Let There Be Light
9/19/25 Edition
The problem facing America and the world is not that there's too much darkness.
The problem is there's not enough Light. ~ Brad Bright
A Season of Renewal:
God’s Call for Marketplace Leaders
As summer draws to a close, there’s a shift in the air. Just as the leaves prepare to turn, many of us feel an inner stirring — a sense that it’s time to refocus, renew, and run with purpose. Much like the turning of a calendar year, the end of summer brings an excitement to set fresh goals and pursue God’s calling with clarity.
This is no accident. God designed the seasons to remind us of His rhythm of renewal: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Fall whispers to us that now is the season to gather our strength, sharpen our vision, and press forward in unity.
For those in business, non-profits, and ministries, this is more than just a cultural phenomenon — it is an invitation to marketplace ministry. It’s a call for Christian leaders to come together as the body of Christ, to steward resources wisely, and to labor side by side for Kingdom impact. When we align our work with God’s purposes, our goals become more than personal milestones; they become testimonies of His goodness.
This fall, let us not simply return to work. Let us return to the work of the Lord. Let us lean into collaboration, encouragement, and accountability as one body, many members, and one mission: to see Christ exalted in every corner of culture and commerce.
Now is the time. This is the season. Let us rise together as Kingdom leaders, setting our eyes on eternal goals and building a legacy of flourishing that glorifies Him.
H I M
More Than Words:
A Challenge to Christian Leaders to Act as One in God’s Body
Beloved Leaders in Business, Non-Profits, and Ministry:
In these weighty days, the call of God for us is loud and clear: He’s not asking for words alone, but for action. He’s calling leaders across sectors—business, non-profit, ministry—not merely to speak truth, but to embody it. The Body of Christ must stand together, moving forward as one, driven by conviction and empowered by faith.
We see in the example of Charlie Kirk a demonstration of what it looks like when faith and leadership intersect in bold, uncompromising ways. We cannot ignore the clarity with which he articulated his convictions, and how he sought to mobilize young people, to rally them around values, to push beyond mere rhetoric into accountability, into movement, into real life change. Charlie Kirk (Wikipedia)
What the Scriptures Call Us To
Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are those who speak eloquently” or “Blessed are those who make grand promises.” He said, “Blessed are the meek,” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Matthew 5:3-10) We are called not only to proclaim the Kingdom, but to demonstrate it. James challenges us: “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17) Paul urges the body of Christ to show its unity — not by agreeing on every issue, but by loving one another, serving one another, holding one another accountable, and advancing God’s mission with urgency. (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4)
Learning from Leadership: Charlie Kirk’s Example
- Boldness of conviction: Charlie made no apology for aligning his public message with his beliefs. He embraced his faith as a foundational lens — not as a private matter, but as a driving force in how he spoke, acted, organized. BEST OF CHARLIE KIRK 1993 2025
- Mobilization of young people: He saw in the next generation not simply people to be informed, but people to be empowered—challenged, equipped, released. When leaders invest in youth, they multiply impact. Charlie Kirk's BEST Moments of the Week
- Taking stands, even when unpopular or risky: Across his public work, Charlie often moved into territory where backlash was certain. Yet he persisted; speaking truth with civil discourse and reason (like the Apostle Paul at Mars Hill) and not shrinking back!
Charlie’s life, especially now in its sudden end, reminds us afresh: there is a cost to leadership. But there is also a legacy in the doing. A heritage in courageous. And above all, an eternal reward for those who serve Christ with integrity, courage, and sacrificial love.
A Call to Action: What We Must Do Together
As Christian business leaders, ministry heads, and non-profit leadership, here is God’s call for us now:
- Unite across silos
We may occupy different spaces—boardrooms, church pulpits, community service, social enterprises—but we belong to the same Body. Let us cooperate, network, share resources, encourage one another. When one part suffers, all suffer; when one part prospers, all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26). - Live faith in every domain
Let integrity, justice, compassion, excellence mark every area of our work—not just as “Christian organizations,” but wherever God has placed us. Let financial integrity, fair treatment of employees, generosity toward the needy, stewardship of the earth be non-negotiable. - Speak truth with love, act with boldness
There are issues in our culture that demand clarity. There are people hungry for authenticity. Not just speeches, but programs. Not just posts, but projects. Not just prayers, but presence in our communities. Be a thermostat and not just a thermometer! - Invest in the next generation
Mentor, train, empower young leaders. Provide platforms. Encourage them to ask hard questions, to lean into culture, to serve. As Charlie did, we can help shape a generation moved not merely by outrage, but by purpose and faith. - Prayer-grounded action
Every strategy meeting, every campaign, every initiative must be bathed in prayer. We need God’s wisdom, His guidance, His protection. We need dependence, not just determination.
Closing Encouragement
Friends, God has raised up leaders among us who are ready for more than words. He has prepared us for a season of action. Let the life of Charlie Kirk be a sober reminder that time is short — and every day matters. Let us answer God’s call to be doers of the Word, not merely hearers. Let us shine forth as unified, courageous, faith-infused leaders—leading our businesses, ministries, and non-profits not for accolades or power, but for the glory of His Name.
May we rise to this moment together — moved, equipped, empowered.
With hope and resolve,
Dana Dunmyer, Chief Innovation Steward, Convene for the Cities
Y O U
Ignition Recognition:
A Vision for Kingdom Impact and Sustainable Growth
Imagine a place where businesses, nonprofits, and ministries don’t have to patch together dozens of disconnected tools, guess at growth strategies, or wonder if they’ll have the resources to keep going. Instead, they enter a thriving ecosystem — Ignite — where everything they need to grow, scale, and sustain their mission is under one roof.
