September 23 & 24
- Virtual Event -
Discover How to Build a Lasting Legacy Without Sacrificing Your Health or Family
Legacy Leadership Summit 2024
September 23 & 24 | Virtual Event
Welcome to the Legacy Leadership Summit— a transformative gathering designed specifically for Christian nonprofit and ministry leaders. This summit isn't just an event; it's a journey towards creating a lasting impact without sacrificing your health or neglecting your family.
Why Attend?
• Realign Your Vision: Learn to craft and refine a God-centered vision that not only survives challenges but thrives beyond them, influencing generations to come.
• Integrate Life and Leadership: We’ll explore practical strategies for maintaining balance between your calling and your personal life, ensuring that one flourishes with the other.
• Spiritual and Practical Empowerment: From deep spiritual sessions that refresh your faith to practical workshops on fundraising and volunteer management, every aspect of the summit is designed to equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
What You'll Gain:
• Godly Insights into Visionary Leadership: Understand what it means to hold a vision larger than yourself—one that extends beyond your lifetime
•Family Ministry and Harmony: Sessions focused on nurturing your marriage and family relationships alongside your ministry will demonstrate that you don't have to sacrifice one for the other
• Health and Sustainability: Learn to maintain your physical and spiritual health as a foundation for sustained ministry effectiveness.
• Community and Networking: Connect with like-minded leaders who share your values and vision, creating opportunities for partnership and growth.
Featured Topics Include:
• Vision-Casting with a Purpose: Setting sights on a horizon that pulls you and your organization forward.
• Balancing Key Life Areas: Managing marriage, parenting, and ministry without compromise.
• Origin Stories and Outreach: Effectively telling your story to inspire donors and volunteers.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Understanding and embracing diversity within your ministry.
Meet Our Speakers
Taran Long
Founder - The Legacy Leadership System | Elite Performance Coach
Taran Long is an esteemed elite performance coach, founder of the Legacy Leadership System, and a seasoned speaker known for empowering leaders across various sectors. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit, business, education, and extensive work in community development internationally, Taran has dedicated his career to helping nonprofit and ministry leaders thrive without succumbing to burnout.
Taran's mission is to equip leaders with the tools they need to maintain a balance between their professional ambitions and personal well-being. His workshops and leadership programs are rich with strategies for optimizing business systems, enhancing leadership effectiveness, and integrating spiritual health to ensure leaders not only succeed in their missions but also lead fulfilling lives.
At the Legacy Leadership Summit, Taran will share insights from his journey and practical strategies from the Legacy Leadership System, focusing on how leaders can leave a lasting legacy while prioritizing their health and family. Join Taran to discover how to transform your leadership approach and create a ripple effect of positive change in your community and beyond.
Dr. Scott Larson
"Succession and Leadership Journey"
Dr. Scott Larson has brought strong leadership and oversight to Straight Ahead Ministries since co-founding the organization with his wife, Hanne, in 1987. As a thought leader in the field of juvenile justice ministry, Scott has developed Straight Ahead's innovative engagement model for leading transformational change, authored 13 books on working effectively with high-risk youth, and provided leadership training and resources for hundreds of teachers, social workers and juvenile justice workers.
Scott has a Master of Divinity degree and a doctorate in leadership development. He is also an adjunct professor at Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's Center for Urban Ministerial Education.
Tyler Watson
"Clearing the Path for Your Vision"
Tyler J. Watson is one of the worlds top performance coaches for elite entrepreneurs and influencers. Because of his unique approach to achieving real results in record time, he has been called “A mix between Tony Robbins and Houdini.” His clients include top leaders in online marketing, network marketing, coaching and consulting, real estate, and a host of other industries. Tyler is the creator of the Cellular Alignment Technique and the first to introduce the public to the science of being allergic to success and addicted to struggle. He helps people live a legendary life without limitations and achieve their goals in days instead of years. Most importantly, he is a passionate father and husband who loves to see people find true freedom while having fun.
