send people out?” In Japan, pastors are training the next generation of leaders under 30. In India, A3 graduates launched "B3" movements (School of the Harvesters and others) to equip rural pastors. In Cambodia, alumni formed the "School of Discipleship" and serve the United Pastors Fellowship to train emerging leaders and foster unity. Multiplication became embedded in their vision. Not addition or empire building, but Kingdom building. 6. What Our Alumni Surveys Confirm Our ongoing alumni surveys align remarkably with the outside research. We consistently see: * Increased intimacy with Christ * Stronger marriages * Healthier leadership cultures * Greater intentional disciple-making * New churches planted * Leaders raised up The narrative findings and the quantitative data point in the same direction. When different methods converge on the same story, you pay attention. So… Is A3 Effective? Effectiveness in leader development is not measured in attendance charts or even skills acquired. It’s measured in: * Character formation * Faithfulness over decades * Generational multiplication * Christlike fruit A3 is not perfect by any means. We continue listening and refining, learning and improving. But the evidence — from independent evaluation, alumni feedback, and global fruit—tells us something deeply encouraging: When pastors slow down to abide in Christ, when they embrace servant leadership, when they are supported in community, when they invest in the few, the few truly do change the many. Our Prayer We don’t want to build large organizations. We want to form Christ-like leaders who finish well and multiply faithfully for generations. Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for walking with us. The work is quiet and the impact is generational. And by God’s grace—it is multiplying! For more Christ-centered servant leaders, Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. CEO, A3 @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  More Information * Cover photo of selfie in a busy intersection by Soo Ann Woon on Unsplash * 4-Star Charity graphic courtesy Charity Navigator * See A3's rating on Charity Navigator * Read: "How Effective is A3?" based on Karen Boden's alumni survey * More on the Four Outcomes of A3  

(A3) “When Leaders Abide, Movements Multiply”: What independent research and alumni feedback reveal about A3’s impact: 




CHANGING THE FEW WHO CHANGE THE MANY



Over the years, I’ve often been asked a simple but important question:


"Does A3 actually work?"… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

PCL Whitepaper: Charisma as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership Explore how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and collaboration across decentralized, global networks.

Charisma as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership — polycentricleadership.com/white-papers...

#polycentricleadership
#polycentrism
#mission
#leadership
#A3
#A3Leaders
#A3.Business

Charisma as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and collaboration across decentralized, global networks.

(PCL) Charisma as a Foundational Theme of Polycentric Leadership: This PCL white paper by Joseph W. Handley, Jr. on Charisma explores how character-based charisma strengthens polycentric leadership by inspiring shared vision, trust, and collaboration… #PolycentricLeadership #joehandley #A3Leaders

The hidden key to ministry success is in Christlike leadership   Leadership isn’t about doing something for God—it’s about joining God in His work. International (MNN) — What determines whether a ministry flourishes or struggles along the way? Often, it comes down to the integrity of its leaders. Janelle Stoops with A3 says: “We believe that the foundation for godly leadership is an ever-growing, transformative relationship with Christ.” She notes that some of the greatest threats leaders face are pride and isolation — along with outward pressure for high numbers and visible success. “We can so often struggle with pride, and our own success can actually hinder us because we become prideful and blinded. Too often, we begin defining our ministry success by the results we’re seeing,” she says.       Photo of hands courtesy of Hannah Busing via Unsplash.)   She adds that the ability to remain Christlike in character comes from spending time alone with God, where He can personally mold and guide each leader. Along with that, she says, comes accountability with other believers. “So often, we can become isolated and feel like there’s not a safe place to share our struggles. I think it’s key for leaders to have those places where they can confess their sins to one another and be like iron sharpening iron for one another,” says Stoops. Along with accountability to their team, Stoops adds that there is another helpful tool for leaders. She shares that one simple exercise she encourages is to pray and then ask trusted coworkers, family members, or friends, “What is it like to be on the other side of me?” She says leaders can then prayerfully reflect on what they hear. When a leader’s character reflects Christ, others notice. Stoops recalls serving with a team in Central Asia: “We had people who would come up to us and say, ‘There’s something different about you.’” They were watching team members love and forgive one another — and it drew many closer to Christ. A3 nurtures leaders worldwide through two-year cohorts, bringing together 12 to 15 leaders who journey together and meet for eight quarterly retreats. The organization also draws on an international faculty who teach leadership skills and share their lives with participants. Visit A3 to learn more about their approach! Leaders who are mature and prepared for the challenges ahead help ensure that Gospel work can thrive, along with healthy church growth. Stoops says: “Leadership isn’t about doing something for God; it’s about joining God in His work.” Pray for your leaders, and if you are one, stay accountable through prayer and trusted teammates. Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 2:53) Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb19-2026.mp3 Call to Action * Pray for the leaders in your ministry — for their accountability and integrity. * Stay accountable to God in prayer and to your group of believers, inviting honesty, humility, and Christlike character in all you do. * A3 invites you to join a global leadership formation series for missional and emerging leaders who want to be shaped by Jesus’ teaching on February 23. Register here. * Hosted by the Lausanne Leadership Development Network and the World Evangelical Alliance, this monthly Zoom series explores Matthew 5–7 as a foundation for Christlike leadership. Joshua Bogunjoko will introduce the first session. More Information * This story by Darina Rebro was originally published on 19-Feb-2026 by Mission Network News: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-hidden-key-to-ministry-success-is-in-christlike-leadership/ * Image credits: * Header photo courtesy of Luis Georg Müller via Unsplash. * Inset photo of hands courtesy of Hannah Busing via Unsplash. --- Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empower them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.  

