PURPOSE
The City Network initiative has grown out of a response to what the Spirit of God seems to be stirring in the hearts of leaders in cities across the United States and around the world. Churches, networks, and denominations, are coming together in a spirit of unity for greater kingdom collaboration. Collaborative networks in multiple cities have already begun and others are beginning to emerge as leaders work together towards church multiplication in their geography.
If you are collaborating with others in your city across church, denominational, and network lines to see churches planted and the gospel saturate your city, then this learning experience is for you and your team.
Our time together will be designed as a learning lab and not a traditional conference. There will be time to hear lessons we’ve learned with HCPN over the past 15 years as well as time built in for your city team to work on actionable next steps. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with leaders in other cities who are pursuing a similar vision. Because of the nature of our time together we are asking that each participating city have 3-5 key leaders from different churches attend.
Register soon as we will cap the learning lab with around 15 participating cities. This year we are adding an alumni track for previous participants that are currently leading networks in cities around the world.
Contact chad@hcpn.org if you have any questions.
Partnering together with those leading collaborative church planting movements in their cities.
DAY 01
TUESDAY
AUGUST 25
Day 1 will focus on the origin, vision, and foundational lessons behind the Houston Church Planting Network. Participants will hear the story of how HCPN began, the convictions that shaped it, and the collaborative vision that continues to guide the work today. We’ll also explore key lessons learned along the way, including common missteps to avoid and essential elements that help sustain healthy city collaboration over time. The evening will conclude with dinner and informal connection time together.
SCHEDULE
2:30pm – Registration & Fellowship
3:00pm – Session #1
4:45pm – Session #2
5:45pm – Wrap-Up
6:30pm – Dinner & Hang-Out (Provided)
2026 SCHEDULE
DAY 02
WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 26
Day 2 will focus on practical principles, frameworks, and strategies that can help strengthen collaborative efforts in your city or network. Sessions will explore both the mindset and the practical structures behind cultivating healthy partnerships, supporting church planters, and building long term momentum. Participants will also join the HCPN Gathering alongside pastors and leaders from across Houston, followed by a debrief and extended Q&A time with the HCPN team.
SCHEDULE
8:30am – Fellowship & Breakfast
9:00am – Session #3
10:30am – Session #4
11:30am – HCPN Gathering (Lunch Provided)
2:00pm – Debrief & Q&A
2:45pm – End of Day / Explore Space City! See activity and restaurant recommendations.
DAY 03
THURSDAY
AUGUST 27 (OPTIONAL)
This optional Day 3 session is designed to help participants begin turning ideas from the Learning Lab into practical next steps for their city or network. Rather than additional teaching, this will be a collaborative working session with the HCPN team.
We’ll spend the morning helping you process what is most relevant for your context and begin building a practical next steps plan for your team and city.
Participants will also receive access to sample frameworks, tools, and resources that HCPN has developed and used in Houston and alongside other city networks.
SCHEDULE
9:00-11:30am – Optional Session #5: Building Your Plan with the HCPN Team
Meals listed in the schedule above will be covered by your registration.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON
ACTIVITIES
There is a tour of the Cisterns in Buffalo Bayou park, we also recommend checking out Eleanor Tensley park while you're there, it has a great view of the skyline.
The Post is a food/drink hall with art installations and it's inside (AC!), it’s also a great spot to get a nice rooftop view of the city.
We also have TopGolf which is popular and an Escape Game.
RESTAURANTS
Good dinner spots for Wednesday night close by:
$$$ Bludorn
$$$ B&B Butcher
$$$ State of Grace
$$ BB Lemon
$$ Candente
$$ Killen’s
$$ Pit Room
$ Aladdin
$ Burger Joint
$ Velvet Taco
