I've been in church my entire life as a preacher's kid—it's all I've ever known. Understanding how to "do church" came naturally to me; I've been around long enough to know how to put services together and organize church activities. However, when God began to move and people started coming in, I struggled with managing growth. I found myself wondering: How do we get people connected to the ministry at Landmark? How do we guide people from being far from God to truly understanding not only who Jesus is but also the purpose and plan He has for their lives?
That's when HGM came into our church's life, right when we needed it most. They provided frameworks and systems that helped me see the bigger picture and implement structures to sustain our growth. While HGM offers many facets, its system-building approach has been the most impactful for us—truly a game-changer. Growth was never our primary goal; instead, we focused on making our church healthy and letting growth happen naturally. As we've grown, HGM has equipped us with the tools to sustain that growth effectively.
HGM provided not only the lessons and materials to put systems in place but also the coaching and expertise to implement them successfully. They connected me with other pastors in similar situations, allowing me to learn from their experiences. One of the things I appreciate most about HGM is that they work with practitioners—not just theorists, but leaders actively implementing these principles in their congregations. This practical experience enables them to provide relevant solutions because they understand the challenges firsthand.
HGM also offers valuable support for churches that have plateaued or gotten stuck. A few months ago, we found ourselves in a place where attendance and connection had leveled off. We knew there were more people to reach but weren't sure how to do it. By revisiting HGM principles and consulting with their coaches and leaders, we've seen growth and transformation begin anew. I encourage you to connect with HGM. Their practitioners can help answer your questions, and the tools you'll receive will strengthen both your leadership and your church as you journey forward in God's plan.
Justin Blankenship
Pastor Justin has been the lead pastor at Landmark Church since 2008. He is a 4th generation IPHC pastor. Justin served at the national offices of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church before coming to Landmark. Under his leadership, God has opened the doors for Landmark to impact the city of Purcell in Oklahoma and the surrounding communities. Justin has been married to Sarah since 2018 and is the father of 2 sons, Benjamin and Boston, and one daughter, Everly Jane.
