Dr. Steve Macchia

Founder & President of Leadership Transformations, Inc.

After serving eleven years on the pastoral staff of Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA and an additional fourteen years as President of Vision New England, Steve Macchia founded Leadership Transformations in 2003. Since then he's served as President of LTi as well as Director of the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also serves on the teaching team in the Doctor of Ministry department. Steve is a pastoral teacher, conference speaker, ministry leader, retreat facilitator, ministry mentor/coach, and spiritual director.  He's also the author of several books, including Crafting A Rule of Life (InterVarsity Press), Becoming A Healthy Church (Baker Books), Becoming A Healthy Church Workbook (Baker Books), Becoming A Healthy Disciple (Baker Books), Study and Worship Guide for Becoming A Healthy Disciple (LTi Publication), Becoming A Healthy Team (Baker Books), and Exercises for Becoming A Healthy Team (LTi Publication). He resides in Lexington, MA with his wife Ruth and is the proud father of two children, Nathan and Rebekah. Steve writes, "My wife and I enjoy hunting for turn of the (19th) Century oak antique furniture. We love to travel, and we delight in our children, Nate and Bekah, who are our pride and joy. After 32 years of marriage we enjoy reflecting on the richness of ministry life together. I'm a collector of memories, with special rocks, shells, and various mementos, joined by thousands of photographs, which remind me of important people and places that have marked our journey thus far.  My soul comes alive singing the great hymns of the church and enjoying the beauty of God's creation. My favorite walk is on the beach at low tide between Sesuit Harbor and the Brewster flats on Cape Cod (MA)...it's beautiful year round! I'm in awe of God for fulfilling the dream for LTi that he birthed in my heart one year before we started this ministry. Since our inception in 2003, the team God has assembled is phenomenal and the ministry has grown beyond all my greatest hopes and expectations. But, most of all, the transformational impact on the leaders and teams we serve together makes every long day incredibly meaningful and satisfying."

Detailed Biography
Articles by Stephen Macchia

Rick Anderson

Senior Vice President

Rick serves as LTi's Vice President in the Colorado Springs office location. Rick has a passion for spiritual formation and leadership development. He has completed New Way Ministries' School of Spiritual Direction and the Advanced School, both taught by Dr. Larry Crabb. Rick is a graduate of Biola University's school of business. Prior to LTi, Rick served as the COO of the Christian Writers Guild and the Director of Finance & Operations at Trinity Law School. He is a founding board member of Beyond Survival and also served 6 years with CLA Colorado Springs as a board member and two years as President. Rick and his wife, Lisa, live in Colorado Springs with their three boys: Cameron, Mitchell, and Jackson.  Rick loves spending time with God in nature, laughing with friends and family, exploring new places, fixing things, watching movies, and taking in a strong Colorado thunderstorm.  He also enjoys golf, international travel, and devouring nearly anything sweet.  Things Rick does not enjoy: mean people, mayonnaise, misplacing things, waiting in line, lukewarm beverages, fines of any sort, and dental work. Rick writes, “I am overwhelmed each time I consider the joy I have to serve with the incredible people who make up this team and this amazing ministry of spiritual formation/soul care we are able to participate in together. To God belongs all the glory – but man are we having fun!”

Articles by Rick Anderson

Kevin Antlitz

Executive and Research Assistant

Kevin is the Executive and Research Assistant at LTi and Program Administrator at the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park (B.A. in Government and Politics, '06) and Gordon-Conwell (M.Div., '10 and Th.M., '11). He is an active member at the historic Park Street Church in Boston and he and his wife, Susan, live in beautiful Brookline, MA. Kevin enjoys being active, traveling, good art, music, literature, and reading aloud with his wife. Kevin writes, "LTi is an incredible organization that focuses on one of our central responsibilities as humans, that of caring for the soul. I consider it a high honor to both serve the LTi constituents as well as to serve alongside such a godly and fun team."

Articles by Kevin Antlitz

Elinor Beatty

Spiritual Formation Associate

In addition to serving as clerk of the LTi board, Ellie has recently joined the ministry team as a Spiritual Formation Associate. She and her husband Dave have participated in the Spiritual Leadership Community for three years. In her role as a preschool educator, Ellie has taught children, parents and teachers in a variety of settings. She is a co-founder and Director of Amazing Grace Kids, a new Christian preschool in Lexington, MA. She has been exploring listening prayer and awareness of God in daily life and enjoys walking with others along the path of spiritual growth. Ellie writes, “I am so pleased to join the staff of LTi and look forward to this new chapter in the adventure of learning and going deeper together with the team.”

