Thursday, September 11 - Saturday, September 13
Legacy.
Gather together. Worship together. Grow together.
The Hawaii Leadership Conference is a Kingdom gathering bringing pastors, leaders, and Christ-followers across Hawaii to pursue a fresh move of God together and learn from the forerunners of the faith in Hawaii to raise the tide for all churches. Rooted in Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:20–23, this conference seeks to bring the Church of Hawaii together to worship, build relationships, and be discipled to see His Kingdom come in Hawaii, as it is in heaven. In this pivotal moment, we honor the past, celebrate what God is doing now, and boldly seek His future—together.
Legacy is the theme at the heart of this year’s gathering. We come together as one Church—across names, congregations, and generations—to learn from the faithful pioneers who helped shape the legacy of God in our islands. Their courage, obedience, and Spirit-led leadership laid a foundation for revival, and now, as a new wave of revival begins, we are called to receive, steward, and build upon that legacy for the sake of generations to come.
In this historic moment for the Church in Hawaii, one generation leaves a legacy behind while another begins to continue it. Just as Moses passed the torch to Joshua, we are challenged to remember where we came from, embrace where God is taking us, and ask: What legacy will you write?
2025 Conference Speakers
Norman
Nakanishi
Founding Pastor, Pearlside Church
Pastor Norman and his wife Faye started Pearlside Church in 1994 and it all started with young people, middle school, and high school students. In August 2022, after spending 29 years planting multiple congregations throughout in Hawaii and the West Coast, Pastor Norman stepped into a new role as the "Founding and Expansion Pastor" of Pearlside Church. His focus is to plant new sites and congregations locally and abroad, all while training and mentoring up-and-coming new church planters. Pastor Norman also serves as the Chair of the Oversight Team of Every Nation Ministries, a global family of churches and ministries whose mission is to plant churches and campus ministries in every nation.
Wayne
Cordeiro
Founding Pastor, New Hope Oʻahu
Pastor Wayne Cordeiro is the founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry beginning in 1984 in Hilo, Hawaii. In 1995, he relocated to Honolulu and pioneered New Hope Oahu. Within 10 years, NHO was listed among the ten most innovative churches in America. Outreach Magazine listed them as one of the “top five churches to learn from.” New Hope has seen over 120,000 first time decisions in Hawaii since its inception and has planted 153 churches on the West Coast and in Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar, and Australia. Author of over 14 books he also speaks globally on ministry and leadership. He also designed the Life Journal and the SOAP method for daily devotions used by thousands of churches.
Mike
Kai
Founding Pastor, Inspire Church
Pastor Mike Kai is the Senior Pastor of Inspire Church in Hawaiʻi, a thriving multi-site church, and the co-founder of the Inspire Collective, an initiative focused on equipping business leaders and executives both locally and globally. As an author, he has written The Pound for Pound Principle, Plateaus, and That Doesn’t Just Happen – How Excellence Accelerates Everything. He also founded Send Hope International, a nonprofit organization that supports pastors, church planters, and missionaries around the world, and hosts major annual events in Hawaiʻi such as the Arise Women’s Conference, Kingdom Man, and Inspire Conference. In addition, he launched the Pound for Pound Academy, which offers masterclasses and leadership cohorts for business professionals and entrepreneurs.
Dan
Chun
Co-Founder, Hawaiian Islands Ministries
Dan Chun is married to Pamela Anne Chun and has three children – Noelle, Dylan, Quinn – and two dogs Max and Barley. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, USC, Lewis and Clark College, and Punahou School, Dan served as the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu from 1994 to 2023. Dan and Pam founded Hawaiian Islands Ministries (HIM) in 1983 with the vision of catalyzing Christian renewal and revival in Hawaii through a trans-denominational, cross-generational equipping ministry for the Christian churches and leaders in Hawaii. Dan’s passion is ministry, education, creation care, Native Hawaiian history and to release the homeless and children from poverty in Hawaii and the world. He is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, international speaker, author and did postgraduate education at Harvard University on Sustainability Leadership for the 21st Century.
