Search Results for: covid-19

Responding to an Invisible Covid-19 Crisis

Posted on June 22, 2020 by - Church & Faith-Based, News & Updates, North America

Business opinion concept. Group of corporate people hiding faces behind blank speech bubbles, empty space

Dear friends, 

There has been an invisible crisis during the lockdown. Our nation’s most vulnerable children have not been seen by teachers, doctors or other professionals and so despite a large spike in incidents of domestic violence, very few children have come into care. We are expecting a surge in children coming into care soon. 

There are currently 125,000 children waiting in foster care for adoption in the U.S. As you are probably aware, children that age out of foster care make up a large percentage of the homeless population, the prison population and those that are sexually exploited in the U.S. Due to COVID–19 adoption has slowed down.   

The church has a vital role to play in responding to this crisis and we would like to invite you to be part of a conversation about the best way that we as churches and leaders across the nation can play our part. Join Dr. Krish Kandiah (GLS faculty) and Dr. Ed Stetzer, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College this Tuesday at 2pm CDT

WATCH NOW >>

 

of a conversation about the best way that we as churches and leaders across the nation can play our part. Join Dr. Krish Kandiah (GLS faculty) and Dr. Ed Stetzer, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College this Tuesday at 2pm CDT

COVID-19 Resources for Christian Marketplace Leaders

Posted on May 27, 2020 by - Articles, Change Management, Communication, Leading Organizations

Social networking concept from a distance away

During this season of crisis, C12 is working hard to help Christian business leaders continue to advance and do great good. Originally on the C12 platform, below is a blog post with some helpful resources for Christian business leaders. 

While well-intended tips, studies and forecasts from multiple sources are flooding everyone’s inboxes and social media feeds as well as inspiration to help mentally navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead, CEOs and business owners in C12’s global network are inundating our leadership with stories of creative innovation, lessons learned and tactical strategies. C12 members are turning the unforeseen disruptions of the COVID pandemic into opportunities to care for their teams, families and communities while still advancing their businesses. 

Hear from C12 CEO Mike Sharrow, in the first of a series of videos, as he shares what we are learning from thousands of Christian business leaders in C12 as well as our trusted partners and affiliate organizations.  Watch Now >>

In addition to the Executive Briefing, C12 will continue to compile the best resources to keep you informed and resilient throughout this uncertain time. This information is not exclusive to C12 members. Please feel free to share with your peers. 

 

Resources & Guidance for COVID-19 

Resources to Act: 

 

Government Resources: 

 

Insight & Analysis: 

 

Perspective Pieces: 

 

In the busy intersection of questions and dynamic situations, we want you positioned to succeed and to feel confident to serve your teams with exceptional relevance during this time. The power of leaning on the counsel of your peers is needed now more than ever. 

7 Principles for Leading through Covid-19

Posted on April 30, 2020 by - Articles, Change Management, Leading Organizations

Human hands holding various smart devices with coronavirus alerts on their screens. flat vector illustration

A crisis like Covid-19 presents many leadership challenges: we have never been here before!

There is no well-worn path; no lamp posts to show the way; no maps to guide us. Leaders around the world are forging new ways to lead within our new framework.

 

Here are 7 principles that I’ve been applying that may be of help to you:

1. Slow down and take time to understand

Leaders are, by nature, action oriented and crisis requires urgent action. But, amidst the unknowns of a crisis, it is vital to take time to fully understand the situation and the subsequent implications for your organization.

In this era of information overload and 24-hour news, it can be difficult to differentiate between fake and factual news. It is critical to have systems, processes and people around us to help filter information and identify trusted sources. Just as a doctor’s ability to help the patient depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis, a leader needs the right information to be able to make the right decisions. Please avoid the temptation to do what everyone else is doing! And understand the problems, issues and impact that is unique to you and then act.

In a highly fluid situation like the current pandemic, when the targets are constantly changing, we must continually re-frame our understanding of what’s happening. While leadership usually requires quick responses and action, shooting before aiming or shooting because everyone else is shooting can have disastrous consequences. So, take time to understand.

