REINVENT YOUR FUTURE

Hi, I'm Jim!

My journey began with finding tangible ways to blend my business administration training and expertise to build vital ministries focused on lifelong faith. Long before I was coaching leaders, facilitating strategic planning retreats, or teaching coaching skills, I was immersed in ministries that equipped and empowered people to serve out of their strengths, live into their callings, and build high impact ministry teams. It was there that I first discovered how powerful connection, and authentic communication can be when people unite around a shared purpose.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving churches in a variety of roles—as a youth and family ministry director, trainer, coach, consultant, strategic planning facilitator, and coaching school director. I've worked alongside Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, and United Church of Christ congregations, helping leaders clarify their vision, navigate change, and create ministries that are impactful and sustainable.

But titles only tell part of the story.
At my core, I'm passionate about helping people live, lead, and serve with greater intention. Whether I'm working with a congregation, a nonprofit leader, a coaching student, or someone navigating a major life transition, I'm continually drawn to the same questions:
  • What matters most during this chapter in your life?
  • What is God inviting you to be and do that's life-giving and transformative?
  • How might align your intentions and actions with your deepest values and aspirations?

As the founder of Surface to Soul, I help churches and leaders move from good intentions to meaningful action. That may involve developing strategic plans, strengthening leadership teams, creating practical tools and resources, growing coaching skills, or finding new ways to engage people both online and in person without losing what makes ministry deeply human.

I also work with individuals who are reinventing their lives, careers, ministries, or retirement years—helping them simplify their life, do less but do what truly matters, and create lives that are aligned with their values, strengths, and callings.

When we work together, you're not hiring an outside expert who simply delivers recommendations and disappears. You're partnering with someone who understands church life from the inside out, believes deeply in the potential of people and communities, and genuinely wants to help you thrive.

I'd be honored to be part of your journey.

MY VALUES | WHAT GROUNDS ME

AUTHENTICITY

Living a life that's transparent, grace-filled, and is aligned with my values, convictions, and reflects who I really am.

AGENCY | AUTONOMY

Listening to my inner voice, refusing to play the role of a victim, owning my choices, results, and circumstances, Embracing what's life-giving and letting go of what's not. 

CONTRIBUTION

Sparking Transformation in people's lives. Helping people live into their callings

CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

Connecting with God, my friends & family, and my neighbors.

COMMUNITY

Exploring ways to listen and learn from other. Viewing every individual as a source of wisdom  that has something to teach me. 

VITALITY

Building and sustaining the physical, mental, and emotional capacity to engage fully with others, and to honor my yearning for adventure.