Elwin
Ahu
Founding Pastor, Metro Christian Church
Elwin Ahu is the Founding Pastor of Metro Christian Church. In 1995, while serving as a Circuit Judge for the State of Hawaii, Elwin made his most important decision when he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. This led him to step down from his promising judicial career in order to step up to answer God’s call into full-time ministry. Elwin and his wife Joy planted Metro Christian Church in 2012. However, in Metro’s inaugural year, he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and underwent intense hospitalization and treatment. By God’s miraculous power Elwin was healed from this disease. Having experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ, Elwin has a passion to teach, inspire, and equip others to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Graceland University, William S. Richardson School of Law, and Life Pacific University, Elwin served as Founder and Director of Metro Christian Academy, and board member of the Partners in Development Foundation, River of Life Mission, and the Foursquare Church. Elwin and Joy cherish their time with family: Brandon, Kara, and Jared, and grandchildren, Alana and Hokua.
Charis
Michel-Wilkins
NextGen Pastor, Metro Christian Church
Pastor Charis Michel-Wilkins serves as the NextGen Pastor at Metro Christian Church, where she is passionate about leading young people—from middle school to young adults—into the restoration, freedom, and wholeness found in Christ. Raised in Hawaii, Charis was deeply shaped by the youth ministry of New Hope Oahu—then known as OG (One Generation)—making her current role a full-circle testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. She has served in NextGen ministry for the past five years, both in Hawai‘i and on the mainland, and counts it a great honor to be the daughter of Pastors Alex and Jennifer Michel, whose legacy of faith & ministry continues to inspire her walk. Charis is happily married to her best friend and greatest encourager, Caleb. Outside of ministry, Charis enjoys traveling, all things Disney, cheeseburgers, and spending quality time with the people she loves most.
Jennifer
Canaya Michel
Cabinet Member, The Foursquare Church
Pastor Jennifer Michel serves at Metro Christian Church and as a Cabinet member for The Foursquare Church, representing the Pacific District. With over 30 years of ministry experience—from children and youth to young adults, women, and couples—she brings seasoned leadership and a heart for discipleship. A church planter and small group leader, Jennifer also works at a leading Hawaii-based financial institution, blending spiritual and marketplace influence. She actively volunteers in her community and champions women, dedicated to helping them realize their worth and purpose. Known for her value of authentic connection and lifelong learning, Jennifer finds joy in time with loved ones, nature, and the quiet presence of Jesus. She reflects with gratitude on over 27 years of fruitful marriage and ministry shared with her late husband, Pastor Alex Michel. Jennifer is a blessed mama to two daughters, two sons, two sons-in-law, and two beloved fur babies.
Donovan
Sabog
Executive Pastor, New Hope Oʻahu
Donovan Sabog loves God, loves people, and loves helping people discover God’s love for them. A graduate of Punahou, Yale, and Capital Seminary, Donovan was appointed Executive Pastor of New Hope Oahu at the age of 28. With a heart for global missions, evangelism, and discipleship, Donovan is passionate about helping people discover their God-given potential and live out their God-ordained calling. Prior to answering God’s call to full-time ministry in 2020, Donovan served as a management consultant in New York City, head recruitment coordinator for Yale Admissions, and various positions in finance, education, government, and public policy in Hawaii. When he’s not at church, you’ll likely find Donovan eating a plate lunch, serving God on global missions, or reminding everyone of one truth: YOU ARE LOVED!
Brandon
Ahu
Lead Pastor, Metro Christian Church
Brandon Ahu is the Lead Pastor at Metro Christian Church in Kalihi. He loves Jesus, family time, dad jokes, black coffee, uncrowded lineups, and fixing his slice. An alumnus of Kamehameha, USC, and Fuller Seminary he loves inspiring and empowering people to make a Kingdom difference in the world today. Brandon and his lovely wife Kara are proud parents of two awesome kids.
TJ
Gorum
Executive Director, Kingdom Collective
TJ’s greatest passion—second only to his love for his wife, Jules, and their two sons—is seeing God move in Hawaii in such a powerful way that no single person or church can take the credit.
For the past 20 years, he has been devoted to planting churches, strengthening existing ones, and launching ministries that unite the Body of Christ across the islands. Today, TJ serves as the Executive Director of Kingdom Collective, a growing network committed to seeing God's kingdom come in Hawaii through collaboration, shared learning, and mission.