Diana Bennett

Director of Emmaus & Consultant for Small Group Leadership Training

Diana serves as the Director of Emmaus and Consultant for Small Group Leadership Training at LTi. She is also the Director of Small Group Ministries at Christ Chapel in Centerville, MA. Diana received her Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has designed and led various types of small group ministries in large and small churches for 30 years. Diana's most recent publishing, "Renewing Your Church Through Healthy Small Groups," is an 8 week interactive, small group leadership training manual. Her education includes: Colby-Sawyer College (BS); American Society of Medical Technologists, Yale Medical School (Certification); Gordon-Conwell (MATS and DMin). Her interests include fly fishing, reading, sailing, and spending time with her ten grandchildren. She and her husband, Peter, have three married children and live in Osterville, MA. Diana writes, "I am excited to be part of this vital ministry that will encourage individuals and teams in the challenge of cultivating their souls, for that’s where it all starts if we as leaders are to influence spiritual growth in others."
Articles by Diana Bennett

Susan Currie

Director of Selah & Associate for Spiritual Formation

Susan serves as the Director of Selah: LTi's Certificate Training Program in Spiritual Direction. Additionally, she engages in spiritual formation ministries, particularly as the Spiritual Formation Associate at the Pierce Center for Disciple Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and in retreat leadership and spiritual direction with individuals, local churches, and wider church and parachurch bodies. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College (B.A. English Literature, 1982), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (MA in Theological Studies, 1984, and Doctor of Ministry, 2011), and the spiritual direction certificate program of Christian Formation and Direction Ministries-Northwest (2005). Susan and her husband, Dave, live in Hamilton, MA and are graced with three children (grown and nearly grown), Catherine, Roy, and Elspeth. Susan loves stories that are True (written, from her English major days, and shared, from her current spiritual formation ministry conversations), and the quiet time and space that allows her to reflect on God's presence in those stories--canoe rides on lakes at dawn and dusk, cross-country skiing and walks along evergreen-bordered trails, strolling through late spring gardens or basking in the sunshine of an autumn afternoon. Susan writes, "Our ministries at LTi, in creating and nurturing a reflective presence to God, help the Church to more deeply experience Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life--for the sake of our life, and his glory!

Greg Mahoney

Website & Software Developer

Greg has been the website developer for LTi for the past three years. Having a passion for education and History, he recently completed a degree in Secondary Education at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.  Greg, and his wife Tara, live in Colorado Springs, CO and have two children.  He enjoys coaching his son’s football team, and strives to teach his players to have a passion for the sport that they will carry into their adult lives.  Greg enjoys being a part of the LTi team and writes, "I have a passion for learning, teaching, and watching others grow. It is a joy to know that my work helps to strengthen the ministry of LTi."

David McKiel

Accountant

David has served as the accountant for LTi since the organization's inception. David's heart for Christian ministry stems back to his volunteer service in his local church, nearly 15 years as a director of finance at Vision New England, and his experience as an accountant for several Christian ministries throughout the Northeast. He is a graduate of Bentley College with a degree in accounting. David and his wife, Carolyn, primarily reside in Florida but frequently visit his children and grandchildren in NH, PA, and MA. David writes, "It is a privilege, 'as a bean counter', to serve with the LTi team. I am truly amazed that my accounting skills can be used to support a ministry whose primary purpose is to nurture the souls of pastors and leaders. In the process, my own soul has been nurtured by my interaction with the members of LTi's dynamic team!"

Sage Paik

Graphic Designer

Sage is the Graphic Designer at LTi.  She has also been serving in youth ministry for 15 years and is the Executive Director of ARISE Youth Ministries, an organization serving the Korean churches, youth workers, and Korean-American youth in New England for nearly 20 years. Sage is a graduate of Boston College and is pursuing a M.A. in Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Sage is a total New Englander at heart--loving all the beautiful seasons, the historic charm, and longing to see great revival again.  She and her super-duper husband, Young, live in Peabody and love sharing their home with others, gardening and popcorn.  Sage writes, "It's been personally formative for me to serve with LTi.  What we seek to do with leaders and teams--encourage authentic life in Christ and life-giving Christian community-- I see lived out in our own team and in our own lives."