 

2. Feel the emotions   

Leaders generally operate logically, strategically and with clear plans. But in a crisis, emotions and feelings override logic for most people. This disparity can create a gulf between followers and leaders. It is important that leaders change gear—if you don’t connect with the emotions of the people you will not be able to influence and lead them as effectively. This doesn’t mean that we need to agree with their feelings, but we do need to respect them.

It is also important that we address the negative emotions with positive emotions rather than logic and strategies.  People fearing loss of health, loved ones or jobs are not looking for a strategy—they want reassurance from someone who they feel “understands” them.

 

3. Over-communicate

In a situation like Covid-19 it is easy to think, “There is plenty of information out there, what can I add that is not already said?” In fact, this is the time to communicate more than normal. In uncertain times people need familiar and trusted voices, so your voice to your people is critical.

In uncertain times people need familiar and trusted voices, so your voice to your people is critical.

Normally, I meet with our management team four times a year—now I’m meeting with them once a month; my monthly meeting with our executive team has become weekly. And we have introduced new technological platforms to enable communication through multiple channels.

Most of us love to communicate good news, but the role of a leader is to be the bearer of both good and difficult news. Never compromise truth to win over people for the short term, because in the long-term, truth will come out and people will feel betrayed. Don’t allow positivity to cloud facts and truth. The leader’s job is to speak what people need to hear, not what they want to hear.

 

4. Reframe the questions

During a crisis like Covid-19, people have all sorts of questions and one of the leader’s responsibilities is to help deal with them. Some questions need to be answered, but don’t fall victim to answering all questions. In adversity, people quickly turn inwards: how does this affect me and my family; what happens if I get sick, lose my job, etc. While we need to reassure and comfort people, it is important that leaders reframe questions to help people move from inward-looking to outward-looking.

In John 9, Jesus was asked the question, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” The question was trying to put the blame on someone for the present realities.

Notice Jesus doesn’t answer the question. Instead, he totally re-frames the situation with this statement: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that the works of God might be revealed in him.”

In our current context, many people are confused and asking questions such as:

  • Where is God in all this?
  • Why did God allow this?

While we need to help them answer relevant questions in appropriate ways, we can also re-frame questions like:

  • God, what are you doing through this and how can I join you in it?
  • What are you saying through this?
  • What needs to be changed in me?

 

5. Guard your heart

As leaders we often have to carry great pain. I know so many who have had to make reductions and put off staff in the last few weeks; staff who they love like their own family. When you are surrounded with loss and pain, it is easy to become overwhelmed or immobilised.

Yes, the hurt is real. We need to acknowledge the pain, but if you allow it to seep into your heart and embed inside you, then you will not be able to lead the vision. In the same way that a boat is proved by the water, leaders are proved by problems and pain. But, like the boat, we will sink if we allow the problems and pain inside us.

Remember those aeroplane instructions—please fit your mask before you help others. If you are not healthy and well, you are not able to help anyone. This is why the Bible instructs us to continuously guard our heart. Be a good gatekeeper and decide what you will allow inside. If you have already allowed the pain and hurt to settle in your heart, please don’t pretend—get help to deal with it immediately.

 

6. Find opportunities

While others are still weeping about the losses, smart leaders are already looking for opportunities. Every crisis has great opportunities hidden inside. In fact, the Chinese word for “crisis” includes the two characters signifying “danger” and “opportunity”.

We cannot assume everything will be the same and business will continue as usual once the pandemic ends. I believe many things will change and that means endless opportunities for leaders who are ready. The leaders who are diligent, have eyes to see, courage to adapt and ability to move quickly, will have great success in the future.

The leaders who are diligent, have eyes to see, courage to adapt and ability to move quickly, will have great success in the future.

As Winston Churchill said, “Never waste a good crisis!” This is a great opportunity to challenge our accepted reality, make changes, prune dead wood and get ready for creating and taking advantage of new opportunities.

