Our Mission

Our Vision

A mainline church that is financially sustainable, missionally aligned, and deeply rooted in its community — not in spite of its tradition, but through it.

Faithful Stewardship

Every resource — financial, physical, human — is a sacred trust. We help congregations honor that trust with clarity and accountability.

Adaptability & Resilience

The church has navigated change for two millennia. We help congregations draw on that deep resilience to navigate the challenges of today.

Hope & Renewal

We believe in the possibility of new life in congregations that others might have written off. Our work is grounded in genuine hope.

Sustainability & Innovation

Long-term health requires both sound fundamentals and creative thinking. We help congregations build for the long haul while staying open to new possibilities.

Transparency & Accountability

We say what we see. We deliver what we promise. And we expect the same from the congregations we serve.

Collaboration & Partnership

We don’t parachute in with answers. We work alongside your leaders, building their capacity even as we address the immediate challenge.

Mission-Driven Alignment

Every recommendation connects back to your congregation’s calling. Strategy in service of mission — always.

Theological Integrity

We take your theological tradition seriously. We don’t impose frameworks that ignore who you are as a community of faith.

Equity & Accessibility

Quality consulting shouldn’t be reserved for large congregations. We structure our work so that smaller and under-resourced churches can access the same expertise.

Derek Henson

Founder | Lead Consultant

Derek brings over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, sustainability, and organizational church leadership. He has served faith communities across a range of denominations and contexts — from historic urban congregations to suburban growth churches — and understands firsthand the pressures and possibilities that define church life today.

His nonprofit management background and board service for a historic preservation organization bring an unusual breadth to his consulting work. Derek is known for his ability to help congregations see their situation clearly and move toward decisions with confidence.

John Thomas

Partner | Operations Advisor

John’s path from licensed local pastor to licensed attorney is exactly what makes him invaluable to Pinnacle’s clients. He understands the interior life of congregations — the pastoral rhythms, the committee dynamics, the weight of denominational expectations — while also bringing rigorous legal and operational expertise to every engagement.

His background in regulatory compliance at a major financial services firm gives him fluency in governance, contracts, and financial controls that few ministry consultants can match. John helps congregations get their operational house in order without losing sight of why they exist.