Richard Plass

Spiritual Formation Associatee

Richard is a team associate at LTi and serves in the capacity of providing counseling and care for Christian leaders. Rich is ordained in the Reformed Church in American and has served in pastoral ministry for twenty-five years. Over the last ten years Rich has provided pastoral counseling to Christian leaders through CrossPoint Ministry. Rich is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell, M.Div. and Southern Theological Seminary earning a Th.M. in the Psychology of Religion, and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling. Rich and his wife, Sallie, live in southern Indiana and have six children and two grandchildren. Richard writes, "It is a great adventure to be a team associate with LTi seeking to care for and strengthen the souls of those who lead God's people."

Warren Schuh

Lead Church Health Coach

Warren serves as Lead Church Health Coach for LTi. He is the president of WS Associates, an organization that assists churches and church leaders to sharpen their focus and take meaningful personal and organizational steps forward. Prior to starting WS Associates, he was Executive Pastor at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California. Warren has served in local church ministry for 30 years, 14 of those as an executive pastor. Before that he was the Director of Large Church Networks for Leadership Network. Warren graduated from Wheaton College, and received his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Warren and Connie, his wife of 35 years, have three adult children: son, Aaron (and his wife, Karla), daughter, KT, and son, Tyler (and his wife, Traci).

Matthew Scott

Ministry Development Associate

Matt is the Ministry Development Associate at Leadership Transformations. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, he is a graduate of the University of Mobile, earning a double major in Worship Leadership and Music Performance. In May of 2011, he completed his Masters of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His interests include cycling, carpentry, songwriting, and the hymns of the Church. He and his wife, Kristen, live on Boston’s North Shore with their dog, Stella. Matt writes, "It is with great joy that I join the LTi team and family! In the past three years, my life, marriage, and ministry have personally been enriched and awakened by this ministry. I am honored and delighted to serve the local church through the ministry of LTi."

Jeremy Stefano

Spiritual Formation Associate

A pastor by vocation, Jeremy has served churches in Southern Africa and North America. Currently, he is the pastor of a community church in Warren, MA and serves as Senior Faculty in the Selah Spiritual Direction program. He is married to Bethany and they have been blessed with seven children. He has a Licentiate in Theology from the Cape Town Baptist Seminary in South Africa, a Masters of Christian Studies from Regent College in Canada and a D.Min. in Leadership & Spiritual Formation from George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Portland, OR. Jeremy writes, “Friendships have been a theme of grace in my life, so it is a gift to be partnered in LTi's ministry with those who value friendship and who are willing to make relationships a priority.”

Liz Whitfield

Accounts Receivable Manager

Liz Whitfield is barely managing to hold on to her British accent after many years of living in the U.S. She is a freelance violinist in the Boston area, and is especially popular at rehearsals when she brings samplings of her latest cookies. She and her husband, Iain, raised 3 daughters in Lexington, MA. Liz is happy to be a part of the LTi team and enjoys her role of mulling over 'numbers'.  Liz writes, "I have personally benefited from attending soul care retreats and have seen the impact they have on friends and family!"

David Wu

Spiritual Formation Associate

David is a Spiritual Formation Associate for LTi in Houston, Texas, and Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Access Church. He is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div., '11) and Selah, LTi's Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction. In the last 10+ years of vocational ministry, David has been involved in overseas missions in East Asia, worship leading, and pastoral ministry. He is passionate about the ministries of soul care and worship, and feels called to be a spiritual companion to ministry leaders and overseas missionaries. David and his wife, Cindy, have three children. Though a self-proclaimed NON-shopper, you will find David taking his time when perusing guitar shops, the Apple store, and Whole Foods. David writes, "I am thrilled to be part of a ministry that has so profoundly impacted my own spiritual growth and health. "

Elinor Beatty

Ellie has served on the Board of LTi since 2007, and along with her husband Dave has participated in LTi’s Spiritual Leadership Community for three years. In her role as a preschool educator Ellie has taught children, parents and teachers in a variety of settings.  She is a co-founder and Director of Amazing Grace Kids, a Christian Parent’s Day Out program in Lexington MA.   She has been exploring listening prayer and awareness of God in daily life and enjoys walking with others along the path of spiritual growth.   Ellie and Dave are the parents of two young men.   “I have always enjoyed my role on the Board of LTi –it’s a place where we share our spiritual walk in addition to attending to the business of running a non-profit.   I am greatly encouraged by seeing  God at work through the ministry of LTi.”

