Developing Students since 2021

RISING TO THE CALL! Welcome to Newhope's School of Leadership and Ministry (SLAM)! In our experiential-focused hybrid programs, you will receive real-world ministry experience, collegiate education, and one-on-one apprenticeship. As part of our Newhope team, you will become part of a vibrant community of emerging leaders. Together, we will help you uncover the character and calling that God has instilled within you, empowering you to rise to YOUR calling!

Welcome to Newhope.

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At SLAM, students grow through a dynamic blend of classroom instruction, hands-on ministry experience, and personal mentorship from our pastoral staff. We place a strong emphasis on spiritual formation, recognizing that every student’s journey begins with a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This spiritual foundation is the cornerstone of each student’s faith, calling, and development as a Christian leader.

What we Offer:

SLAM Experience

The SLAM Experience is a dynamic program spanning one to two years, designed to cultivate students' spiritual formation alongside practical experience in leadership and ministry. Participants specialize in areas such as Finance/Operations, Creative Arts (Film, technology, design, editing, etc.), Communications/Social Media, Newhope Kids, Newhope Youth, and Worship.

SLAM Plus

The School of Leadership and Ministry (S.L.A.M.) Plus program is a 2-3 year course aimed at developing students' spiritual growth and practical leadership skills. Participants choose from six focus areas, attend Northwest University online at a discounted rate, and earn three credits per semester through practicum (mentorship). Additionally, S.L.A.M. Plus students have the option to enroll in Pathways online courses.

SLAM Education

The SLAM Education program offers students a discounted rate to attend Northwest University (NU) while earning three practicum credits each semester. Unlike our other SLAM programs, SLAM Education students are not required to attend midweek staff meetings or on-campus teaching days.

SLAM Masters Programs

SLAM offers discounted tuition for several masters programs at NU.
MA in Bible and Theology
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master in Teaching
MA in Bible and Theology
MA in Ministry Leadership
Master of Business Administration
Master of Education
MS in Information Technology Management

Student STories.

Jazmin Lawrence

Newhope Bonney Lake Operations Staff

"The School of Leadership and Ministry has been a blessing to be a part of the last couple of years. I got to start our apprenticeships within an area of ministry of my choosing, and I chose our Executive Pastor as my mentor. I have been apprenticing under him for the past three years and also attend Northwest University to get my BA in Business Management. Honestly, I would be in a very different season of life right now without SLAM. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the first class and to continue my education at NU with my ministry learning from SLAM."

AJ Herrera

Athletic Director

"At first, I was unsure if SLAM was something that I felt I should do. I didn't know if ministry was something I wanted to do. More than that, I didn't feel I was fit for ministry. But while at SLAM, I learned what it meant to be led by God before I could lead others. I discovered I was never fit within myself to begin [with]. It was always by the grace of God that I could lead well in ministry. I left SLAM with a burning heart for the Great Commission, knowing that I must make Jesus known to everyone in every sphere of life!"

Melissa Scott

Current Student/Elementary Director

"Being a part of the School of Leadership and Ministry (SLAM) has incredibly impacted my life. The hands-on ministry experience and pastoral mentorship are something that you don't get in a typical college program. I feel like SLAM has prepared and paved the way for me to go into vocational ministry. SLAM has led to my being offered a position on the Newhope team. This ministry offer has been an incredible answer to prayer and a calling I have felt since I was a teenager. SLAM is not just for 20-somethings either. As a 40-year-old wife and mom of two, SLAM taught me that it is never too late to follow the call of God on your life."

Shamya Clark

Nursery Director/Pediatric Nurse

"Through Slam, I found a love of serving and helping to grow this next generation of followers through kid’s ministry. It has helped me build a strong foundation for myself as a follower of Jesus and to lead others as they do the same. After completing the program, I still utilize the tools I gained through Slam. Whether in nursing school, in my home life, or at work. If It weren’t for Slam, I wouldn’t have found a community of people who continue to encourage me spiritually as I grow closer to Christ."

Our Northwest University Partnership.

Leadership and Ministry will be working directly with Northwest University.

Learn More

Dr. Thomas (Tom) Frisinger

Pastoral Lead-Newhope School of Leadership and Ministry

Dr. Tom Frisinger brings more than four decades of leadership experience in ministry and education to the School of Leadership and Ministry (SLAM) at Newhope Church. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature from Northwest University (Kirkland, WA), a Master’s in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA), and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL). His doctoral research focused on executive pastors, emotional intelligence, and ministerial effectiveness.

Over the years, Dr. Tom has faithfully served in a wide range of roles, including youth pastor, college and career pastor, lead pastor, school superintendent, and executive pastor. Currently a member of Newhope’s Lead Team, he leads SLAM with a deep commitment to developing the next generation of Christian leaders. Through intentional mentorship, discipleship, and real-world ministry experiences, Dr. Tom and the SLAM team equip students to lead with wisdom, character, and purpose.
When he’s not leading or teaching, Dr. Tom enjoys space sci-fi, adventure novels, historical biographies, quality coffee, and cheering on the Seattle Mariners.

Meet the SLAM Team

SLAM 2024-25 Calendar