Chris Dakas
Co-Founder, The Stephen Center | Missionary & Business Innovator
Chris Dakas, alongside his wife Laura, has been pioneering self-sustaining ministry models since the early 90s. After feeling called to the mission field, Chris and Laura moved to Albania following the fall of Communism. What began as a vision for a small village ministry soon transformed into The Stephen Center, an innovative hub combining commerce and ministry in groundbreaking ways.
In 1993, leveraging Chris’s creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit, they launched Albania's first Christian bookstore, quickly followed by the opening of the Stephen Center Restaurant, one of Tirana’s first new restaurants post-Communism. This marked the beginning of using business as a vehicle for mission, providing sustainable support for their ministry efforts without relying solely on church denomination funding.
Over three decades, their work has expanded across Albania, Greece, Macedonia, and Kosovo, profoundly impacting thousands through diverse, practical community services. Chris, originally from Massachusetts with a background as a Worcester police officer and a secondary education teacher, brings a unique blend of leadership, spiritual commitment, and practical business acumen to his mission work.
At the Legacy Leadership Summit, Chris will share insights on creating self-sustaining organizations that leverage business to support ministry goals. His talk will focus on the practicalities of "Doing Business as Missions," offering valuable strategies for leaders looking to integrate business models into their ministry efforts to ensure long-term impact and legacy.
Richard and Mary Amoedo
"Vision for Your Marriage and Family"
Richard and Mary Amoedo's journey together began in a personal growth and leadership program. They have been married 22 years and are the proud parents of three children and one son-in-love. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, specializing in high-risk, high-reward ventures, they've successfully navigated industries ranging from construction, finance, real estate and direct sales.
Currently, Richard serves as the managing partner of a health and wellness company and operates a capital fund for real estate. Mary, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, serves as a strategic advisor in all family ventures and is the CEO of a Women’s Leadership Empowerment company. Her mission is to empower women to unlock their fullest God-given potential, harmonizing faith, family, and business.
Together, Richard and Mary are passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and empowering others to achieve their dreams.
"We believe in living a life by design, inspired by God, and striving for excellence in all we do."
Marjie Schaefer
"Leaving a Legacy Through Published Studies"
Marjie Schaefer was born in Georgia, raised in Texas and has spent the past four decades in Washington state. She and her husband, Steve, have been married for 37 years and have four grown children and two grandchildren.
Marjie describes herself as an everyday girl who loves Jesus and daily pursues a life with Him at the center of her activities and purposes.
She started leading and teaching Bible studies while a student at Washington State University and has continued to open her home and her life to anyone who wants more of the Word and more of Jesus. Her greatest passion is bringing the Word of God to life through practical application and visual tools. Women look forward to her personal touches while attending her studies, and they usually go home with tangible reminders of God’s love for them.
Marjie started spending deliberate and daily time in the Word of God while she was a young girl at the encouragement of her godly mother. This has given her a foundation that has stood the test of time. She began writing her own Bible studies at the request of some friends who desired to study the Word during the summer months.
Marjie and her team currently lead the ministry,Flourish Through the Word, a 501c3 non-profit organization which is a community of women in the greater Seattle region committed to being equipped through God’s Word. As a result of their time together in God’s Word, women move out into their arenas of influence, shining their light for Jesus.
Rob Woods
"A Biblical View of Serving Together: Relationships are Key!"
Rob Woods has been serving in ministry for over thirty years. He is an ordained minister and was called by God to preach the Gospel at fifteen. Rob attended college, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries. While in college, he met and married his wife, Shelly, and they have three adult children. Rob has served as a pastor in churches in Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts.
After twenty-five years of pastoring in churches, God redirected Rob to serve pastors through Barnabas Ministries Inc. Rob has been the Global Group Development Director for Barnabas Ministries for over eight years, where his focus is on uniting pastoral leaders in authentic spiritual and relational unity through connecting them in John 17:23 groups where they are encouraged, inspired and enabled to pursue Kingdom ministry together.
