God Is Trustworthy: Impactful Words from the LifeWay Leadership Forum
By Michele Husfelt - November 10
Every once in a while, God gives us a moment that feels like a deep breath for the soul — a time to pause, listen, and be reminded that He can be trusted. The LifeWay Leadership Forum was one of those moments for the thirty-one women who attended last week.
It was two days filled with worship, encouragement, and truth — designed for ministry leaders and church teams who want to serve Jesus well.
The Forum brought together some incredible voices — Dr. Jeff Iorg, Jennifer Rothschild, Ruth Chou Simons, Courtney Doctor, Kandi Gallaty, and Rachel Lovingood — each pointing us back to one powerful reality: God is trustworthy.
Whether we lead in a pulpit, a classroom, or a home, that truth steadies us. We can trust Him with our calling, our pain, our people, and our obedience.
The following are some impactful takeaways we carried back with us:
“Express gratitude to those who serve with you.” — Dr. Jeff Iorg
Iorg reminded us that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about trust and service. Gratitude builds trust in teams and mirrors the heart of Christ, who led by serving. He also offered a definition of humility that perfectly reflects God’s trustworthy character:
“Humility is using your position of leadership and privilege for the benefit of others — and sacrificing for their needs.”
We can lead humbly because we trust that God sees, even when others don’t. When we serve rather than strive, we demonstrate faith in a God who honors obedience more than recognition.
“Success is obedience.” — Jennifer Rothschild
Jennifer reminded us that success in God’s eyes looks different than success in the world’s. Numbers and outcomes may fluctuate, but obedience never fails. We can take the next faithful step because we trust the One who leads us.
When we believe that God’s plan is good and His timing perfect, obedience becomes not a burden but an act of confidence in His care.
Ruth Chou Simons spoke deeply to the heart of leadership and relationship when she said “Find and build a trustworthy community.”
We all need people who remind us of who God is when our own trust wavers — friends who speak truth and point us back to Jesus.
Then came this challenge from Ruth:
“Put your hurt at the altar, otherwise Satan will use it.”
When we release our pain to God, we’re declaring, “Lord, I trust You more than my hurt.” Ruth continued, “I need to go first… Leave the hurts and the ‘What ifs’ at the altar.”
Trust means going first — surrendering before everything feels settled. And finally, her definition of friendship captured it perfectly:
“A friend is one who wants you to love Jesus more.”
Trustworthy friends help us trust God more deeply.
“‘I will be your God, and you will be my people’ reveals the heart of God.” — Courtney Doctor
Courtney reminded us that from Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has never changed — to be with His people. His presence is the ultimate proof of His trustworthiness. He doesn’t abandon His promises or His people.
“Get into the Word so God gets into you.” — Kandi Gallaty
Kandi reminded us that God’s Word is the anchor for trust. The more we know His truth, the more we rest in His character.
She also said, “Obedience will never be as hard as Jesus’s obedience.”
Even when obedience feels costly, we can trust that Jesus understands — and He walks with us through it.
“We are called to scatter the seeds, not to inspect the soil.”
What freedom comes when we trust God with the results! Our calling isn’t to control the outcome — it’s to be faithful in sowing the gospel and believe He’ll bring the growth.
“God’s plan has never changed — to be with His people.” — Rachel Lovingood
Rachel’s words tied it all together. The God who calls us to trust Him is the same God who has always desired to be near His people. His faithfulness spans generations.
As we left the Forum, one theme echoed louder than all the rest: God is trustworthy. Every quote, every message, every worship moment pointed back to that unshakable truth.