Beth Lewis
Member of the Executive Board
Leadership Roles:
Current: Principal, Getting2Transformation; Chair of the Board of Directors, Thrivent Federal Credit Union;
Member ELCA Northwest Washington Synod Council; Executive Director, Protestant Church-Owned Publishers Association (PCPA)
Past: President & CEO, 1517 Media (Augsburg Fortress, Fortress Press, Sparkhouse, Beaming Books)
Church Affiliation:
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Everett, WA
Past/Other Church Affiliations:
Calvary Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN (2004-2018)
Advent Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, FL (1994-2003)
Faith Lutheran Church, Lexington, KY (my home church where I was raised & participated in Sunday School, Confirmation, Luther League, etc. as a child and youth)
Published works/Initiatives/Projects:
Current blog: https://www.getting2transformation.com/blog
Education:
University of Kentucky & Maryville University, B.S. in English Literature & Marketing
Harvard Business School, Advanced Management Program
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Honorary Doctorate
Personality Descriptor(s):Strengthsfinder: Learner, Strategic, Futuristic, Intellection, Ideation
Ecumenical/Interfaith Work:Frequent speaker at ecumenical church leadership conferences including Forma, eFormation, Ignite the Church, Church Anew and speaker/teacher at various colleges, universities and seminaries.
Consulting with ecumenical publishing companies: Forward Movement and Chalice Press
Past-President and Executive Director-elect of Protestant Church-Owned Publishers Association (PCPA)
Why are you motivated to serve church leaders through Church Anew?For many years, I have had a passion for assisting Church leaders grow professionally, whether they are paid or volunteer leaders. I also have a passion for excellence in governance. When I was invited to serve on the Church Anew Executive Board, it felt like an excellent intersection for these two interests.
What pain points are your seeing/hearing for church leaders today?
Most of the pain points I see center around the need to and fear of change. Change in societal connections to church reflected in levels of respect, financial support, engagement of members, etc. Change needed in ecumenical and interfaith partnerships. Change needed in being the Church for the world rather than being internally focused. Change needed to effectively use technology.
How are you living out your faith in daily life?
By supporting denominational publishers through my consulting work. Through accepting leadership roles such as the Church Anew Executive Board, the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod Council, and becoming the Executive Director for the Protestant Church-Owned Publishers Association (PCPA). I also am involved in providing fundraising and marketing support for Fe y Esperanza, a new mission start serving people whose primary language is Spanish and who live in Everett, WA. I also do a great deal of speaking, teaching and consulting for congregations, synods, seminaries, and other faith-based institutions.
Describe your spiritual gifts.
I have the gift of networking! Through this I delight in seeing excellent examples being used by faith-based organizations and sharing them with others. I also have the gift of hospitality and (pre-COVID-19) enjoy hosting gatherings in our home or other locations. And, I have the spiritual gift of prayer; praying constantly throughout each day in support of family, friends and strangers.
Share one fun fact about you that makes you a unique member of this team.
When my husband & I met in 2004, we discovered that one of our common values is that of keeping friends for long periods of time. Because of this shared value, we are blessed with friends around the world, both in the Church and well beyond. At last count, our Christmas card list is nearing 400! I make use of my connections with friends and zeal for networking to support Church Anew, nurturing relationships and intersections to support this initiative.