ICYMI: (MNN) The hidden key to ministry success is in Christlike leadership:  


Leadership isn’t about doing something for God—it’s about joining God in His work.




International (MNN) — What determines whether a ministry flourishes or… @missionnetworknews #news #A3Leaders #missionnetworknews

Celebrating A3’s Inaugural Graduation in Middle Asia By Joseph W. Handley CEO, A3 Graduations are always liminal moments. Something has ended, yet something new is beginning. But in places like Middle Asia, that threshold carries unusual weight. This week, I had the privilege of standing with a group of leaders at their graduation—men and women who have walked a demanding, relational, multi-year journey of formation. Some arrived weary, others arrived isolated. But all arrived faithful. And together, we celebrated a sending, not an ending. The world they are returning to is not calm. There is war, economic pressure, social fragmentation, and leadership fatigue, just to name a few.  And yet—God is still at work. Formation Before Fruit  Our time together centered on a simple passage: John 15:1–8. One vine, many branches, and fruit that lasts. Jesus’ words are deceptively simple, but they cut against nearly every leadership instinct we’ve learned. Fruit does not come from effort alone. It does not come from pressure, visibility, or performance. Fruit comes from connection. “Without Jesus, we can do nothing. With Jesus, fruit will come.” In regions like Middle Asia, leadership can easily become survival-driven. Leaders feel pressure to perform, to prove, to protect. But Jesus begins somewhere else entirely—not with strategy, but with presence. Abide in me. Abiding is not passive. It is daily dependence. Prayer, scripture, obedience. And just as importantly, margin: the willingness to remain human, to listen, to rest, to resist the temptation to turn activity into identity. Activity without Christ does not produce lasting fruit. It only produces exhaustion. You Are Not Alone One of the most powerful themes to emerge during the graduation was community. Several graduates shared that before this journey, they felt deeply alone in leadership. Isolated. Carrying burdens quietly. Unsure where they could speak honestly without consequence. Over time, something changed... They found a place to tell the truth. They found peers who listened rather than competed. They found friendship across ethnic, linguistic, and generational differences. Leadership in fragile contexts is never meant to be solitary. Scripture never sends leaders alone. Paul reminds us that leaders themselves become “letters”—not written with ink, but by the Spirit, read by others every day. In this room were leaders from different backgrounds, speaking different languages, shaped by different histories. God was not asking them to become the same. He was asking them to walk together in Christ. The way forward with Jesus is together. Building Bridges for the Next Generation Another repeated refrain during the graduation was generational hope. The next generation in Middle Asia is different. They think differently and ask new questions. They are shaped by digital life, migration, and uncertainty in ways their parents were not. This is not a threat, it is an invitation. Fruit that lasts always looks forward. It creates space rather than control. It listens more than it speaks. It leads with humility and learns while leading. One graduate shared how previously disconnected church networks had begun cooperating—older leaders making room for younger voices, younger leaders honoring the wisdom of those who came before. Unity was no longer theoretical, but it was actually practiced. If God changes a few, He can change many. Sent, Not Finished A graduation is not a finish line, but more of a commissioning. I reminded the leaders of two simple commitments. First: a commitment to Christ. To abide daily, remain rooted, and finish well, not fast. Second: a commitment to community. To walk together, build bridges across difference, and invest intentionally in the next generation. Leadership formed in this way does not seek dominance. It seeks faithfulness. It does not depend on visibility. It depends on obedience. In a world that rewards scale, speed, and spectacle, Jesus still forms leaders slowly, relationally, and quietly—often in places the world rarely notices. A Quiet Confidence As I listened to testimonies, prayed, and stood among these leaders, I was struck again by a conviction that has only deepened over time: The future of mission does not hinge on access, programs, or platforms. It hinges on leaders who are deeply formed, resilient under pressure, and rooted in Christ. Middle Asia may feel distant to many, but what is happening there reflects something larger. Beneath global instability is deep spiritual hunger. And where leaders are formed with character, humility, and courage, communities endure. “Without Jesus, we can do nothing. With Jesus, fruit will come.” This graduation was a declaration of hope. Still trusting and still grateful. Continually trusting that God provides, and that fruit which lasts is already growing.     Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. President @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  