Ruthy Sonntag
"Empowering Families to Raise Champions"
Ruthy Sonntag is passionate about helping families protect their most valuable assets—their children. As a former Middle School Math teacher, she witnessed firsthand the challenges in the classroom that often stemmed from home and the negative influences of our culture. This inspired her to find a better way.
Now, as a Master Certified Life Coach, Ruthy coaches families to strengthen their connections and equip their children with the mindset, skillset, and toolset they need to succeed. Through her dynamic and engaging Success Club, she fills the gap by teaching kids how to
Think, Speak, and Act
like the champions they’re destined to be, all while grounding them in the Word of God.
Ruthy’s mission is to help children achieve success sooner, giving them the tools and confidence to navigate life with faith and resilience.
Father Len Cowan
"Living in the Vision of God"
Father Len Cowan was born and raised in Worcester, MA. He encountered Christ during his studies at Trinity College, Hartford, and this profound experience shaped his future path. After graduating, Len served as a Youth Director at an Episcopal Church, and then pursued seminary studies at Gordon-Conwell and the General Seminary in New York City.
Father Len's pastoral career has been marked by committed service and spiritual leadership. He and his wife, Hallie, initially served at Christ Episcopal Church in Fitchburg, where Len directed its summer camp and their family began to grow with the birth of their daughters, Sarah and Betsy.
In 1981, Len became the rector of St. David’s Church, Agawam, serving for 19 years. His tenure saw significant church growth, leading to a new building in 1998. He was later called to Church of the Nativity in Northborough, where he deeply engaged in prayer and spiritual formation ministry through the parish’s Spiritual Life Center, the Refuge.
After retiring from parish ministry in 2015, Len founded The Abbey of the Way in his childhood home, a center dedicated to prayer and spiritual formation for Christian leaders. He has also transferred his priestly orders to the Anglican Diocese in New England, focusing on fostering intercession and developing leaders and missional communities committed to a Way of Life in Jesus.
Today, Father Len continues to serve as the Abbot of The Abbey House and Community, offers spiritual direction, and supports pastoral care activities at The Journey Community Church and Emmaus City Church.
Russell Yandura
"Sharing Your Organizations Stories"
Russell has spent the past decade as a creative, driven by a calling to ministry through filmmaking. Leaving business school to pursue his passion, he supported church staff by creating weekly media. This led to co-producing and editing an award-winning documentary set to launch in late 2024.
Alongside storytelling, Russell has produced content and strategies for organizations like Samaritan’s Purse (COVID relief fundraising) and YouVersion’s Bible App stories. His expertise spans multiple creative disciplines, allowing him to craft narratives that serve each organization's unique goals.
Russell leverages visual storytelling to amplify an organization's impact, helping ministries and nonprofits grow and thrive. His work includes producing a global online training series for a counseling organization and creating digital strategies and donation journeys for nonprofits. Specializing in emotionally-driven stories and creative direction, Russell is passionate about using visual media to inspire change and cultivate growth.
Chrissy Weaver
"Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Ministry"
Chrissy Weaver is a seasoned Social Media Coach with over five years of experience in guiding individuals and organizations to harness the power of social media. As a Certified Trauma and Mental Wellness Health Coach, Chrissy combines her expertise in mental wellness with her deep understanding of social media dynamics to help Christian ministries grow and thrive in the digital age.
Chrissy’s social media success is evident in her impressive following, with 17,000 followers on Facebook and 21,000 on TikTok. She has a proven track record of creating viral content, with her top post reaching over 3 million views. In addition to her coaching, Chrissy has a strong background in graphic design, which she has utilized to enhance the social media presence of various churches. Her expertise extends beyond ministry, having successfully propelled a bottom-ranking dentist office to the top spot on Google through strategic social media and SEO efforts.
In her presentation, "Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Christian Ministry: How to Increase Followers and Attendance," Chrissy will share practical strategies and insights to help ministries expand their reach, engage their communities, and increase attendance using social media.
