Leadership comes in all forms and sizes, but the results are the same. Leaders influence behavior and make a difference in people’s lives. Profiling leaders reveals a diverse combination of traits, but changing lives is a common theme.

Leader Profile

Chad Donoho

“Pretender” describes Chad’s life growing up—Chad’s word not mine. He describes this as common among ministry kids who know how to say the right thing, express the right emotions, and perform the right behaviors. But at age 22, after growing up in a pastor’s home and after four years at Free Will Baptist Bible College, Chad gave his heart to the Lord. He became serious about his Christian walk and helping others who struggle in similar ways. Chad is minister of music and teen pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama.

Yet God prepared Chad even before he was a believer. His parents cultivated a solid foundation by creating an environment of biblical teaching and godly music. This foundation led to a passion for music that would eventually shape Chad’s ministry career. In college, Chad taught himself to play the piano and now leads worship from the keyboard. Chad desires that every Christian would grasp and practice consistently true worship in church but especially in daily life.

Chad’s passion, genuineness, and sincerity connect with the teens and parents to whom he ministers. They trust him, knowing he has their best interests at heart. In his quiet time Chad reads a book and Scripture, usually during time carved out in the morning before his day begins. He just finished Regaining Balance and started Quiet Moments for Worship Leaders.

Chad and his wife Jennifer work as a team to create a beneficial home environment. Chad describes his wife as “an amazing mom who juggles many areas, yet still takes time to surprise him regularly with unexpected affectionate text messages.”

Chad, you are a great leader!

Why Free Will Baptist?

“Because our doctrine matters, and I am a firm believer.”

Describe an ideal date for you and Jennifer.

“With no restrictions on time or money, we would be seated in left field at Wrigley Stadium eating a bloomin’ onion followed by some Cold Stone Creamery ice cream and drinking a Mountain Dew, and oh yes—the Cubs are winning.”

What are your top three books (other than the Bible)?

• Fresh Wind and Fresh Fire by Jim Cimbala

• Flying Closer to the Flame by Chuck Swindoll
  

• The Sackett Series by Louis L’amour

What’s your biggest failure?

“Getting started late with my serious walk with God at age 22.”

What is your one indulgence?

“One? I have the Cubs, Illinois basketball, Peanut Butter M&M’s, and Mountain Dew.

Kid’s names, ages, and one-word descriptions:

• Anna Grace (age 5): Diva
  

• Luke (age 3): All-boy
  

• Emma Faith (11 months): Fireball
  

Paper or Plastic Questions

>Mountains or Ocean? Ocean
>Music or Talk Radio? Music
>Coke or Pepsi? Mountain Dew
>Email or Texting? Texting
>Mac or PC? PC