By Joseph W. Handley
CEO, A3
“One generation will commend your works to another.”
— Psalm 145:4
As I looked out from the Salisbury YMCA over the glittering Hong Kong skyline, surrounded by friends and partners who have walked with A3 through decades of faith and transformation, my heart overflowed with gratitude. God is doing something remarkable across our global family: a quiet, steady acceleration of Christ-centered movements that is reshaping the way we lead, serve, and live.
From Japan to Cameroon: New Wineskins for a New Season
This year, our vision of a vibrant community accelerating Christ-centered movements took on fresh life. We saw our first full launch in Africa, Cameroon, a nation strategically poised to bridge Anglophone and Francophone regions. Meanwhile, our Japan team continues to innovate in one of the hardest mission fields in the world, serving as a model of perseverance and faithful witness.
From Asia to Africa, from emerging young leaders to seasoned mentors, one generation is indeed commending God’s works to another. The Spirit is stirring new life in every region where A3 serves.
Innovation Hubs and the Estuary Model: Leadership that Flows
During our board meetings in Hong Kong, we reflected deeply on how to prepare A3 for the next generation of leaders. The “Estuary Model” has emerged as a powerful picture of leadership renewal—where fresh water from new leaders flows into the rich, nutrient-filled waters of seasoned mentors, creating an ecosystem of continual growth and succession.
Across our network, we’re developing innovation laboratories; spaces for experimentation and contextual learning. Whether through business cohorts, digital platforms, or cross-sector collaborations, A3 is cultivating environments where Spirit-led leaders can thrive and multiply.
Raising a New Generation of Catalytic Leaders
Our 2030 Strategic Plan sets an audacious goal: to identify and invest deeply in 100 catalytic leaders; visionary, Christ-centered men and women (40% women and 40% under 40) who can influence Spirit-led change in every sphere of society.
We’re also clarifying what we mean by movement and catalytic leadership—not merely activity, but sustained momentum of disciple-making that transforms communities and systems. These leaders are not content to maintain; they multiply. They create ripples of renewal that extend far beyond their immediate reach.
A Family on Mission: Living Community, Accelerating the Kingdom
A3 has always been more than an organization: it’s a family. That sense of deep community was palpable in Hong Kong. Around every meal, every prayer, and every conversation, we were reminded that our strength lies in being all in with God, living authentic community, and accelerating kingdom leaders.
Looking Toward 2030: Build Now, Lead the Future
As we move toward 2030, our theme is simple yet urgent: Build Now. Lead the Future.
By 2030, we aim to double our footprint to 40 countries and seven spheres of influence, establish seven regional hubs, and form strategic partnerships with ten like-minded movements.
But more than numbers, our focus is on multiplication with meaning; leaders who love God deeply, lead with Christlike character, and catalyze transformation wherever they serve.
In every conversation with our board, I sensed the Spirit’s prompting: this is not about expanding an institution but enlarging the Kingdom through surrendered lives. The estuary is widening, and the next generation is ready to flow.
A Prayer for the Road Ahead
As we concluded our time in Hong Kong, we bowed our heads and prayed together. And my prayer for us is:
“Lord, may Your Spirit continue to breathe life into this movement.
May one generation commend Your works to another.
And may we be found faithful in building now
for the generations and nations yet to come.”
Join us on this journey of renewal and multiplication. Together, we’re building not just for today but for the Kingdom to come.
Explore more at https://A3.co/ and follow our journey toward 2030.
Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President
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More Information
- A3 board photos courtesy Joe Handley
- Inset photo of an estuary by Joshua Gaunt on Unsplash