Cheryl Manning
"Healthy Living"
Cheryl is an Occupational Therapist, holistic faith-based health coach, and founder of Wellness Legacy in the Pacific Northwest. Married to her college sweetheart and a mother of three adult children, Cheryl is passionate about instilling hope in the lives of others. She leads a life skills team at a Christian women's addiction recovery home, serves on the leadership team of a local women's ministry, loves leading outdoor adventures for women, and is trained in biblical counseling.
Having overcome her own health and spiritual challenges, Cheryl is dedicated to helping individuals to navigate overwhelm, burnout, and imbalances in hormones, mood, and gut health through holistic methods. Using natural and faith-based solutions such as limbic and nervous system regulation, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle optimization, she helps individuals reclaim their energy, purpose, and vitality. Cheryl’s own journey has equipped her to walk alongside others, helping them fully embrace their God-given potential and live with renewed strength and resilience.
Meet Our Speakers
Taran Long
Founder - The Legacy Leadership System | Elite Performance Coach
Taran Long is an esteemed elite performance coach, founder of the Legacy Leadership System, and a seasoned speaker known for empowering leaders across various sectors. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit, business, education, and extensive work in community development internationally, Taran has dedicated his career to helping nonprofit and ministry leaders thrive without succumbing to burnout.
Taran's mission is to equip leaders with the tools they need to maintain a balance between their professional ambitions and personal well-being. His workshops and leadership programs are rich with strategies for optimizing business systems, enhancing leadership effectiveness, and integrating spiritual health to ensure leaders not only succeed in their missions but also lead fulfilling lives.
At the Legacy Leadership Summit, Taran will share insights from his journey and practical strategies from the Legacy Leadership System, focusing on how leaders can leave a lasting legacy while prioritizing their health and family. Join Taran to discover how to transform your leadership approach and create a ripple effect of positive change in your community and beyond.
Dr. Scott Larson
"Succession and Leadership Journey"
Dr. Scott Larson has brought strong leadership and oversight to Straight Ahead Ministries since co-founding the organization with his wife, Hanne, in 1987. As a thought leader in the field of juvenile justice ministry, Scott has developed Straight Ahead's innovative engagement model for leading transformational change, authored 13 books on working effectively with high-risk youth, and provided leadership training and resources for hundreds of teachers, social workers and juvenile justice workers.
Scott has a Master of Divinity degree and a doctorate in leadership development. He is also an adjunct professor at Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's Center for Urban Ministerial Education.
Richard and Mary Amoedo
"Vision for Your Marriage and Family"
Richard and Mary Amoedo's journey together began in a personal growth and leadership program. They have been married 22 years and are the proud parents of three children and one son-in-love. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, specializing in high-risk, high-reward ventures, they've successfully navigated industries ranging from construction, finance, real estate and direct sales.
Currently, Richard serves as the managing partner of a health and wellness company and operates a capital fund for real estate. Mary, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, serves as a strategic advisor in all family ventures and is the CEO of a Women’s Leadership Empowerment company. Her mission is to empower women to unlock their fullest God-given potential, harmonizing faith, family, and business.
Together, Richard and Mary are passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and empowering others to achieve their dreams.
"We believe in living a life by design, inspired by God, and striving for excellence in all we do."
Chris Dakas
Co-Founder, The Stephen Center | Missionary & Business Innovator
Chris Dakas, alongside his wife Laura, has been pioneering self-sustaining ministry models since the early 90s. After feeling called to the mission field, Chris and Laura moved to Albania following the fall of Communism. What began as a vision for a small village ministry soon transformed into The Stephen Center, an innovative hub combining commerce and ministry in groundbreaking ways.
In 1993, leveraging Chris’s creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit, they launched Albania's first Christian bookstore, quickly followed by the opening of the Stephen Center Restaurant, one of Tirana’s first new restaurants post-Communism. This marked the beginning of using business as a vehicle for mission, providing sustainable support for their ministry efforts without relying solely on church denomination funding.