 

7. Accept your limitations

Crisis will expose needs and lack in a way that can overwhelm us. The magnitude of needs can be beyond our capacity. Examine what your responsibilities are and don’t own what is not yours. Remember that God will not hold you accountable for what He has not given you.

While leaders need great confidence to lead, we also need to realise that we are not “superhuman”. We each have limitations. You as an individual are not called to solve all the problems of the world. You need to prioritise those that you are responsible for and channel energy towards them rather than become paralysed by everything around you.

In times like this, know that you are going to make mistakes, so give yourself and your team the space to do so. Reassure your people that you and the team will be doing everything possible and will give them your very best, but also seek their understanding and grace in advance if we fail to meet their expectations.

As a follower of Jesus, let me say that none of this has caught God by surprise and He promised that He will bring good through everything. So, above everything else is prayer, can. I urge you to pray and lean on Him and receive His special grace and peace for this season. He also invited us to ask Him for wisdom if we need it.

 

Know that you can, and will, make it through this and at the other end of Covid- 19, you will be a stronger and better leader.

GLS Faculty on Leadership During COVID-19

Posted on March 25, 2020 by - Articles, Change Management, Leading Organizations

Business opinion concept. Group of corporate people hiding faces behind blank speech bubbles, empty space

In these times of unprecedented change and anxiety, excellent leadership is needed more than ever. As many of us are facing new challenges in this season, we wanted to share some timely advice and wisdom from our Global Leadership Summit Faculty alumni. These days, many of them are actively engaged in providing encouragement on their digital platforms, so we’ve collected some of our favorites below.

Marcus Buckingham helps leaders focus on what’s most important for your team right now. If You Lead People Today, Do These 5 Things.

 

Patrick Lencioni offers three simple recommendations for leading a virtual team that has been posted on the Chief Executive Magazine website.

 

Simon Sinek is posting videos and encouragement on LinkedIn. Here’s one of his gems: It is rare for all humanity to have an opportunity to come together to help each other. This is one of those times.

 

Erica Ariel Fox has two wonderful articles on the psychology of our present moment. Coronavirus Panic: Some Tips for Handling Your Fear and The Power of Later.

 

Erwin Raphael McManus calls us to higher purpose with his Facebook post Let’s go Viral with Grace.

 

Bishop T.D. Jakes shares A Message of Hope broadcast on CBS Good Morning, giving his thoughts on community during social isolation.

 

John C. Maxwell  gives his teaching on the topic of Leading Through Crisis. available on Facebook live.

 

Condoleeza Rice prays for our communities on Facebook.

 

Henry Cloud is organizing a webinar on The Psychology of Crisis LIVE on Wednesday March 25 at 2:00pm ET. If you cannot attend live, the material will be available on-demand after the event. For more information and to register for live or on-demand, click here.

 

And some of our favorite pastors have been creating powerful weekend experiences filled with perspective, hope and inspiration.

 

Craig Groeschel: Not Afraid

 

Albert Tate: The Promise of Purpose

 

What else is encouraging you during this season? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Churches That Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud

Posted on May 4, 2022 by -

DR. HENRY CLOUD

Clinical Psychologist & Leadership Expert; Best-Selling Author

Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author. His 45 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold nearly 15 million copies worldwide. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time working with CEOs, leadership teams and executives to improve performance, leadership skills and culture. His newest book, The Power of the Other, debuted at #5 on the Wall Street Journal best-seller list.

From Social Media to Social Ministry by Nona Jones

Posted on May 4, 2022 by -

NONA JONES

Author; Entrepreneur; Pastor; Head of Faith-Based Partnerships at Facebook

As the Head of Global Faith-Based Partnerships at Facebook, Nona Jones leads the company’s work with faith-based organizations around the world. Jones was appointed to an executive role with a Fortune 100 company at only 23 years old. Since then she has led award-winning initiatives in public affairs, brokered multi-million-dollar business deals, addressed the United Nations and championed juvenile justice and education policy reform in the halls of Congress—all under the age of 35. Jones is a rare combination of preacher, author, business executive, entrepreneur, media personality and worship leader. She has been profiled by ESSENCE Magazine as an “Under 40 Woman to Watch” and has been featured on TBN, CBN News and The Word Network. Her new book, Success from the Inside Out, helps leaders choose not just empty success, but fulfilling success.