ICYMI: (A3) Celebrating A3’s Inaugural Graduation in Middle Asia: By Joseph W. Handley
CEO, A3


Graduations are always liminal moments. Something has ended, yet something new is beginning. But in places like Middle Asia, that threshold carries unusual weight.… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

The hidden key to ministry success is in Christlike leadership   Leadership isn’t about doing something for God—it’s about joining God in His work. International (MNN) — What determines whether a ministry flourishes or struggles along the way? Often, it comes down to the integrity of its leaders. Janelle Stoops with A3 says: “We believe that the foundation for godly leadership is an ever-growing, transformative relationship with Christ.” She notes that some of the greatest threats leaders face are pride and isolation — along with outward pressure for high numbers and visible success. “We can so often struggle with pride, and our own success can actually hinder us because we become prideful and blinded. Too often, we begin defining our ministry success by the results we’re seeing,” she says.       Photo of hands courtesy of Hannah Busing via Unsplash.)   She adds that the ability to remain Christlike in character comes from spending time alone with God, where He can personally mold and guide each leader. Along with that, she says, comes accountability with other believers. “So often, we can become isolated and feel like there’s not a safe place to share our struggles. I think it’s key for leaders to have those places where they can confess their sins to one another and be like iron sharpening iron for one another,” says Stoops. Along with accountability to their team, Stoops adds that there is another helpful tool for leaders. She shares that one simple exercise she encourages is to pray and then ask trusted coworkers, family members, or friends, “What is it like to be on the other side of me?” She says leaders can then prayerfully reflect on what they hear. When a leader’s character reflects Christ, others notice. Stoops recalls serving with a team in Central Asia: “We had people who would come up to us and say, ‘There’s something different about you.’” They were watching team members love and forgive one another — and it drew many closer to Christ. A3 nurtures leaders worldwide through two-year cohorts, bringing together 12 to 15 leaders who journey together and meet for eight quarterly retreats. The organization also draws on an international faculty who teach leadership skills and share their lives with participants. Visit A3 to learn more about their approach! Leaders who are mature and prepared for the challenges ahead help ensure that Gospel work can thrive, along with healthy church growth. Stoops says: “Leadership isn’t about doing something for God; it’s about joining God in His work.” Pray for your leaders, and if you are one, stay accountable through prayer and trusted teammates. Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 2:53) Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb19-2026.mp3 Call to Action * Pray for the leaders in your ministry — for their accountability and integrity. * Stay accountable to God in prayer and to your group of believers, inviting honesty, humility, and Christlike character in all you do. * A3 invites you to join a global leadership formation series for missional and emerging leaders who want to be shaped by Jesus’ teaching on February 23. Register here. * Hosted by the Lausanne Leadership Development Network and the World Evangelical Alliance, this monthly Zoom series explores Matthew 5–7 as a foundation for Christlike leadership. Joshua Bogunjoko will introduce the first session. More Information * This story by Darina Rebro was originally published on 19-Feb-2026 by Mission Network News: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-hidden-key-to-ministry-success-is-in-christlike-leadership/ * Image credits: * Header photo courtesy of Luis Georg Müller via Unsplash. * Inset photo of hands courtesy of Hannah Busing via Unsplash. --- Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empower them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.  

(MNN) The hidden key to ministry success is in Christlike leadership:  


Leadership isn’t about doing something for God—it’s about joining God in His work.




International (MNN) — What determines whether a ministry flourishes or struggles… @missionnetworknews #news #A3Leaders #missionnetworknews

The hidden key to ministry success is in Christlike leadership International (MNN) — "Leadership isn't about doing something for God. It’s about joining God in His work," says Stoops.