Over three decades, their work has expanded across Albania, Greece, Macedonia, and Kosovo, profoundly impacting thousands through diverse, practical community services. Chris, originally from Massachusetts with a background as a Worcester police officer and a secondary education teacher, brings a unique blend of leadership, spiritual commitment, and practical business acumen to his mission work.
At the Legacy Leadership Summit, Chris will share insights on creating self-sustaining organizations that leverage business to support ministry goals. His talk will focus on the practicalities of "Doing Business as Missions," offering valuable strategies for leaders looking to integrate business models into their ministry efforts to ensure long-term impact and legacy.
Marjie Schaefer
"Leaving a Legacy Through Published Studies"
Marjie Schaefer was born in Georgia, raised in Texas and has spent the past four decades in Washington state. She and her husband, Steve, have been married for 37 years and have four grown children and two grandchildren.
Marjie describes herself as an everyday girl who loves Jesus and daily pursues a life with Him at the center of her activities and purposes.
She started leading and teaching Bible studies while a student at Washington State University and has continued to open her home and her life to anyone who wants more of the Word and more of Jesus. Her greatest passion is bringing the Word of God to life through practical application and visual tools. Women look forward to her personal touches while attending her studies, and they usually go home with tangible reminders of God’s love for them.
Marjie started spending deliberate and daily time in the Word of God while she was a young girl at the encouragement of her godly mother. This has given her a foundation that has stood the test of time. She began writing her own Bible studies at the request of some friends who desired to study the Word during the summer months.
Marjie and her team currently lead the ministry,Flourish Through the Word, a 501c3 non-profit organization which is a community of women in the greater Seattle region committed to being equipped through God’s Word. As a result of their time together in God’s Word, women move out into their arenas of influence, shining their light for Jesus.
Rob Woods
"A Biblical View of Serving Together: Relationships are Key!"
Rob Woods has been serving in ministry for over thirty years. He is an ordained minister and was called by God to preach the Gospel at fifteen. Rob attended college, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries. While in college, he met and married his wife, Shelly, and they have three adult children. Rob has served as a pastor in churches in Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts.
After twenty-five years of pastoring in churches, God redirected Rob to serve pastors through Barnabas Ministries Inc. Rob has been the Global Group Development Director for Barnabas Ministries for over eight years, where his focus is on uniting pastoral leaders in authentic spiritual and relational unity through connecting them in John 17:23 groups where they are encouraged, inspired and enabled to pursue Kingdom ministry together.
Ruthy Sonntag
"Empowering Families to Raise Champions"
Ruthy Sonntag is passionate about helping families protect their most valuable assets—their children. As a former Middle School Math teacher, she witnessed firsthand the challenges in the classroom that often stemmed from home and the negative influences of our culture. This inspired her to find a better way.
Now, as a Master Certified Life Coach, Ruthy coaches families to strengthen their connections and equip their children with the mindset, skillset, and toolset they need to succeed. Through her dynamic and engaging Success Club, she fills the gap by teaching kids how to
Think, Speak, and Act
like the champions they’re destined to be, all while grounding them in the Word of God.
Ruthy’s mission is to help children achieve success sooner, giving them the tools and confidence to navigate life with faith and resilience.
Tyler Watson
"Clearing the Path for Your Vision"
Tyler J. Watson is one of the worlds top performance coaches for elite entrepreneurs and influencers. Because of his unique approach to achieving real results in record time, he has been called “A mix between Tony Robbins and Houdini.” His clients include top leaders in online marketing, network marketing, coaching and consulting, real estate, and a host of other industries. Tyler is the creator of the Cellular Alignment Technique and the first to introduce the public to the science of being allergic to success and addicted to struggle. He helps people live a legendary life without limitations and achieve their goals in days instead of years. Most importantly, he is a passionate father and husband who loves to see people find true freedom while having fun.
Father Len Cowan
"Living in the Vision of God"
Father Len Cowan was born and raised in Worcester, MA. He encountered Christ during his studies at Trinity College, Hartford, and this profound experience shaped his future path. After graduating, Len served as a Youth Director at an Episcopal Church, and then pursued seminary studies at Gordon-Conwell and the General Seminary in New York City.