Quang Nam University Students Share the Impact of GLS20 in Vietnam

Posted on January 11, 2021 by - Asia, Because of the GLS, Calling, Education, Leading Others, Leading Yourself, Stories, Youth

GLS20 Attendee in Vietnam

In August 2020, The Global Leadership Summit was broadcast LIVE to an online audience and at micro-gatherings across North America. The Summit was then translated into 60+ languages and contextualized for another 123 countries and hundreds of locations worldwide. One of those locations includes a university in Quang Nam, Vietnam, where students gathered for fresh leadership insights and encouragement from a mix of speakers chosen from our GLS19 and GLS20 world-class faculty. With no Covid-19 cases reported in Vietnam since September, they were also excited for the opportunity to gather in person after a difficult year.

Here are just a few stories from some of the attendees inspired to lead change within their sphere of influence in Vietnam.

Watch what happened at the GLS at Quang Nam University!




 

The Summit gave me new confidence and a huge passion to be myself without fear and hiding.

GLS20 Attendee in VietnamI was born into poverty with a disability. I’ve always thought low of myself. When I finished 9th grade, I decided to quit school because I thought, even if I had studied more, I could never have a better life. I just thought I would raise cows until the day I die. But at 22, I decided to go back to school when I realized that there are many disabled people who overcome difficulties and succeed.

But starting again was really hard. Deep down, I was still very insecure. Often when someone stares at my arm and leg, I want to hide, and I start to mumble. But then I attended The Global Leadership Summit for the first time. I am thrilled by what I have learned! It gave me new confidence and a huge passion to be myself without fear and hiding. I always wanted to help people, but I never thought I could become a leader. But because of the GLS, I know I can. And I am going to take a step toward a class monitor position next semester. That is my first challenge to step out of my comfort zone. But I want to do even more to support people with disabilities and will start by teaching English! – Nguyen Ky Nam

 

Because of the Summit, I have a new confidence in who I am.

GLS20 Attendee in VietnamI was so excited to find out about The Global Leadership Summit taking place at my university! I was delighted. I could not hide my joy! I loved all the lessons, but I especially loved when it when DeVon Franklin said, “your difference is your destiny.” This idea impacted me the most.

I grew up in the mountainous areas in Quang Nam province. Because of my low starting point in society, I went through a lot of difficulties to become a university student. When my dream came true, I faced other struggles too—I was shy and afraid of communicating with others. Away from my family, I felt alone in a new environment and so different from my peers.

But after hearing DeVon, I have a new confidence in who I am. I decided that I will not hesitate to share my thoughts and communicate with others. Everyone has their own strengths, and although we have differences, it doesn’t matter because our differences are our destinies! – Po Loong Men

 

Learn more about how to be involved with the ministry of the Global Leadership Network at theglsn.org/Give

Embrace Who You Are and Watch Your Vision Grow

Posted on January 4, 2021 by - Because of the GLS, Calling, Education, Leading Organizations, Leading Yourself, Nonprofit, North America, Stories, Youth

Bob Lenz embracing two people

Bob Lenz and his staff at Life Promotions have been attending The Global Leadership Summit for 16+ years. Through the Summit, Bob has been reminded that what has been accomplished through Life Promotions is bigger than a job built around his personality and testimony. Over the last 38 years, Bob’s message of hope, value and purpose has reached over 6 million people across the United States and in over 70 countries. With a new grander vision, the impact is growing far beyond Bob’s story alone.  

Through Bob’s journey, discover how God uses an unlikely vessel to share a message that is saving lives. 

