Welcome Home.

This month, we're moving into a new pillar of our HEAD, HANDS, HEART theme: HEART. And we're starting with a question that might be the most quietly convicting one yet: Where are you physically showing up, but not really present?

So much of ministry life trains us to be in the room… leading the meeting, sitting across the table, standing at the front. But being in a room and being present in it aren't always the same thing.

This month is part one of our HEART emphasis, and it's really an invitation to notice. Not to fix anything yet. Just to notice where your body is present, but your heart has quietly stepped out the back door

Last month, we sat with the question: "What are you carrying right now that isn't yours to carry?" and once again, this group showed up with the honesty we need in ministry circles. Thank you for trusting each other with it, and for letting that conversation keep unfolding in the GroupMe long after we logged off.

This month, we're staying in HANDS, but shifting the lens.

Come prepared to sit with these questions:

1.) WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE MOST INTERRUPTION IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
2.) IS IT ATTACHED TO PEOPLE OR A SPECIFIC PERSON?

This September, we were delighted to welcome my dear friend and colleague, Jo Saxton to a special gathering with members from both of our Ministry Strong Cohort groups! In addition to our usual monthly meet-up, this will be a great opportunity to get Jo’s perspective on ministry life, personal growth, and how to navigate each season. Save the date and set a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss this powerful conversation and Q&A session with Lisa & Jo!

Last month, we gathered around the question: "What have you been thinking about for too long?" and the conversation that unfolded was something truly special. As expected, each woman came with a uniquely different answer, yet somehow, those individual stories created such a rich and deep discussion. Thank you for sharing vulnerably, for trusting this space, and for continuing to carry that conversation into the GroupMe chat throughout the month. That kind of ongoing processing and community is exactly what Ministry Strong was built for.

As we step into June, we're building on that same theme, and going even deeper.

This month, I want you to come prepared to sit with this question:

WHAT ARE YOU CARRYING RIGHT NOW THAT ISN’T YOURS TO CARRY?

If there's one thing we know for certain, it's that the Ministry Strong Retreat is an experience you don't want to miss. Having seen the power of our first retreat firsthand, we can say with full confidence: this gathering will move you. While our online meet-ups are a wonderful way to connect across time zones and distances, there is simply nothing like being in the same room together.

I recently shared this via email, but I think it’s worth repeating here…

“I think there's something about this mid-time of the year that makes us reflective about what we hope and pray for, and whether those things ever came to be…”

This month as we prepare for our next gathering, I’d like you to consider this question and come prepared to share your answer with the group: What have you been thinking about for too long?

It is with great excitement that I can officially say, Welcome to the 2026 Ministry Strong Cohort!

As I’m sure you already can tell, a great deal of prayer, planning and coordination has gone into creating this cohort. All the applications, surveys, emails, and confidentiality agreements have finally brought us to this place – a place that I’m hoping will become a very special and sacred community for you to grow, inspire and encourage one another in a deeply meaningful way.