When he’s not investing in leaders or building bridges between churches, you’ll likely find TJ on a mountaintop or in the ocean—chasing adventure wherever it leads.
Andrew
Pearson
Bunny
Correa
Cal
Chinen
Danny
Yamashiro
Glenn
Yamaguchi
Heather
Moore
John
Cabello
John
Termini
John
Tilton
Joshua
Ko
Josiah
Nordgren
Kiha
Pimental
Kipi
Higa
Landon
Mauricio
Lisa
Kai
Lori
Nagaoka
Mark
Palompo
Mark
Stinton
Matt
Higa
Pat
McFall
Rhoel
Ortal
Rob
McWilliams
Rod
Shimabukuro
Roy
Yamamoto
Sam
Kapu
Seiya
Majima
Sheldon
Lacsina
Talo
Sataraka
Conference Schedule
Thursday, September 11
7:00pm-9:30pm (6:30pm Doors Open)
Plenary Interview:
Pastor Dan Chun
interviewed by Pastor Donovan Sabog
Plenary Message:
Pastor Norman Nakanishi
Pastoral Hosts:
John Tilton, Sheldon Lacsina, Bunny Correa, Kiha Pimental, Roy Yamamoto, Kipi Higa, Glenn Yamaguchi, John Cabello, John Termini, Heather Moore, Lori Nagaoka, Norman Nakanishi, Josiah Nordgren, Cal Chinen
Friday, September 12
7:00pm-9:30pm (6:30pm Doors Open)
Plenary Interview:
Pastor Elwin Ahu
interviewed by Pastor Brandon Ahu
Plenary Message:
Pastor Wayne Cordeiro
Pastoral Hosts:
Mark Palompo, Mark Stinton, Rob McWilliams, Joshua Ko, Talo Sataraka, Rhoel Ortal, Pat McFall, Lisa Kai
Saturday, September 13
9:30am-12:00pm (9:00am Doors Open)
Plenary Interview:
Pastor Jennifer Canaya Michel and Pastor Charis Michel-Wilkins
interviewed by Pastor TJ Gorum
Plenary Message:
Pastor Mike Kai
Pastoral Hosts:
Seiya Majima, Landon Mauricio, Andrew Pearson, Matt Higa, Rod Shimabukuro, Sam Kapu, John Tilton, Donovan Sabog
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
•
John 17:20-23
•
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. • John 17:20-23 •
Location
All Hawaii Leadership Conference sessions will take place at the New Hope Oahu Ministry Center, located at 290 Sand Island Access Road.
Doors open for our plenary sessions at 6:00pm (8:30am on Saturday morning). Pre-plenary kickoff begins at 6:50pm (9:20am on Saturday) and the plenary session begins at 7:00pm (9:30am on Saturday).
Note that all lanyards will be checked at the doors, so please wear your lanyard to help ensure a smooth flow for all guests. A green lanyard provides admission to the balcony, a blue lanyard provides admission to the floor, and a yellow lanyard provides admission to the executive section. Please note that those without a lanyard will not be admitted to the sanctuary, so please be sure to keep your lanyard with you at all times.
Thank you for sitting in your allocated section and not leaving empty seats in between parties, as all seats have been sold and allocated to a registered guest.
The final schedule for the plenary session will be updated and posted on our website the week of the conference at https://www.hawaiileader.com/#schedule
Plenary Sessions & Conference Schedule:
Check-in and registration will begin at 5:00pm (8:00am on Saturday morning) in the courtyard outside the New Hope Oahu Ministry Center along Sand Island Access Road. You will receive your conference lanyard and badge as you check in.
Please note that all attendees must wear their lanyards at all times during the conference, as this serves as your ticket to the event. Lanyards are non-transferable, and are color-coded according to the seat type that you purchased. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
At this time, our connection lobby, bookstore, coffee shop, cafe, and plenary session general admission line, will also open for dinner and breakfast. The following will be available for purchase:
Thursday: Kalua Pork Plate; Poke Bowls (Shoyu or Spicy)
Friday: Laulau (Pork) Plate; Poke Bowls (Shoyu or Spicy)
Saturday: Breakfast Bento with Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Meat (Bacon, Portuguese Sausage), and Rice
Registration, Check-in & Lobby Opening Times
Your safety and security is our utmost priority. To ensure a safe and secure event, we will be conducting bag checks for every individual that enters the ministry center. Bag checks begin when the lobby opens at 5:00pm (8:00am on Saturday), so please be sure to arrive with ample time to make it through security check prior to the plenary session.
