Bio for Transition Time Coach and Kelly

How did you arrive at running this business? What path brought you here?

A returned Pioneers missionary couple spoke in morning chapel about how their life changed in an instant. A knock on the door brought an order by the police to leave the country within 72 hours.  Without warning, immigration had revoked their visa after 17 years of service. They shared their feeling of shock and desperation as their life’s work and purpose was suddenly yanked away. As a former headhunter and manager, I could think of several things they could do. They had LOTS of transferable skills and leadership gifting plus a solid Bible training and ministry experience.

My spirit was grieved as they shared their struggle with loss of identity and purpose. Their home church was not sure how to help them and their families and friends were in shock too. It was then the Lord spoke to me and said,

           “You can help people like these!”

Kelly About Pic

Kelly is the Chief Navigation Officer of TTC

In response to that, I prayed and sought clarity. Next I asked for a sabbatical time from my role at Pioneers, to confirm God’s direction for my ministry. God provided confirmation and following intensive training, here I am! One more big transition in my life and ministry navigated successfully.

What are you known for professionally? 

About logo CCMCAccording to Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Tipping Point, I am a maven

Because I am a Christ-following maven, I am passionate about helping others connect with God’s plan for their lives. Others know me as the answer guy, the idea man and the one that others seek out when there is a problem or a new strategy that needs developed and implemented.  About CTTCC Logo Kelly

Teaching, training, and empowering others to do what God made them to do brings me fulfillment!

Researching new areas and figuring out how to get from here to where we want to be is who I am and what I do! I help others find the direction from God they need!

What’s the one problem you are best at solving for your clients? What do your ideal clients say about you?

About direction key

Looking for this key?

My heart’s desire is to help others connect with and hear God’s direction and purpose for their lives.

Clients take advantage of my broad experience and network of resources and know that I’ll work hard to help them find what they need to accomplish their goals as the Lord directs.

Who have you worked with in the past?

The Lord has blessed me with missionary and ministry clients in Asia, Middle East, African, South American, Europe and US locations. They come from a wide variety of denominational and independent church backgrounds. I also partner with other Christian coaches who share my focus and passion for those in ministry.

Since 1989 I have been ordained in full time Christian mission ministry.

  • Missionary in Indonesia - seminary teacher, church planting, ethnographic research and networking (10+yrs)

  • Mission agency staff and executive leadership (Literacy & Evangelism Intl, Sowers Intl., Pioneers)

    • Mobilize and train

    • Manage and administrate multiple:

      • Teams of missionaries

      • Support base staff

      • Office locations

Previous secular experience as a Branch Manager and National Account Manager of an award-winning executive search and placement firm (10 years). I also was in sales management training, as a National Account Rep, and assisted in campus recruitment for Carnation Company (3 years) and served as a commissioned officer in US Navy following graduation from Purdue University.

Because of my past roles I have interviewed and helped hundreds of candidates be placed and hired both in secular and ministry positions.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am very passionate about helping missionaries enter and stay in the work. If the Lord leads them to leave the work and make career and role transitions, I walk beside them too. Because of my deep love and respect for the ministry of the local church I enjoy helping pastors and church staffers navigate career changes in line with the Lord’s direction.

Net being cast

Casting the safety net!

There has not been a safety net for returning missionaries and exited pastors or church staff in the past. Left on their own, they often experience a lot of rejection, depression and stress without tools and resources for assistance. I want to change the status quo and help create a network of coaches, counselors and others to help Christian workers in career chaos.

I want to help Christian workers find their way out of Clergatory and into the place God prepared for them to fill!

What are you passionate about personally?

I attempt to sense what the Lord is doing and join with Him in that, especially in the local church and mission ministries. Currently God seems to be pointing us back to making disciples and simplifying how we do church in North America.

I love to learn and study my faith and coaching . My library and Evernote article clips will be my legacy when I join the Lord in heaven.  In my local church I enjoy helping believers grow and connect with resources that can enable them put their faith into action.

Computers and tinkering with software, websites and gadgets is another personal passion. I do volunteer tech support on a special email system that serves missionaries around the world.

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

K4UPG ham radio on the beach

K4UPG ham radio on the beach

You will find me outdoors near water when I’m not at work. I often combine my life long hobby of amateur radio (callsign K4UPG—Kelly 4 Unreached People Groups) with being outdoors while operating low power radios that I build.

I’m an avid reader and have a huge library of paper and ebooks that never stops growing. I am fascinated and enjoy research about God’s call and purpose for individuals,  how to hear God, and discipleship movement in the local church context.

Sunday you will find me at Pine Castle UMC in Orlando, teaching my Vineyard SS class and assisting as a leader in a variety of roles.

Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?

Born in Indiana, lived in MI, SC, CA, HI, IN, OR, OK, TN, Indonesia, and short term ministry in another 20+ nations.

Our home in Indonesia for 8+ years was the longest I have ever lived in one home until that was passed by our condo here in Orlando since 2005. I’m a traveling man… and love to bid and get the lowest prices on hotels and rental cars on Priceline.

My wife, Connie and I go wherever the Lord leads!