 

I grew up thinking we had a curse on our family.  

My grandpa had both of his arms cut off in the papermill. My grandma was in a wheelchair, so growing up, we had to bring my grandpa meals and help him with his prosthetics. My older sister, Lois, has special needs, and my brother had cerebral palsy, mental retardation and scoliosis. And I personally grew up with a speech impediment. We were bullied all the time. Life was hard and often painful for us. 

People used to ask my mom, “What sin did you commit that you have special needs kids?” So, I grew up thinking we had a curse on our family.  

How do you live life to the fullest through that kind of pain? But even through all the pain, I’m at where I’m at today because I love being alive—now I have hope.  

When I discovered the purpose of life through Jesus in high school at a retreat, I made it my own and I found joy. For the first time I didn’t feel like I needed anyone else’s approval because I had Jesus. 

God disrupted my plans. 

When I was in high school, I wanted to drive a dump truck after I graduated. It was going to be a great paying job. I had it all lined up, but it wasn’t open yet. So, in the meantime I decided to go to a short-term Bible school. I was meeting with groups of kids, learning about the Bible and teaching.  

I didn’t know it yet, but the next course of events started seeding something for my future even though what I saw at the time was a disruption to my plans. 

When I got back to start the trucking job, it still wasn’t open. But around that same time there was a ministry I was introduced to that happened to be hosting a fundraiser for a 24-hour suicide hotline. I didn’t know it yet, but the next course of events started seeding something for my future even though what I saw at the time was a disruption to my plans. 

It was also around this time when I met a high school freshman girl named Jackie Fisher. Jackie heard me talk with a group of kids when I was filling in for my brother at a youth event. She told me she was going to get me to speak at her school. This was a really scary thought for a guy who had a speech impediment. I said, “I’ve never spoken at a school before,” and she came back and said what she had heard me say to her, “If you have faith in Christ, all things are possible.” Two weeks later I got a call from a high school in Wisconsin to speak to 400 people. They told me, “Anytime one of our students wants to have someone speak who will make a difference for their friends, we’ll have them at our school.”  

It was the start of something bigger God had planned for me. 

Life Promotions is born. 

Bob Lenz speaks at school assemblyI decided my topic was suicide prevention. I thought, if my brother and sister have value, what about all these kids? 1,800 kids are committing suicide every day. I’ve got to tell them they have value. What if we did something like promote life for these talks? And that’s how we came up with the name of our organization, Life Promotions.  

In my talks at schools, I rip up a $5 bill and ask, “How much value does this $5 still have? It’s still $5! But my friend threw away his life to suicide because he thought he didn’t have value.” When someone hears this message and starts to understand they have value, it can be life changing.  

1,800 kids are committing suicide every day. I’ve got to tell them they have value. 

I started getting invited to speak at more schools. 38 years later, this journey has led me all over the U.S and the world. Even this year in the midst of Covid-19, I’ve been able to speak virtually to people in 70 countries! People wanted more, so we wrote a book called Dignity Revolution and gave away 30,000 copies across the country. And it all started with a desire to tell people about the value of their life. 

Life Promotions now represents four different brands:  

  • The biggest one right now is Lifest, which is what we call a party with a purpose. The purpose is to unite the body of Christ through music. This is for people who are already believers. Every year, it brings more than 60,000 people together.  
  • Then we have Dignity Revolution. This part of our organization is about standing up for the dignity and value of every person. Talking about anxiety, suicide, and mental health. We also train teachers in suicide prevention, value courage and respect.  
  • Then we have Quake and Youth Encountering the Gospel, which are retreats to help people live out their faith.  
When you give your biggest weakness to God, it can become your biggest strength.  

Someone told me that if I looked at my files and looked at what I speak about the most, it’s probably what I struggle with the most—insecurity, low self-image, etc. In my insecurity, I became a people pleaser. In whatever group I was in, I tried to figure out their need and how I could meet that need. Through this weakness, what God has done is use me as a middle guy to see needs on different sides and connect people. I’m a bridge builder, but if the bridge isn’t connected to both sides, it’s not a bridge. If you’re only connected to the church, and not the world, or vice-versa, you’re not connected. God has used my weakness to build bridges and see this message of hope reach people around the world. 

