Academy Tutors
All of the tutors chosen to lecture in the Leadership Academy are proven leaders in their areas of gifting and ministry.
They all have a heart to raise up the next generation of leaders and to pass on what they have learnt on their journey of life and leadership.
Dave Gilpin
(Leadership Academy President)
Dave is the Senior Pastor of Hope City Church and he also oversees the S4 Leadership Network in the UK. Dave's creativity, his insight into leadership and his experience in church planting and church development will both challenge and inspire you to a greater level of personal leadership. (BEng Civil / Diploma of Ministry)
Jenny Gilpin
Jenny, alongside her husband Dave, pastors Hope City Church as well as overseeing the City Hearts Women's Houses. Jenny has proven experience in ministry that makes her sharp and clear as a communicator and her prophetic gift brings an added dimension to the training sessions. Jenny and Dave have a 16 year old son, Ryan. (Diploma of Ministry)
Ali Bianchi
(Leadership Academy Dean & Buzz Schools Director)
Ali has seen great success in schools and working with students over the last few years in the life of Hope City Church. Ali has a heart to see young people changed by the Gospel and his energy and enthusiasm will greatly inspire you. He is married to Karen. (BA Hons History)
Siobhan Bullock
(Leadership Academy Director)
Siobhan is the Assistant Director of Hope City Church, managing the development of all four congregations. From her involvement in the day to day running of church life, Siobhan will bring practical insight and some 'How to's' on leadership that will help strengthen you on your leadership journey. Siobhan is married to Steve and they have a daughter called Charlie-Grace. (BA Hons Social Studies)
Chris Thomas
(Leadership Academy Mentor)
Chris is the Conference Manager at the Megacentre in Sheffield and a Regional Care Pastor. Chris also brings years of ministry experience to the Leadership Academy. With his ability to bring the Bible to life in a real and genuine way Chris will make you laugh and challenge you all at the same time. Chris has a huge pastoral heart, get ready to be blessed! Chris is married to Julie and they have two teenage sons. (Diploma Theology / Diploma Religious Studies)
Paul Benger
Paul is part of the oversight of the Ground Level Network and organises the 10,000 strong Grapevine Conference in Lincoln. Paul also pastors the Christian Life Church in Chesterfield. He is an Academy favourite with his dynamic character and love for building the local church. Paul is married to Jeannie and they have three sons! (Diploma Theology / Diploma of Personnel + Development / Diploma of Payroll + Pension Management)
Grayson Jones
Grayson is the Senior Minister of International City Church in Doncaster and is a long term tutor with Hope City training programmes. Grayson has pioneered lots of churches and he has a powerful teaching gift on his life. He will inspire you to reach your full potential in God. Grayson is married to Del. (BA Hons Theology)
Dave Adam
Dave has been involved in Hope City training since it first started. Dave and his wife Anne have spent the last seven years in full time missions work in Eastern Europe. Dave has great wisdom and years of experience to bring to the mix. (B Sc Biochemistry / PGCE)
Glyn Barrett
Glyn is the Director of Audacious, and also Director of Youth Alive UK. He also leads the fantastic Audacious City Church in Manchester. Glyn is married to Sophia and they have two children, Georgia and Jaedon. (Diploma in Theology / Diploma in Youth Ministry)
Chris Denham
Chris is the Congregational Pastor of Hope City Church in Leeds. Chris has seen significant growth in his congregation and in his influence in the city of Leeds. He will bring powerful insight to the Academy training as well as humour and his love for Star Trek! Chris is married to Gosia and they have a son called Joel. (BA Hons Biblical Studies / Diploma Biblical & Evangelistic Ministries)
Andy Gorman
Andy is the Congregational Pastor of Hope City Church in Liverpool. Andy has a strong teaching gift on his life and he speaks with great authority and wisdom. You will find him refreshing, interesting and lots of fun! Andy is married to Karen and they have two daughters, Amy and Eden. (MEng Diploma in Engineering)
Louise Davies
Louise is the City Outreach Pastor of Hope City Church in Sheffield and has great influence in the local community with her ability to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. You will be challenged to make your faith a practical reality in the lives of those around you. Louise is married to Chris and they have a baby boy called Thomas. (BFC Hons)
Roger Davies
Roger is the Assistant Pastor of Hope City Church and the Congregational Pastor of Hope City Church in Sheffield. He has a heart to love every person in the life of the church from the youngest to the oldest. He will leave you feeling loved, encouraged and refreshed for every step of your Academy year. Roger is married to Anna and they have two daughters, Zoe and Yasmin. (BA Hons Geography / PGCE / MBA Masters Business & Administration / PG Cert Marketing Chartered Institute Marketeers)