Vibrant Faith
- Location: Cheshire, Connecticut
- Focus: Faith formation for all generations
- Website: vibrantfaith.org
- Hiring for: Executive director
The Need
Vibrant Faith, a research-driven organization that equips churches to transform faith formation practices, was at a significant crossroads. With the retirement of their previous executive director, Nancy Going, Vibrant Faith needed a dynamic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter. The new leader needed to build upon the rich history of research and innovation at Vibrant Faith, enhancing the organization’s financial stability, expanding the coaching and training ministries, and strengthening donor relationships.
About Vibrant Faith
Vibrant Faith is a pioneering nonprofit based in Cheshire, Connecticut, with a legacy rooted in the Youth and Family Institute founded at Augsburg College. Known for its ecumenical outreach and strategic coaching programs, Vibrant Faith equips churches with resources, training, and coaching to effectively nurture faith formation across generations. Vibrant Faith’s unique approach emphasizes intergenerational relationships, practical faith development, and innovative practices for the modern church.
The ideal candidate
Vibrant Faith sought an executive director who demonstrated:
- Visionary leadership and strategic innovation
- Strong ability in organizational management and operational oversight
- Proven success in donor engagement and financial development
- Experience navigating diverse denominational contexts
- Expertise in faith formation theory and practice
- Entrepreneurial and relational skills, able to lead effectively and independently
- A doctoral-level educational background relevant to faith formation and leadership
A targeted search strategy
Understanding the importance and complexity of the role, Vibrant Faith partnered with Vanderbloemen and Senior Executive Search Consultant Jay Mitchell. Vanderbloemen employed a targeted search strategy, extensively screening over 200 potential candidates. The comprehensive vetting process focused on finding a candidate whose experience, values, and leadership style perfectly aligned with Vibrant Faith’s needs and mission.
About Rick Lawrence
Rick Lawrence emerged as the standout candidate, bringing extensive experience as an author, ministry leader, journalist, and national speaker. His career reflects deep engagement with spiritual formation, leadership training, and innovative ministry practices.
- Extensive background in spiritual formation and leadership training
- Proven experience in creating interactive, virtual learning environments
- Strong reputation as a respected thought leader in faith formation
- Ability to navigate diverse theological perspectives and denominational settings
- Innovative thinker skilled at practical ministry development
Rick Lawrence’s diverse experiences and clear passion for empowering church leaders will significantly contribute to Vibrant Faith’s ongoing mission of transforming faith formation practices across churches nationwide.
The path ahead
With Rick Lawrence’s appointment, Vibrant Faith has secured a leader well-equipped to drive strategic innovation, financial sustainability, and ministry growth. His visionary leadership is anticipated to expand Vibrant Faith’s impact and broaden its reach to new denominational and geographic audiences.
Vibrant Faith’s future is bright as it moves forward under Rick’s guidance, ready to deepen its commitment to nurturing vibrant, lifelong faith in the ever-evolving cultural landscape.
