Momentum is a movement helping churches face reality with courage, reimagine mission with creativity, and multiply disciples who impact their communities.
We know the challenges are real: shrinking attendance, leadership shortages, and pastors burning out. But it doesn’t have to be this way. As an impact network, Momentum brings together experienced coaches, consultants, and practitioners who walk alongside churches, providing the tools, training, and encouragement needed to spark renewal and raise up leaders from within.
Momentum Network Coaches
Dr. Tracee J. Swank
Dr. Tracee J. Swank is the leader of Church Doctor Ministries, serving pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs as a certified church consultant, leadership coach, and StoryBrand Guide. With a Doctor of Ministry in Kingdom entrepreneurship, she is passionate about helping others live out their God-given vision through strategic guidance, coaching, and community development. Tracee lives in northwest Ohio with her husband, Matt, and their lab, Beckett, and enjoys gardening, cooking, and cheering on Ohio State University.
Dr. Rupert Loyd Jr.
Dr. Rupert Loyd Jr. has over 40 years of pastoral experience serving diverse congregations in Michigan, Florida, and Ohio. Alongside his ministry, he has taught at multiple colleges and universities, blending his passion for the church and the academy. He holds a BA in history, an MDiv, and a PhD in leadership.
Tom Schaeffer
Tom brings over 30 years of ministry experience, having led congregations through new church starts, redevelopment, and multisite launches in rural, urban, and suburban settings. He is also the founder of an award-winning brewery that supported his ministry under the motto “Brew good. Do good.” In addition to his pastoral leadership, Tom has coached numerous pastors and ministry leaders.
Rick Bergh
Rick Bergh, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Cochrane, Alberta, brings over 40 years of bi-vocational experience, blending real-world insight with ministry. Founder of the Pastoral Ministry Certificate and Shepherd Pathway programs, he helps people reframe their stories with God through books, speaking, and podcasting. He supports his wife Erica, a choral conductor for dementia choirs, and together they enjoy six grandchildren.
Dr. Richard Blue Jr.
Dr. Richard Blue Jr. is a pastor dedicated to renewing and replanting declining congregations, bringing expertise in transformation, conflict navigation, and system-wide change. Holding a Doctor of Ministry in postmodern apologetics and serving as a board-certified chaplain, he blends theological insight with practical leadership. He has successfully led a church replant and revitalized several struggling congregations. Richard now serves as senior pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Indiana, guiding it into its first season of growth in decades. He and his wife, Rev. Amanda Blue, minister together while raising their two children.
Dr. Gia Tatone
Dr. Gia Tatone is a leader, educator, and award-winning author who lectures at Robert Morris University, Penn State University, and Winebrenner Theological Seminary, teaching organizational leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. She has developed executive-level leadership training and previously served on the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees as Chair of External Relations, as well as in local government. Named one of the top 50 influential women in the U.S. in Role Call: Women’s Voices, she recently co-led an international research team studying God’s calling in the workplace. Dr. Tatone presents her work nationally and internationally and lives in Western Pennsylvania with her husband.
Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward has lived a rich and varied life, yet her roots remain firmly planted in her Illinois farm upbringing. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science from the University of California, Davis, and spent nearly 20 years teaching science. Her background includes running an organic vegetable farm in California, earning professional coach training through Falling Awake Life Coaching, and achieving her PCC credential with the International Coach Federation. For two decades, she has provided pro bono coaching for One to One – Women Coaching Women and has served marginalized communities through work in Colombia, New York City, and California. Susan is active at Templeton Presbyterian Church in Templeton, CA, and enjoys gardening, sewing, puzzling, reading, and time with her eight grandchildren.
Jack Wolfe
Jack Wolfe is a seasoned ministry leader, coach, and consultant with over four decades of experience helping individuals and organizations lead from a healthy soul. A passionate follower of Jesus, Jack brings a rare blend of pastoral wisdom, entrepreneurial thinking, and practical leadership insight shaped by 45 years of ministry, a marriage of 50+ years, and a rich life story. Known as “The Master of Metaphors,” he is the host of the Beyond the Shire podcast, encouraging everyday leaders to embrace courageous, missional living. Jack is the founder and senior leader of Epic Faith and serves with 5Q Central, helping churches and teams apply the fivefold gifts of Ephesians 4. A certified StrengthsFinder, APEST, and MPACT coach, Jack equips leaders to live, love, and lead with clarity, passion, and joyful strength.
Momentum FAQ
For Churches
What does it cost to join Momentum?
Nothing. Momentum is a free network. All coaching, resources, assessments, and online training tools are provided at no cost to your congregation.
How is this different from another church program?
Momentum is not a program you run and finish. It’s an ongoing network of relationships, coaching, and resources that helps churches rediscover mission, renew vitality, and raise up leaders.
What kind of churches can join?
Momentum is open to all Christian congregations. While it began through the Institute of Lutheran Theology, churches from any background can participate and benefit.
What does my church actually get?
Momentum helps churches go beyond surface solutions. By joining, your congregation will:
- Gain clarity about your current reality and readiness through spiritual gifts inventories, congregational readiness tools, and communication audits.
- Better understand your infrastructure and leadership capacity, equipping both staff and members for sustainable ministry.
- Assess your spiritual formation and discipleship culture, identifying gaps and opportunities for deeper growth.
- Explore entrepreneurial missional opportunities, discerning innovative ways to reach your community.
- Develop your entrepreneurial outreach potential with coaching that sparks creative approaches to ministry outside your walls.
- Participate in group coaching and consultation from trained leaders.
- Access webinars, podcasts, and resources designed for practical implementation.
- Connect at twice-yearly gatherings with other churches in the network.
- Receive ongoing encouragement and connection with like-minded pastors.
How much time will this take for our leaders?
Momentum is designed to fit into your existing ministry life. Coaching calls and training sessions are scheduled flexibly, and most resources are available online so leaders can engage as their schedule allows.
Why should my church join now?
Waiting makes decline harder to reverse. Joining early gives your congregation access to free tools, proven road maps, and a supportive network right when you need it most.
For Individuals
Why should I join as an individual?
You’ll gain resources to grow personally, opportunities to serve, and a connection to a larger movement committed to revitalizing churches and multiplying disciples.
What do I get for free as an individual member?
- Gain clarity about your own discipleship journey, identifying where you are strong and where you can grow.
- Strengthen your spiritual formation and leadership capacity, with resources that help you serve effectively in your church and community.
- Discover entrepreneurial missional opportunities, learning how your unique gifts can be used creatively to reach others with the Gospel.
- Explore your personal outreach potential and find new ways to live missionally in your everyday life.
- Access discipleship and leadership tools, including online training, webinars, and certificate programs.
- Connect with pastors, leaders, and believers across the country who share a passion for church renewal.
- Be inspired by real stories of innovation and renewal, seeing how God is transforming communities through ordinary people like you.
Do I have to be a pastor or leader to join?
No. Momentum is for everyday Christians who want to grow in their faith, serve in meaningful ways, and help strengthen the Church for the future.
Can I get leadership training through Momentum?
Yes! Momentum offers certificate programs, workshops, and coaching for anyone sensing a call to deeper leadership, ministry, or even pastoral preparation.
What’s the long-term vision?
Momentum is building a movement of congregations and individuals who are courageous, innovative, and committed to multiplying disciples so that the Gospel continues to impact communities for generations to come.