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As I sit down to write this article, I am currently in my fourth week on the Fishhook team. Well, technically, my second fourth week? After two years away, I couldn’t be happier to be back working with my friends at Fishhook! 

To share everything that has happened over the last two years, I would need a book. So in the name of brevity, I will define it in the most simple way possible: God happened. 

Two and a half years ago, I resigned from my role after leading and working here for nine years. At the time, I had no idea what this meant for my life. I knew I was supposed to go, but I still wasn’t sure why. As I prepared to leave, Leah Norton and I co-wrote an article called, “Tips for navigating a staff transition: from the person leaving and the person leading through it.” (I still get emotional reading these words. I remember exactly how it felt to write this knowing I was on my way out.) In the article, Leah encouraged other leaders to: 

“Aim to be about people first and what God has for each person. Be open to His work and leading in another person's life - even ahead of your own desires for your team and the work. 

In the end, I'm striving to be an open-handed leader. I trust Aimee, and I'm so thankful for her. I've told her that. And even more, I trust God's leading for our future at Fishhook. He is working all things out for His good.” 

And Leah was right. God was working all things out for His (and our) good. Leah’s (and Shayla’s) trust in me and in the ultimate plan God has for Fishhook, is the reason we are all back together today. I continue to be inspired by their steady, faith-first approach to life and work. 

The Last Two Years

As I left Fishhook, I said it felt like I was stepping out on a bridge. I had no clue where the bridge was headed, or why I was on it, but I knew there was something I was meant to discover, explore or experience. The last two years have been some of the most transformative of my life. I learned so much about who I am and what I want out of life. I deepened my relationships. My family added another sweet baby. And, most of all, I reimagined and recommitted my faith in Jesus and my belief in and calling to the local church. 

I spent the last two years leading marketing in the startup world. (I’m sure there’s a whole blog post to be written about what the church can learn from startups! Stay tuned …) 

I met amazing people while I was away. I did work that I was proud of. I learned a ton about marketing, leadership and culture development. And I’m so grateful. But what I quickly realized was that just doing good work wasn’t enough for me. I had to know for sure I was making a difference. I had to be able to bring my full heart and passion to the work. And I had to be in line with the calling God has for me. 

The Journey Back 

About 6 months ago, I felt God say it was time for me to partner with Him in a more direct way. As I started to explore what that could look like I realized there were a ton of ways I could use my skills and experiences for Kingdom Impact. But every path I took, I hit a wall. Because the truth was … my heart has always been here. 

In my final article 2.5 years ago, I said, “During this transition, it has been imperative that I leave space to live out my finale. To grieve. To close this chapter of my story with as much real-time processing as possible.” But it wasn’t my Fishhook finale. It wasn’t the last chapter. I was never able to close the door of my heart to this place and this team and our work. I thought I was just refusing to accept reality. But God was molding and shaping me to carry out His greater plans. He was setting up a sequel. And MY GOODNESS am I SO grateful for that!!! 

The Future

So here I am. Back. Refreshed. Recharged. And ready as ever to support churches in this hard and holy work of connecting people to Jesus!! I’ve worn many hats during my time at Fishhook and this time I’m excited to be serving as an Account Director – leading strategy, coaching, encouraging and equipping our clients and being a bridge to the Fishhook team. I can’t wait to see who God connects us with! 

To the current Fishhook team, thank you for who you are and the skilz and passion you are bringing to this mission. Thank you for welcoming me in. It’s not easy to bring someone back. But each of you has carved out a space for me at the table. And I am so grateful to know you and work with you. To past Fishhookers, thank you for being part of building this wonderful, magical place. Your hearts are part of the fabric of our DNA and we are so grateful to each of you. 

I am so happy to say hello again and excited for what’s ahead for our team, for the churches and ministries we serve and for the movement of authentic, impactful, love-first, Jesus-centered faith I see rising. 

Here’s to the next chapter, together!