Diana Bennett

In addition to her board role, Diana serves as Director of Spiritual Leadership Communities and Consultant for Small Group Leadership Training at LTi.  She is also the Director of Small Group Ministries at Christ Chapel in Centerville, MA.  Diana received her Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has designed and led various types of small group ministries in large and small churches for the past 25 years. Diana and her husband Peter live in Osterville, MA. They have three married children and nine grandchildren. "I am excited to be part of this vital ministry that will encourage individuals and teams in the challenge of cultivating their souls, for that’s where it all starts if we as leaders are to influence spiritual growth in others."

Mike Chuli

In addition to being an LTi Board member, Mike is a Managing Director for Accenture's Financial Services business, focused on driving profitable growth strategies for North America's leading financial institutions. Mike has also been President/CEO of early and mid stage high tech companies, and Vice President of Compaq's Internet and Desktop Services business. Mike has served as Board Chairman in Canada at GracePoint and in Massachusetts at Grace Baptist Church, and a part of the LTi vision from the outset. Mike lives in the Boston area with his incredible wife Judy and has two fantastic daughters and a lovable Boxer(totally unbiased). Mike holds a BSc. from the University of Western Ontario in Canada and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business AMP program. "Serving with the LTi team is a true honor as we focus on following God's transformational plans for this vital ministry."

Kathleen Crowell (Treasurer)

Kathy is a mother of 3 grown children and lives in Winchester, MA. She has taken on the role of Treasurer for LTi. She has been a Deacon in her local church, and has been involved in the leadership of small group ministries in Hingham and Winchester for almost 20 years. She serves as a substitute teacher at Lexington Christian Academy. Her interest in discipleship ministries has been significantly expanded as she has taken on the role of board member for LTi. "Being a part of a discipleship group like this has been a real encouragement to me as I continue to seek God's direction for this season of my life."

Mark Holbrook

Mark is President and CEO of Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU). He began his career with ECCU in 1975, shortly after graduating from Biola College (now University), and was named to the top management position in 1979. During his tenure, assets under management grew from $4 million to over $3 billion. ECCU was named one of the top 10 Christian places to work by Christianity Today magazine and the Best Christian Workplace Institute in both 2003 and 2006. Mark and his wife, Cindy, reside in Yorba Linda, CA. They have attended Grace Church in Orange, California for 37 years, where Mark serves as a teaching elder and Cindy mentors young mothers. Their five children walk closely with the Lord and have blessed them with 13 grandchildren (at last count). Mark also serves on the boards of Christian Leadership Alliance and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.  Mark deeply values ECCU growing relationship with Leadership Transformations. He says, "One of our greatest blessings at ECCU was a company wide Soul Care day, where over 300 ECCU staff stopped work and gathered for a day of prayer and meditative bible reading facilitated by LTi leaders. It was an amazing and transformational day! We are deeply thankful for the ongoing impact of LTi’s ministry among our team."

Brian Lacey (Clerk)

Brian serves the board as Clerk, and secured all necessary legal documents for the development of LTi. He lives in Brookline, MA with his wife, Joan, and two young children. Brian is a long-standing member of his church and has been treasurer there since 1995.  "As an attorney in Boston, I am delighted to merge my interests in counseling philanthropic organizations with the transforming spiritual goals of LTi.  I look forward to how God will build and bless this new ministry for His glory."

David Schultz (Chair)

David and his wife, Esther, have three sons and live in a Boston suburb. He is very involved with Christian education at both the secondary and college level, and serves as treasurer of an international Christian hospital. David has 25 years of professional experience in the investment management business, and is presently managing a new hedge fund venture. "I am excited about the way God is using LTi to draw Christian leaders and leadership teams into a closer relationship with Him, and I am thrilled to be a small part of the LTi leadership team."

Steve Macchia (Founder and President)

Steve became the founding president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. (LTi) on July 1, 2003.  He is the author of several books, including Becoming a Healthy Church (Baker Books, 1999),  the Becoming A Healthy Church Workbook (Baker Books, 2001), Becoming A Healthy Disciple (Baker Books, 2004), the Becoming A Healthy Disciple Small Group Study and Worship Guide (LTi publication, 2004), and Becoming A Healthy Team (Baker Books, 2005).Steve was raised in Stoneham, MA graduating from the local high school. He attended Northwestern College in Orange City, IA (B.A. in Christian Education and Elementary Education in 1978) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA (Master of Divinity, 1983).  He completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (January, 2001) where he now serves as a member of the D.Min. teaching team. As a part of his LTi portfolio, he also serves at GCTS as the Director of the Pierce Center for Disciple Building. Steve and his wife, Ruth, have two children, Nathan and Rebekah, and make their home in Lexington, MA.

Detailed Biography
Articles by Stephen Macchia