Empowering Faith-Based Leadership
Welcome to Barlow Consulting LLC
Transforming vision into reality for churches and faith-based nonprofits
Our Mission
Barlow Consulting LLC is dedicated to supporting churches and faith-based nonprofits in their mission to serve their communities effectively as they deal with the on-going changes in ministry, society, and their local area. Our goal is to help these organizations clarify their values, define their vision, and develop effective strategies to achieve their goals. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by faith-based organizations, we offer tailored solutions that drive meaningful impact.
It’s no secret – the landscape of ministry is changing. Churches often struggle to find ways to be relevant in changing communities, and, in many places, churches struggle to survive at all. According to many, “the church as we know it” is on its way out, and will soon cease to exist.
Not so fast. Just what is “the church as we know it” – and is it really “on its way out”? This is, without a doubt, a time when churches and denominations must understand the context in which they minister. However, there are many churches and faith-based nonprofits (both denominationally-affiliated and independent) that are touching lives – and, in doing so, transforming the world – in significant ways. Not all of these churches are large; indeed, the vast majority of ministry occurs in smaller settings! The key is to be clear about what we are doing, and intentional in how we respond to the changing ministry environment.
What We Offer
Our Services
Values Clarification
Helping organizations clarify their core values and think about how those values are best expressed in their vision and mission.
Community Connection
Examining the makeup of the local community in which the organization works, seeking to understand what the needs and preferences of those who live, work, and play there.
Leadership Coaching
Empowering leaders by engaging in trust-based relationships which focus on creating safe space for sharing, providing feedback, encouraging accountability, and thinking forward.
Organizational Assessment
Evaluating current practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Workshops & Training
Providing customized training sessions to enhance team and organizational understanding and capabilities.
Resource Development
Assisting in the development of resources to support your mission.
What Our Clients Say
“I would really encourage all churches to go through this process with Rev. Barlow. He allows God to lead him and the members of the workshop to a clear understanding of what God wants for each particular congregation. Each congregation has its own strengths and weaknesses. Only The Holy Spirit can sustain a spiritually healthy congregation, but when we lose sight of our core values, mission and vision we stagnate.”
Joy May A.
Laity in Leadership
“Rev. Tom Barlow’s visioning seminar excites lay-church leaders and secular not-for-profit boards to see beyond themselves to better define who their church or organization can and will become in the future. At both my small church setting, and for the board of directors of a 21 church association dedicated to helping people raise themselves out of poverty, leaders were energized to see the future and develop processes to make their visions realities. In both instances the ‘buzz’ created by Tom’s consultations has continued for over two years.”
Pastor Rick C.
“Tom Barlow’s training seminars are fascinating, relevant, successful, and fun! The visioning session united us and set our focus on achievable goals. People attended that first session out of curiosity. They attended the follow-up leadership training because they didn’t want to miss out on it. Tom’s training ignited the growth process in our congregation and was foundational to the increase in membership and in personal and church-wide commitment. I’ve never seen such spirit, such vitality.”
Mary Ann T.
Lay Leader