Father Len's pastoral career has been marked by committed service and spiritual leadership. He and his wife, Hallie, initially served at Christ Episcopal Church in Fitchburg, where Len directed its summer camp and their family began to grow with the birth of their daughters, Sarah and Betsy.
In 1981, Len became the rector of St. David’s Church, Agawam, serving for 19 years. His tenure saw significant church growth, leading to a new building in 1998. He was later called to Church of the Nativity in Northborough, where he deeply engaged in prayer and spiritual formation ministry through the parish’s Spiritual Life Center, the Refuge.
After retiring from parish ministry in 2015, Len founded The Abbey of the Way in his childhood home, a center dedicated to prayer and spiritual formation for Christian leaders. He has also transferred his priestly orders to the Anglican Diocese in New England, focusing on fostering intercession and developing leaders and missional communities committed to a Way of Life in Jesus.
Today, Father Len continues to serve as the Abbot of The Abbey House and Community, offers spiritual direction, and supports pastoral care activities at The Journey Community Church and Emmaus City Church.
Russell Yandura
"Sharing Your Organizations Stories"
Russell has spent the past decade as a creative, driven by a calling to ministry through filmmaking. Leaving business school to pursue his passion, he supported church staff by creating weekly media. This led to co-producing and editing an award-winning documentary set to launch in late 2024.
Alongside storytelling, Russell has produced content and strategies for organizations like Samaritan’s Purse (COVID relief fundraising) and YouVersion’s Bible App stories. His expertise spans multiple creative disciplines, allowing him to craft narratives that serve each organization's unique goals.
Russell leverages visual storytelling to amplify an organization's impact, helping ministries and nonprofits grow and thrive. His work includes producing a global online training series for a counseling organization and creating digital strategies and donation journeys for nonprofits. Specializing in emotionally-driven stories and creative direction, Russell is passionate about using visual media to inspire change and cultivate growth.
Chrissy Weaver
"Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Ministry"
Chrissy Weaver is a seasoned Social Media Coach with over five years of experience in guiding individuals and organizations to harness the power of social media. As a Certified Trauma and Mental Wellness Health Coach, Chrissy combines her expertise in mental wellness with her deep understanding of social media dynamics to help Christian ministries grow and thrive in the digital age.
Chrissy’s social media success is evident in her impressive following, with 17,000 followers on Facebook and 21,000 on TikTok. She has a proven track record of creating viral content, with her top post reaching over 3 million views. In addition to her coaching, Chrissy has a strong background in graphic design, which she has utilized to enhance the social media presence of various churches. Her expertise extends beyond ministry, having successfully propelled a bottom-ranking dentist office to the top spot on Google through strategic social media and SEO efforts.
In her presentation, "Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Christian Ministry: How to Increase Followers and Attendance," Chrissy will share practical strategies and insights to help ministries expand their reach, engage their communities, and increase attendance using social media.
Cheryl Manning
"Healthy Living"
Cheryl is an Occupational Therapist, holistic faith-based health coach, and founder of Wellness Legacy in the Pacific Northwest. Married to her college sweetheart and a mother of three adult children, Cheryl is passionate about instilling hope in the lives of others. She leads a life skills team at a Christian women's addiction recovery home, serves on the leadership team of a local women's ministry, loves leading outdoor adventures for women, and is trained in biblical counseling.
Having overcome her own health and spiritual challenges, Cheryl is dedicated to helping individuals to navigate overwhelm, burnout, and imbalances in hormones, mood, and gut health through holistic methods. Using natural and faith-based solutions such as limbic and nervous system regulation, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle optimization, she helps individuals reclaim their energy, purpose, and vitality. Cheryl’s own journey has equipped her to walk alongside others, helping them fully embrace their God-given potential and live with renewed strength and resilience.
The Must Attend Event for Nonprofit Ministry Leaders
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach to leadership. Register today and step into a role that God has crafted for you, one that promises growth, impact, and fulfillment without the cost of your health or family life.