The Global Leadership Summit multiplies leaders and a message of hope. 

I have to lead this organization well enough to share this message with more people. Attending The Global Leadership Summit is an investment to do just that. Almost every single time I attend the Summit, I hear the opening talk and believe that one talk alone is worth it.  

Because of the Summit, I realize there is a movement here in what we’re doing at Life Promotions. This is bigger than a job built around my personality or my testimony. There are principles shared that can have an impact beyond my leadership capacity. The Summit gave me a vision that we have to get more leaders doing this, and if what I’m doing has been worth 38 years of my life, for the next ten, we have to figure out how to multiply! 

Zconomy: Welcome to the New Normal

Posted on December 8, 2020 by - Articles, Change Management, Diversity, Leading Others

Teenage boy lying on his bed while concentrating on homework for his exams.

The Future is in Gen Z’s Hand (or Digital Wallet).

Gen Z will influence the future of business in a massive way and eventually reshape business entirely. Anyone who studies trends, consumers and employees know that the youngest emerging adult generation is often the driver of the biggest change. In fact, we see that Gen Z is the generation that is driving trends from the youngest up to the oldest. Want to see what Baby Boomers will eventually do with technology? Watch what Gen Z is doing now.

One thing we are already seeing in our research: what worked to attract, keep, and motivate Millennials as employees and customers does not work as well—if at all—with Gen Z.

This could not happen at a more challenging time for many leaders. Why the urgency?

Because within two years Gen Z will be the fastest growing generation in the workforce. They’ll also become the most important generation of consumers and trendsetters. Their economic power and influence are only going to grow with each passing day.

Adding to the urgency: Baby Boomers are retiring and moving into a “less is more” mindset. These same Baby Boomers, Gen Z’s grandparents, were often viewed as reliable employees and customers, the backbone of many longstanding businesses. As these Baby Boomers transition into a new life stage there is only one group on the horizon to fill the gap as workers and consumers: Gen Z.

In fact, Gen Z is expected to be the beneficiary of a massive wealth transfer from older generations to the youngest, which could exceed twenty to thirty trillion dollars. How would a generational change of that magnitude affect your industry, businesses or community? Or even your own family?

Financial services firms, banks, robo-advisors and every other business that depended on retaining Baby Boomers and their assets are already scrambling to keep the money that they will be moving to other generations. That is only compounded with Gen Z likely not expecting to seek face-to-face conversations in order to save, manage and invest their money, because unlike even Millennials, Gen Z has never had to go to a physical bank branch to do their day-to-day banking.

Gen Z expects the future of finance to be mobile, intuitive, easy-to-use, and, most important, extremely personalized to them and their needs—the same thing they expect at work and throughout their life. How will this level of personalization expand to other areas outside of banking?

Already, brands are struggling with Gen Z. The urgency is only going to grow.

****

At the Center Generational Kinetics, we are excited that Gen Z is now emerging and can be accurately studied across geographies around the world. To truly understand a generation requires both quality and original research as well as quantity of research. Gen Z research is still very limited because of their youth, but our quest to lead research into the generation every day is already unearthing a trove of insights and unexpected findings. These discoveries can inform and drive understanding, strategy and practical solutions to help leaders effectively connect with Gen Z at every point in the customer and employee life cycle.