Additionally, for your safety, only those who have registered for the conference and are wearing their lanyard will be admitted into the ministry center. Police officers and plain-clothes security will also be stationed around the ministry center.
Safety & Security:
Parking & Map:
Ample parking for the conference is conveniently located across several lots within a walkable distance to the ministry center. However, due to the varying business hours of our neighbors, these lots open at various times. Please refer to the parking map and opening times, as listed below.
For your convenience, please navigate to our ministry center, and our friendly parking team will direct you to the nearest available parking stall, including additional lots that may not be pictured below.
Please note that the Makai Lot, as well as select stalls in our Mauka Annex Lot, is strictly reserved for our Executive Package attendees, as well as Reserved Handicap Parking for those with an ADA placard. The Makai lot is closed to all other guests.
Diamond Ramp Lot (197 Sand Island Access Road, with premium shuttle service)
2:00pm | Thursday and Friday
6:30am | Saturday
Mauka Annex Lot (2223 Hoonee Place)
5:00pm | Thursday and Friday
6:30am | Saturday
Bargreen Lot (2234 Hoonee Place)
5:00pm | Thursday and Friday
6:30am | Saturday
American Floor and Home Lot (302 Sand Island Access Road)
5:30pm | Thursday and Friday
NO PARKING | Saturday
Street Parking
Street parking is available along Ho’onee Place and Sand Island Access Road. When parking on the street, please help us represent Jesus well to our neighbors by not blocking any entrances/exits and being mindful of all street signs.
Makai Lot (290 Sand Island Access Road)
EXECUTIVE PACKAGE and ADA ONLY
4:30pm | Thursday and Friday
6:30am | Saturday
Conference Registration
Conference is
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT
$65
Balcony Seating
Mezzanine Seating or Similar
(Includes All 3 Plenary Sessions)
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT
$85
Floor Seating
Ground Floor Seating or Similar
(Includes All 3 Plenary Sessions)
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT
$400
Executive Package
(1) Premium Center Front Floor Seating
(1) Reserved Parking Stall
Tickets to all 3 “Feasts with the Forerunners”
Executive Package
*SOLD OUT
Premium Seating | Reserved Parking
All Three Feast with the Forerunners Meals+Q&As
In this exclusive leadership experience, you’ll unlock the ultimate Hawaii Leadership Conference experience through this elevated, all-access pass to world-class leadership lessons, premium amenities, and exclusive networking opportunities. Executive track includes:
Reserved Premium Center Front Floor Seating
Reserved Parking in the Makai Lot or Mauka Lot
Reserved Premium Center at all Three (3) “Feast with the Forerunner” Exclusive Catered Meals and Q&A Sessions with Pastors Norman Nakanishi, Wayne Cordeiro, and Mike Kai
Networking Opportunities with Other Pastors, Executives, and Ministry Leaders
Tickets for the Executive Package are $400 per seat (20% savings). Less than 40 seats are available for this extremely limited conference experience, so reserve your spot today.
Feast with the Forerunner
*SOLD OUT
Join each night’s plenary speaker in the Mauka Lehua Room for a catered meal prior to the plenary session. During “feast with the forerunner,” you’ll be able to spend additional time with the evening’s plenary speaker in an intimate setting to ask them your questions, hear their personal stories, and learn invaluable lessons beyond what will be shared in the main session. Only 48 seats are available for purchase each night, so be sure to secure your seats for this rare experience before they sell out!
And if you are interested in attending all three feasts, check out our all-inclusive Executive Package, which includes premium seating at a discounted rate.
Day 1 Dinner (Buffet 5:00pm | Program 5:30pm): Pastor Norman Nakanishi
Day 2 Dinner (Buffet 5:00pm | Program 5:30pm): Dr. Wayne Cordeiro
Day 3 Breakfast (Buffet 7:30am | Program 8:00am): Pastor Mike Kai