(MNN) The hidden key to ministry success is in Christlike leadership: International (MNN) — "Leadership isn't about doing something for God. It’s about joining God in His work," says Stoops. #MissionNetworkNews #A3Leaders #news

Celebrating A3’s Inaugural Graduation in Middle Asia By Joseph W. Handley CEO, A3 Graduations are always liminal moments. Something has ended, yet something new is beginning. But in places like Middle Asia, that threshold carries unusual weight. This week, I had the privilege of standing with a group of leaders at their graduation—men and women who have walked a demanding, relational, multi-year journey of formation. Some arrived weary, others arrived isolated. But all arrived faithful. And together, we celebrated a sending, not an ending. The world they are returning to is not calm. There is war, economic pressure, social fragmentation, and leadership fatigue, just to name a few.  And yet—God is still at work. Formation Before Fruit  Our time together centered on a simple passage: John 15:1–8. One vine, many branches, and fruit that lasts. Jesus’ words are deceptively simple, but they cut against nearly every leadership instinct we’ve learned. Fruit does not come from effort alone. It does not come from pressure, visibility, or performance. Fruit comes from connection. “Without Jesus, we can do nothing. With Jesus, fruit will come.” In regions like Middle Asia, leadership can easily become survival-driven. Leaders feel pressure to perform, to prove, to protect. But Jesus begins somewhere else entirely—not with strategy, but with presence. Abide in me. Abiding is not passive. It is daily dependence. Prayer, scripture, obedience. And just as importantly, margin: the willingness to remain human, to listen, to rest, to resist the temptation to turn activity into identity. Activity without Christ does not produce lasting fruit. It only produces exhaustion. You Are Not Alone One of the most powerful themes to emerge during the graduation was community. Several graduates shared that before this journey, they felt deeply alone in leadership. Isolated. Carrying burdens quietly. Unsure where they could speak honestly without consequence. Over time, something changed... They found a place to tell the truth. They found peers who listened rather than competed. They found friendship across ethnic, linguistic, and generational differences. Leadership in fragile contexts is never meant to be solitary. Scripture never sends leaders alone. Paul reminds us that leaders themselves become “letters”—not written with ink, but by the Spirit, read by others every day. In this room were leaders from different backgrounds, speaking different languages, shaped by different histories. God was not asking them to become the same. He was asking them to walk together in Christ. The way forward with Jesus is together. Building Bridges for the Next Generation Another repeated refrain during the graduation was generational hope. The next generation in Middle Asia is different. They think differently and ask new questions. They are shaped by digital life, migration, and uncertainty in ways their parents were not. This is not a threat, it is an invitation. Fruit that lasts always looks forward. It creates space rather than control. It listens more than it speaks. It leads with humility and learns while leading. One graduate shared how previously disconnected church networks had begun cooperating—older leaders making room for younger voices, younger leaders honoring the wisdom of those who came before. Unity was no longer theoretical, but it was actually practiced. If God changes a few, He can change many. Sent, Not Finished A graduation is not a finish line, but more of a commissioning. I reminded the leaders of two simple commitments. First: a commitment to Christ. To abide daily, remain rooted, and finish well, not fast. Second: a commitment to community. To walk together, build bridges across difference, and invest intentionally in the next generation. Leadership formed in this way does not seek dominance. It seeks faithfulness. It does not depend on visibility. It depends on obedience. In a world that rewards scale, speed, and spectacle, Jesus still forms leaders slowly, relationally, and quietly—often in places the world rarely notices. A Quiet Confidence As I listened to testimonies, prayed, and stood among these leaders, I was struck again by a conviction that has only deepened over time: The future of mission does not hinge on access, programs, or platforms. It hinges on leaders who are deeply formed, resilient under pressure, and rooted in Christ. Middle Asia may feel distant to many, but what is happening there reflects something larger. Beneath global instability is deep spiritual hunger. And where leaders are formed with character, humility, and courage, communities endure. “Without Jesus, we can do nothing. With Jesus, fruit will come.” This graduation was a declaration of hope. Still trusting and still grateful. Continually trusting that God provides, and that fruit which lasts is already growing.     Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. President @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  

(A3) Celebrating A3’s Inaugural Graduation in Middle Asia: By Joseph W. Handley
CEO, A3


Graduations are always liminal moments. Something has ended, yet something new is beginning. But in places like Middle Asia, that threshold carries unusual weight.



This… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership

(A3 Video) A3.WIM: Training targets 75% of the Cambodian Church [Rady Chan]: In Cambodia, 75–80% of the church is made up of women…and in times of need, it’s often the pastor’s wife who people run to first.