The rise of Gen Z calls into question the future of work, life, consumerism and the planet. Some of the questions our research addresses include:

  • How will a generation that appears to have a more informed and conservative perspective of money think differently about saving, investing and spending? What will this mean to your business?
  • How will this generation navigate a world overflowing with endless information at their fingertips? Will they find a way to wield this to their advantage and drive gains important to them, or will it be overwhelming, taken for granted and underutilized?
  • How will a generation that is so immersed in a digital world adapt their social skills to enter the face-to-face workforce and society—or will they expect the world to adapt to them? How will this shape your hiring, management or sales process?
  • How will being raised by Generation X and older Millennials—not Baby Boomers—affect this generation’s values, priorities, voting, and what they bring into adulthood? Will they choose to take care of their parents or choose a different path?
  • How will COVID-19 and its aftermath affect the generation when it comes to work, money, education and their thinking about the future?

The more we study Gen Z, the more excited we are to uncover and tell the generation’s story, to bring them to life, not from the vantage point of a single or small sample group of Gen Z, but by looking at Gen Z across the United States and the world via data, stories, quotes, and frontline strategies we’ve uncovered that work for leaders.

Gen Z is heralding a “new normal” across industries and around the world.

Are you ready to make the most of it?

Excerpted from Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business—And What to Do About It by Jason Dorsey with permission of Harper Business Publishing, Copyright © Jason Dorsey, 2020.

New Church Planted in NYC During Global Pandemic is an Act of Faith

Posted on November 23, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Church, Church & Faith-Based, Leading Organizations, North America, Stories

New Church Planted in NYC During Global Pandemic is an Act of Faith

Uniquely gifted with grit, grace, creativity and relationship-building, Cathy Bruce has led people during some of our world’s most difficult seasons. When Cathy was called by God to use her voice, planting a church during the middle of a global pandemic, in one of the worst-hit cities in the United States was not exactly what she had in mind. But as she continued to lean into her faith, she felt God say, “trust me, keep going and don’t miss what I’m doing.” Today, this church continues to grow and serve the community, giving people hope and a place to call home.

Called to Use My Voice

When I became a Christian, I asked God to use my voice. I was a singer, dancer and actress, and at the time, I thought I was being called to use my singing voice, not my speaking voice. I went into professional theater work, which is how I ended up in New York City where I performed in Les Miserable on Broadway—the highlight of my theater career.

A Path Toward Leadership

But when I got married, I wanted to have a “normal” job. Then on 9/11 a terrorist attack devastated our city. People were really hurting, and we felt a call to outreach. That same year, we planted a church that is still here today. It was the best ministry experience we had ever had.

Ultimately, God called me to lead.

When my husband and I started having a family, we decided to move to Atlanta. And unfortunately, I had some bad experiences with the churches in the South. As a woman, a ceiling had been put on my call as a leader. But God was still good to me. While I was pregnant, I decided I wanted to do some kind of work from home. I decided to take a pause from ministry and start my own business. I started training dogs and became a professional dog trainer! I started a dog training school and soon realized God made me an entrepreneur. Ultimately, God called me to lead.

Empowered to Lead

It was while leading my business when I first experienced The Global Leadership Summit. I was blown away. Not only did I value the leadership lessons, but I was struck by the intentionality of the women on the platform. I don’t always see that, even in New York, and especially in ministry. As a woman who has dealt with oppression, to see the platform women were given on the Summit stage spoke volumes to me. It also wasn’t until I went to the Summit when I had pastors pour into me and say, “Cathy as a woman, you can lead. There is not a ceiling on you.”

As a woman who has dealt with oppression, to see the platform women were given on the Summit stage spoke volumes to me.

God said to me, “I’m going to use your voice, but not in the way you thought. I’m going to use your speaking gifts and preaching gifts.” And after ten years in Atlanta, God called us back to New York City where I became a teaching pastor at the same church we planted back in 2001.

Grace Showed Up

But I got into a grind and didn’t speak up for myself when I should have. There was a lot of “do, do, do” for Jesus and not a lot of “being” with Jesus. I ended up resigning. It was difficult and very painful. It was also hard for me not to conflate what happened with my calling. But God’s grace showed up. He showed me that He put me in the exact spot at the right time not only to be encouraged but He also brought me into a team where I could flourish in my gifts. If I hadn’t resigned, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Albert Tate reminded me that not only is it ok to fail, but failure is an invitation for God’s grace to show up in your life, and his Grace is what I experienced through this difficult transition. Failure is not something we have to fear—we can embrace it, laugh at ourselves and say that piece of spaghetti didn’t stick. Allowing failure to be a part of my journey in a way that God transforms me through it has been one of my greatest leadership lessons.

