Rev. Don Sutton

Tuesday, Jan 24

3:15 – 4:30 pm

Navigating Transition Without Losing Mission or People

Whether in ministry or the marketplace, change is constant—and so is the need for leaders who can guide others with clarity, courage, and compassion. This session equips leaders to approach change not as a threat to manage but as an opportunity to grow. Rooted in Christian values and a theology of calling, it also draws on widely respected leadership practices to help participants lead change with integrity. You’ll gain practical tools for managing transitions, rallying teams, and communicating change in ways that build trust. We’ll explore how to overcome resistance, sustain hope, and create cultures where curiosity is encouraged—so teams feel safe asking questions and taking ownership.

At the heart of lasting change is emotionally intelligent leadership, moral clarity, and a firm grasp of your mission. Whether you lead in a church, school, or organization, this session will equip you to lead change with grace and purpose—so that in seasons of disruption, you don’t just survive the change—you multiply your impact through it.

Rev. Don Sutton serves as board chairman and adjunct leadership trainer with Grace in Action. He has been a parish pastor since 1979, serving both missions and large, established congregations. Until his retirement from parish ministry in 2021, he served as ministry coordinator at St. Paul’s, New Ulm, Minn. In addition to his role as a parish pastor, he has been a leader at the circuit, district, and synodical levels. Rev. Sutton not only has a passion for ministry but also for planning and helping leaders to be the best that they can be to God’s glory as they lead fellow Christians in carrying out the Great Commission. His specialties are Great Commission leadership, strategic planning, team building, and CliftonStrengths®.