Rady Chan shares how A3.Women In Ministry in Cambodia is… #A3Leaders #A3 #A3community

Living and Leading the Gospel Reflections from the WEA General Assembly The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea) gathered nearly 900 delegates from 124 nations and thousands of Korean pastors and believers. It was a powerful picture of the global Church united in purpose: seeking God’s guidance for how we live, proclaim, and embody the Gospel in our generation. The Assembly’s central theme, “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033,” captured the shared vision that every person on earth would have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Good News as we approach the 2,000-year anniversary of Christ’s resurrection and Pentecost. The Gospel We Live Each day focused on a different expression of the Gospel: We Live, We Proclaim, We Represent, We Celebrate. Evangelist Ben Jack reminded us that while the world offers “a billion and one gospels,” only the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings true salvation. At A3, we see this Gospel lived out daily: pastors mentoring future leaders, business executives practicing integrity in the marketplace, and network leaders launching new movements. For us, mission begins with transformation from the inside out. Unity in Diversity One of the most important messages came from the new General Secretary Advocate Botrus Mansour, who emphasized that grace “makes us one.” Drawing from Ephesians 2, he reminded delegates that Christ has “slain the enmity on the cross,” reconciling us into one family. That same spirit of reconciliation runs deep within A3’s ministry. Across Asia and beyond, we see pastors and leaders once divided by denomination, culture, or history now collaborating for Kingdom impact. We believe, as Mansour said, that “diversity is glorious.” True unity is not sameness—it’s love in action across our differences. Grounded in Ephesians 2:13–18, the Assembly reminded us that Christ’s mission is not only to reconcile people to God but also to one another; forming one new humanity. At A3, we see this same calling lived out daily: leaders growing in Christ-like character within communities that embody reconciliation and peace. The WEA’s renewed commitment to collaborative, servant-hearted leadership also resonated deeply with us. As their reform documents highlighted, the global evangelical movement is shifting from autocratic models to decentralized, power-sharing leadership: a vision that mirrors A3’s polycentric approach. We believe leadership flourishes when shared among many voices under Christ’s headship. Forming Leaders of Character A3 was privileged to contribute to the workshop track on “Forming Leaders of Character through the Sermon on the Mount.” (co-led by my Lausanne Movement (and a few from the WEA, colleagues). The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) were presented as the core curriculum for Christ-like leadership: a radical call to humility, mercy, and peacemaking. This focus mirrors A3’s own conviction: character precedes capacity. Leadership grounded in obedience to Christ, not charisma or strategy, is what endures. The world doesn’t need more celebrity leaders; it needs more Christ-like ones. As Matthew 7 reminds us, being rooted in Christ is the rock on which reconciliation and peace are built. Discipleship Begins at Home Another theme that resonated deeply was the call to return discipleship to the family. Leaders warned that neglecting spiritual formation at home has weakened the witness of the global Church. Dr. David Kornfield and other panelists called for a four-level approach to disciple-making; starting with personal relationships, then nurturing healthy disciple-making churches, fostering collaborative movements, and strengthening national alliances. That vision aligns beautifully with A3’s work of developing leaders who multiply transformation from their homes and churches to entire regions. At A3, we’ve learned that leadership begins in the family. When a leader’s marriage and home life thrive, their ministry becomes a reflection of God’s wholeness. Our leader development intentionally includes mentoring couples and cultivating rhythms of rest, prayer, and relational health. The Assembly’s four clusters: identity, perseverance, mission, and celebration mirror A3’s own journey of leader formation: discovering identity in Christ, enduring hardship with hope, advancing God’s mission together, and celebrating His faithfulness in every sphere of life. The Road Ahead As I reflect on this week in Seoul, I’m reminded that the call to mission is also a call to formation. To reach everyone with the Gospel by 2033, we must lead from deep wells of character, nurture families that disciple, and collaborate across the Body of Christ in humility and unity. That’s the heartbeat of A3: to see leaders transformed for Kingdom impact. And together with our global partners, we press on toward the vision that the world might see, through us, the living Hope of the World, Jesus Christ. For more Christ-centered servant leaders, Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. CEO, A3 @jwhandley @jwhandley @JosephWHandleyJr @jwhandley jhandley@a3.email  More Information Photos are mostly A3 alumni. Some with key friends and WEA leaders, including the new general secretary and my friend, former general secretary and executive director of the Galilean Movement, Bp. Efraim Tendero. --- World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)WEA seeks to strengthen local churches through national alliances, supporting and coordinating grassroots leadership and seeking practical ways of showing the unity of the body of Christ.

ICYMI: (A3) Living and Leading the Gospel: Reflections from the WEA General Assembly




The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea) gathered nearly 900 delegates from 124 nations and thousands of Korean pastors and believers. It… #A3Leaders #JoeHandley #leadership