For many years God has been developing a vision in Bobby Hill's heart for a network of like-minded leaders and churches that would walk together in covenant relationship to cooperatively impact the world. After more than three years of prayer, planning, and waiting for God's perfect timing, Vanguard Ministries became a reality in 1999.

A "vanguard" is a front-runner; a pioneer; one that is on the leading edge; a spearhead; an avant-garde. We believe the Lord has raised up Vanguard Ministries to be a network which will blaze a trail for the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the 21st century.

Vanguard Ministries is part of a larger movement which C. Peter Wagner has labeled the "New Apostolic Reformation." Dr. Wagner defines it as an extraordinary work of God taking place in the church that is changing the shape of Christianity around the world. He further describes it as a "grassroots phenomenon" in which God is raising up churches and leaders worldwide for the last awesome push to fulfill the Great Commission.

Our founder, Bobby Hill describes how he sees Vanguard's future:

"I envision a network of churches and leaders bound together by a common DNA of vision and values who have made the quality decision to walk in the unity of the Spirit. We are to be an organization which is established and maintained along relational lines-not hierarchical authority. Vanguard is a collective group of leaders who applaud their racial, gender, socioeconomic, and cultural differences, but are equally aware of the need to build on the strength of those things that make each of them unique.

"This will be a coalition of life-giving churches and ministries that truly believe in cooperative efforts of the network are better and more productive than "going it alone." Having been a pastor for 26 years, I know the importance of receiving the strengthening ministry of translocal gift ministries who desire to ease the burdens of the local pastor. I can imagine a day when leaders and their followers have the confidence that when a leader falls or fails there is grace-based restorative ministry available to them. Vanguard fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness that supports one another in our struggles and successes.

"I see a group of churches who have determined to maximize their global impact by pooling their strategic, people, and financial resources. I believe Vanguard will become a church planting movement which God will use as a harvesting instrument in these last days. This will be a network which prioritizes city-reaching efforts by partnering together in every possible way.