The Exchange Ministries

Bring Jesus to the lost, hurting, and broken.

We believe that the church will once again meet the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs of its neighbors, bringing Jesus to the lost, hurting, and broken.

Hamilton, MichiganHome base in West Michigan
Dorado, Puerto RicoWhere the ministry began in 2016

Our vision

To bring Jesus to the lost, hurting, and broken by empowering followers of Jesus to embody the biblical church, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to live out their faith authentically in every aspect of their lives.

The Exchange Ministries serve as a resource for followers of Jesus seeking to rediscover the biblical church, providing them with practical guidance for integrating their faith into their daily lives.

Step 1

Equip

Teach, train, and equip followers of Jesus with practical tools and biblical understanding.

Step 2

Live it out

Empower them to live out their faith authentically and effectively, in every part of life.

This cultivates a church community that faithfully reflects the principles and practices found in Scripture, fostering spiritual growth and impactful service.

Ministries

Practical help for churches and the pastors who lead them.

Church Foundation Workshop

Our Church Foundation Workshop helps churches rediscover their biblical roots. This 3-day course focuses on church structure and leadership, guiding your congregation on a transformative journey that will radically reshape how you understand and experience church.

Ask about a workshop

3 days

Staff Retreats

Our Staff Retreats offer pastors a much-needed opportunity for rest and spiritual renewal in the beautiful settings of Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. These one-week retreats provide a chance to be reinvigorated through small group sessions and enriching group outings.

Ask about a retreat

1 week

Openly Learning

An education community that connects vetted educators with homeschool families, private K–12 students, and lifelong learners through live video sessions.

About Openly Learning

Co-founded with Jim TenBrink

2016Founded in Puerto Rico
3Days in the Church Foundation Workshop
1Week-long pastor retreat
2Homes: Hamilton, Michigan and Dorado, Puerto Rico

Openly Learning

Learn it, then go see it.

Openly Learning connects vetted educators with homeschool families, private K–12 students, and lifelong learners through live video sessions, with a faith-friendly community behind every class.

FoundationsEducators at 25 hours. Learners at 15.
ProficiencyEducators at 50 hours. Learners at 40.
MasteryEducators at 100 hours. Learners at 80.
DistinctionEducators at 250 hours. Learners at 120.

What makes it different

  • Place-based classes: learn it, then go see it
  • Family classes where parent and kids learn together
  • A ministry and discipleship track for adults
  • Homeschool record-keeping: transcripts, portfolios, and a state-by-state records guide

Who we are looking for

  • Certified teachers
  • Homeschool parents
  • Subject experts
  • College faculty and graduate students

You do not need to be a Christian to join. Openly Learning is a Christian-values community, and educators agree to teach in keeping with those values.

Our beliefs

What we hold to.

  1. God, the creator of the universe and everything in it, is the only true God. He represents himself as the trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  2. The Bible is God’s living Word. Inspired by God the Father through the Holy Spirit, written by man, being true in all aspects without error.
  3. Every person is born into sin and is on the path to eternal death in need of forgiveness.
  4. God sent his one and only Son, Jesus, born of a virgin, to earth in the form of a man to live a perfect life void of sin, to be the perfect sacrifice needed for our sin by paying the penalty we deserve through dying on a cross and spending three days fully separated from God. Jesus rose from the dead three days later, proving that only Jesus Christ could conquer death, making forgiveness of sin possible only through Him.
  5. Only through faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins are we saved from eternal death, given eternal life, and receive the Holy Spirit.
  6. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit each follower of Jesus is given spiritual gifts according to how the Spirit distributes them.
  7. All gifts spoken of in the New Testament are given today.
  8. Our salvation is secure if we continue in our faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to the Father in Heaven.
  9. All believers, young and old, are called to fulfill the commands of Christ, which revolve around loving God and loving one another.
  10. As described in the New Testament, the church comprises followers of Jesus and is for followers of Jesus.
  11. All five spiritual gifts described in Ephesians 4 (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher) are essential for both the universal church and the local church to become mature and unified.

Vision

To bring Jesus to the lost, hurting, and broken by empowering followers of Jesus to embody the biblical church by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to live out their faith authentically in every aspect of their lives.

Mission

Our mission is to teach, train, and equip followers of Jesus with practical tools and biblical understanding, empowering them to live out their faith authentically and effectively. This will cultivate a church community that faithfully reflects the principles and practices found in Scripture, fostering spiritual growth and impactful service.

Values

  • Willingly committed to educating Christians on biblical principles to apply to their daily lives and ministry.
  • Empowering and equipping the Church to go into the world and make disciples.
  • Focusing on our obedience to God’s Word as a measurement of success, not numbers.
  • Living a life that reflects our faith.
  • Simplicity is key. Less of us and more of Him.
  • The Word of God is true, even when our reality does not match.
  • Empowering all generations to live out the commands of Christ.
  • No one spiritual gift is held higher than any other.

About us

Founded in Puerto Rico in 2016.

The Exchange Ministries is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and community transformation. Rooted in the principles of discipleship, we strive to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to live out their faith authentically. Our focus extends beyond personal growth to active outreach, engaging with the local community to meet practical needs and share the message of hope.

A core value of The Exchange Ministries is the pursuit of New Testament Church Structure, aiming to cultivate a community of believers that reflects the relational dynamics and missional focus of the early church. We believe that through intentional discipleship, impactful outreach, and a return to the foundational principles of the New Testament, we can facilitate a genuine exchange of lives transformed by the power of faith.

John and Jennifer Hoogeveen serve in the mission field with a passion for discipleship and fostering communities that reflect the vibrant life of the New Testament church. Together, they are committed to equipping individuals to live out their faith authentically and build strong, Christ-centered relationships. John brings his expertise as a Communications professor, using his skills to effectively communicate the Gospel and train others in effective communication strategies. Jennifer’s background as a high-profile nanny has equipped her with a unique understanding of relational dynamics and a heart for nurturing and mentoring individuals of all ages.

Dr. John C. Hoogeveen III

John is the co-founder of The Exchange Ministries and serves as an Affiliate Professor of Communication at Cornerstone University and Grace Christian University. He holds a BA in Evangelism and an MA in Religion: Global Studies, is completing a D.Min. in Discipleship, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication at Liberty University. A gifted teacher, John brings biblical principles to life with practical and engaging instruction. John also serves as the primary instructor for The Exchange Ministries’ School of Discipleship.

John on Facebook

Jennifer N. Hoogeveen

Jennifer is the co-founder of The Exchange Ministries and a passionate advocate for families. Holding multiple childcare certifications and a member of the International Nanny Association, Jennifer serves as a VIP Nanny, dedicated to providing Christ-like care to those she serves.

Free resources

Books and workbooks for study and small groups.

Awakening the Sleeping Giant

A Guide to Living Out the New Testament Church. 164 pages.

Open PDF

Lines: Foundations for Freedom

57 pages.

Open PDF

The Exchange Discipleship Workbook

The First Steps to Fulfilling the Great Commission. 74 pages.

Open PDF

Evangelism Workbook

Going into the World, Bringing Jesus to the Lost, Hurting, and Broken. 37 pages.

Open PDF

Contact us

Questions about a workshop, a retreat, or the free material?

Openly Learning
learn@openlylearning.live
Social
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Based in
Hamilton, Michigan and Dorado, Puerto Rico