Meet Kathy Chapman Sharp

Passionate about my faith, I have used my pen and voice to inspire and encourage involvement in God’s Kingdom work for more than 25 years. Formerly the director of communications for Saddleback Church and Purpose Driven Ministries in Southern California. I now work as a communications consultant helping churches and religious organizations find a relevant voice that speaks above the chaotic noise of the world. I also served on the executive pastoral staff of The Chapel, a multi-site mega church in the northern suburbs of Chicago. My love of writing and everything I know about communications comes from my experiences of serving God on church staffs, as an international missionary in Spain and Brazil, in editorial and management roles at LifeWay Christian Resources, and as Director of Publishing for the International Mission Board.

I’m often reminded I didn’t choose this field of work — it chose me. Or, rather, God chose me. I’m grateful for the incredible opportunities he has given me to serve him. And I’m humbled to have learned from some of God’s choicest servants along the way. In fact, I’m still learning as I strive to keep the main thing the main thing—making sure my time is wisely invested in work that shares my vision of making Christ known to the ends of the Earth.

There’s nothing I love more than building communication strategies – assessing tactics and structure, building new cohesive strategies around the DNA of a church or organization, and then creating the staffing structure to execute it. Yeah, that’s my idea of a really good time! I also enjoy speaking and teaching at churches and conferences designed for leaders, journalists and writers, as well as women’s conferences and retreats.

My first book, Life’s Too Short to Miss the Big Picture for Women, was published in April, 2011. That was an exciting year to say the least!

Sometimes I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day. But only sometimes. I find the greatest clarity when surrounded by chaos and living life at warp speed. So really, who needs more hours in the day? Not me! I still believe that if you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.

A self-confessed “social media geek,” I’m based in Nashville, TN where I live with my husband, Terry and our Yorkshire Terrier, Penelope. Having our first grandchild in October 2014 was amazing. Fox Lancaster has definitely rocked our world! When not pondering the power of words, I love practicing hospitality, downloading a good read on my iPad Air, digging in the earth, and packing a bag to visit someplace new and exotic.

You can follow me on Twitter at @chapmansharp.

Endorsements

 Kathy’s heart and passion make her the ideal retreat speaker. A true storyteller, Kathy weaves a vivid picture of God’s grace and merciful work in this life through personal and relatable stories. Her stories make her instantly relevant and genuine, drawing women to her through the truth of God’s grace in her life. Kathy is an active and involved speaker as well. She makes individual connections with the women and sows seeds of encouragement and hope into their everyday battles. She loves them with intentionality and deeply connects to all who will allow her the opportunity. One of the most telling signs of Kathy desire to help women mature spiritually is her ongoing relationships and investments in those she simply encounters for a weekend. The women are people that she gets to know and love, that she prays over, and she makes herself available to beyond the short retreat. Her love and hope in the Lord are absolutely contagious.

Micah Nave – Director of Women’s and Children’s Ministries
Springdale Community Church, Louisville, KY

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Reading LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO MISS THE BIG PICTURE FOR WOMEN leaves me feeling like I’ve just left an enjoyable coffee connection with Kathy Chapman Sharp, where the conversation flows from Josie’s Full of Beans  to the Louvre Museum and from German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer to the cartoon character Quick Draw McGraw.  But most of all, the conversation turns deeper and deeper into the reality of Jesus and his constant presence in our lives.

That’s my good friend Kathy, part Renaissance, part Grand Ole Opry, both parts committed to Christ. You will find her engaging, insightful, and Spirit-led. Her book will help you see how Jesus is at work all around you and inside you, and my dear, sister in Christ, will become your friend, who helps you see that you are not alone in your journey. Order a Grande, take a deep, relaxing breath, and sit down with Kathy for a few minutes or for the afternoon. She’ll leave you comforted in Christ.                                                                                

Jon Walker – Author, Costly Grace and Growing With Purpose

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For years, Kathy Chapman Sharp has been actively involved in advancing the gospel in several key arenas of influence including LifeWay Christian Resources, the International Mission Board and in her work with several significant churches and key ministry partnerships.  Kathy has a passion, knowledge and love for life and the church. Her gifts of creative innovation, coupled with her ability to bring the right people together have made for some significant contributions to advance the gospel.  I am honored to know Kathy and to call her friend.  I know LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO MISS THE BIG PICTURE FOR WOMEN will inspire and challenge others to reach their full potential in Christ.

Selma Wilson – President, B&H Publishing House, LifeWay Christian Resources and Co-author, Extraordinary Marriage and The Parent Adventure

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Kathy Chapman Sharp is an incredibly gifted lady. I’ve known her for years and watched with amazement as she led in publishing, communications, and marketing with several different agencies and ministries. She is a woman of the highest standards in ministry as well as in her personal life as a wife and mom. Kathy has great insights and brings it home in her writing. Those who read her work will be enriched and blessed.

Jaye Martin – Former Director of Women’s Leadership, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary & Founder, The Jaye Martin Group (JMG). Co-author, Women Leading Women

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I have known Kathy for several years and have watched her in different ministry roles. She brings excitement and passion to anything she’s involved in. I have used her to speak to ministry assistants and ministers wives and she has always been enthusiastically received. Kathy is a tremendous role model to women everywhere with her sweet, gentle spirit and Christ-like disciplined life. I’m truly blessed to call her “friend.”

Lana Rose – Secretaries & Ministers Wives Ministries
Tennessee Baptist Convention

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The North American Mission Board is very grateful to you for the work you have done in marketing the Life on Mission book and products. Your professionalism and drive have made it an absolute pleasure to work with you on this project.

Greg Murphree – Executive Director, Operations                                                                     North American Mission Board