Planting a New Church in the Middle of a Global Pandemic

In 2018, I was hired to be the Worship Pastor at Hope Midtown, pastored by a church planter named Drew Hyun who founded the Hope Family of Churches. He heard my story about church planting back in 2001, and how I started running my own business. “Cathy, I think you’re a church planter! You are equipped and have the skills to do this!” he exclaimed. No other male pastor had ever said that to me before.

At that church, there was a group of artists that met together every week and formed a core house group over the course of a year and a half. We became a galvanized team and started talking about how to reach our neighborhood.

Hope Nomad Church team

Hope Nomad Church team

So, in January of 2020, that core group that had formed started official vision meetings. And this same year, in the middle of a global pandemic, in the middle of New York City, one of the worst-hit cities hit by Covid-19, we were called to plant a church.

God kept saying to me, “trust me, keep going and don’t miss what I’m doing.”

The problem happened at the end of March when everything started to shut down. We had this original plan to launch and gather in-person on May 31st, Pentecost Sunday. But all the construction had halted on the building we were set to occupy, and churches couldn’t even gather anyway. I’ll be honest, there were nights where I said to myself, “What are you doing? You can’t plant a church during Covid! This is looking nothing like you had envisioned!”

April was really hard. There were so many deaths here. There was so much tragedy and suffering, but we kept going. We were very committed to the mission, and by the end of April we said, I guess we could start our church online! So, that’s what we did.

Keep Going

Through all of this, there were three things God kept saying to me, “trust me, keep going and don’t miss what I’m doing.” At the time, I didn’t really know what any of that meant but I know enough to know that when God speaks to me, I do what he says. So, we kept going. On November 1, we had our first in person gathering.

Hope Nomad Church Gathering

Our church is called Hope Nomad. Nomad stands for north of Madison Square Park. “Nomad” is the name of the neighborhood. All the Hope churches in the Hope Church Network are named after their neighborhood, but in our case it’s also a play on words. We feel very nomadic. Nomads are searching and wandering. So, our mission is to be a home for those searching for hope.

I’m not a perfect pastor, but the one thing I can promise is that I can keep chasing after God.

Our church has been doing a lot of online gatherings focused on the relationships being built throughout the week. We have poetry readings, panel discussions, and create spaces where people can be real and talk about things like loneliness, mental health and our pain. But what has really struck me is how God has been bringing people to our church who have experienced hurt in the church. God is bringing us together so that we can process pain and get healthy together. Giving people power to speak into our values and speak into how we become a healthier church is really important to us.

I’m not a perfect pastor, but the one thing I can promise is that I can keep chasing after God. Seeing that we’re meeting a need for people to find family keeps me going. As a creative person and a risk taker, being able to start from scratch and let people function in their gifting, where people are functioning in all of whom God created them to be brings me great joy.

Without Them, I Would Have Quit

Every time I go to The Global Leadership Summit, I take a ton of notes. The biggest thing that hit me this year especially was what Nona Jones said about isolation.

“Build your pack in order to build your power. The pack will speak into you potential and purpose and won’t let you quit.” – Nona Jones

My “pack” of people around me is one of the only reasons I’m sitting here today. If I didn’t have this strong, consistent, energetic team saying, I’m behind you, I would have quit. I was reminded of the importance of having a team of people around you that will speak into you and spur you on.

If you’re wondering whether or not you should go to The Global Leadership Summit, get off the fence and just go! I love that it’s equally empowering and equipping. It’s so professionally done and applicable in any vocation and any role in leadership. My team and I are always inspired. For me personally, the GLS has been a big part of my story to help empower me to use my voice and lead and remind me that I’m not alone on this journey.