From Pulpit to Brand Strategist: An Unexpected Journey
Many of my clients are surprised to learn that before I was a brand strategist, I was a pastor. It’s a frequent topic of conversation, so I wanted to share the story of my journey and explain how 14 years of nonprofit leadership and a PhD in communication unexpectedly became the perfect training for the world of marketing.
The Accidental Marketer
My path started in academia. While pursuing a PhD at Vanderbilt, my focus was on practical theology—specifically, Homiletics and Liturgics, the study of how oral communication and shared rituals shape an organization's culture. In short, I was studying brand strategy before I had the language for it.
This academic work ran parallel to my real-world vocation. For 14 years, I served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church, a role best described as being the CEO of a nonprofit who has to deliver a keynote address every single week. It was a masterclass in leadership, administration, and being the chief storyteller for an organization.
Real-World Experience in Diverse Markets
This work took me into diverse and challenging environments, each requiring a unique marketing and communication strategy. I served a historic downtown church in Savannah, Georgia, where we had to honor tradition while attracting a new generation. During the pandemic, I took on change and crisis management roles for congregations in the Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland areas, navigating the shift to a digital-first community. Finally, I helped a diverse congregation in the Washington, D.C. area redefine its strategy for a post-COVID world.
In every role, the core challenge was the same: cutting through the noise to connect with the community and inspire action.
Preaching Easter Sunday, 2022. Yes, there’s a plexiglass shield in front of me as part of COVID precautions!
The Skills We Carry With Us
Pastoral ministry taught me the skills that are the foundation of my agency today, just with a different vocabulary.
Brand Strategy: In South Georgia, I had to differentiate my church from dozens of others, creating a unique brand identity that resonated with our specific community. This is the core of my Brand Strategy work today.
Church Marketing & Outreach: I didn't just learn theory; I built the websites, managed the rebranding efforts, and ran the social media campaigns. This is the hands-on work that informs my church marketing services.
Engaging Presentations: Crafting a compelling sermon every seven days teaches you how to turn complex ideas into actionable insights and how to do that both efficiently and effectively.
From a Personal Rebrand to a New Vocation
When my family's needs brought us back home to the metro Atlanta area, it was time for a change. I transitioned from the pulpit to consulting, but I brought the core of my work with me. My expertise is, and has always been, in using principled communication to shape culture and inspire action.
This journey is why I am so passionate about helping other experts, whether they are pastors, consultants, or creatives, translate their own unique value into a clear message that builds a resilient, loyal community.
If you lead a church or faith-based nonprofit and are looking for a marketing partner who understands your unique world, learn more about my specialized church marketing and outreach services.