This is the vision of Ignite, powered by Convene for the Cities.
The One-Stop Solution for Growth
Every Kingdom-minded organization — whether a business, nonprofit, or ministry — faces similar challenges:
- How do we expand our reach without losing our message?
- How do we manage relationships, donors, members, and customers without drowning in complexity?
- How do we scale without burning out or running out of funds?
Ignite answers these questions by serving as a one-stop shop for growth. Members gain access to:
- Directories & Groups to expand networks and strengthen community.
- LiV8 Learning System for training, coaching, and global content delivery in 147 languages.
- Communities & CRM to keep people connected and relationships strong.
- Donor & Financial Management to sustain mission and measure Kingdom impact.
- Compass Business Intelligence dashboards to track both Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Blessing Indicators (KBIs).
- 80+ revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability for Ignite and its members.
- Events & Subscriptions to create recurring engagement and predictable income.
- Memberships & Membership Management to simplify administration, renewal, and growth of thriving member communities.
- Advocacy, Podcasts & Valuable Media to amplify voice, influence culture, and extend reach far beyond traditional boundaries.
It’s not just software. It’s an ecosystem and economic engine — designed to multiply impact, simplify complexity, and create lasting growth.
A Vision Bigger Than One Network
Ignite is more than a platform. It’s a hero network that empowers its members to flourish while ensuring the network itself remains strong and sustainable. When powered by Convene, Ignite connects to a broader network of networks — businesses, nonprofits, and ministries aligned to build together, grow together, and celebrate together.
This model doesn’t just work for Ignite. It’s an invitation to other marketplace networks — like the US Christian Chamber of Commerce, City Leaders Collective, For Columbus, For Cincinnati, and beyond — to imagine what happens when their vision is supported by the same integrated ecosystem.
Thriving Together
This is the value proposition: a single place where technology, community, and Kingdom purpose converge.
- For members: growth, reach, sustainability, and shared impact.
- For Ignite: a strong, scalable foundation built on Convene for the Cities’ proven platform.
- For networks: the opportunity to flourish as part of something far bigger — a Kingdom ecosystem designed for the long haul.
This is how the marketplace becomes the miracle place — when leaders unite, networks thrive, and God’s people flourish.
N E W S P O N S O R
Keepro AI University:
Equipping Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Economy
In a job market where resumes are scanned in seconds and entire industries are shifting overnight, Keepro AI University provides the tools, coaching, and strategies that empower people to thrive.
Why Keepro Matters
- Changing the Game: Keepro redefines how people plan, pivot, and grow in their careers.
- Future-Proof Skills: Equipping individuals with AI-driven capabilities to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving economy.
- Personalized Support: Offering expert coaching and proven roadmaps to navigate major economic shifts with clarity.
A Proven Roadmap for Success
Keepro AI University isn’t just theory — it’s a hands-on pathway:
- Three 1-Hour Career Coaching Sessions – Work one-on-one with seasoned career strategists to unlock strengths and design a personalized plan.
- AI-Enhanced Skills Assessment – Data-driven insights built on 20+ years of marketplace expertise.
- Three-Month Enrollment Commitment – A sustainable, step-by-step approach to ensure lasting transformation.
How to Get Connected
Getting started is simple:
- Download Keepro’s Free Career Guide
- Book a 30-Minute Strategy Call
- Refer a Candidate in Career Transition
Limited Time Offer
As a special blessing for the Convene for the Cities family, all members and friends receive 30% off Keepro’s online Career Training Portals.
Simply use discount codes:
- Save30Resume
- Save30Interview
- Save30Comp
Invest in your future today at a fraction of the cost — this offer won’t last long!
Sign up now and claim your 30% discount
A Convene Endorsement:
At Convene for the Cities, we are honored to partner with Keepro, a Christian-owned business rooted in values that mirror our own: integrity, stewardship, and equipping people for flourishing. Keepro doesn’t just provide training — it inspires confidence, nurtures God-given gifts, and strengthens entire communities. Their mission aligns perfectly with Convene for the Cities’ vision of building Kingdom-minded networks that thrive together.
Together, we believe this partnership is more than business — it is ministry in action, preparing hearts, minds, and hands for impact in an AI-powered world.
Learn more and connect with Keepro today
U S
Spotlight:
In The City – For The City
A Vision Birthed Through Dr. Rich Carney’s Leadership
When Dr. Rich Carney looks at a city, he doesn’t just see streets, buildings, and neighborhoods—he sees people, potential, and the heartbeat of God’s Kingdom waiting to flourish. That vision has inspired his newest endeavor, In The City – For The City, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing people together, addressing real needs, and creating pathways for transformation across communities.
Rich’s leadership journey has been anything but ordinary. From his service in the U.S. Special Forces, where he learned resilience and discipline, to his calling as a church planter responsible for launching more than 400 churches, he has lived a life devoted to service, faith, and impact. His new nonprofit represents the next chapter in that lifelong mission.
A Simple Start with Big Possibilities
The organization’s new site, inthecityforthecity.com, provides a home base for people who want to join the movement. It offers memberships, connections, and opportunities to get involved—whether through local engagement, national collaboration, or international partnerships.
This is just the beginning. While the platform itself is streamlined today, it reflects a growing vision that will expand in reach, resources, and relationships as In The City – For The City continues to scale.
A Message for the Movement
At the center of this vision is Rich’s new book, Unshackled – Freedom to Flourish. In it, he equips readers to embrace true freedom, live unshackled from isolation, and pursue flourishing lives of purpose and faith. His words reflect not just theory, but decades of lived experience in leadership, ministry, and transformation.
How You Can Get Involved
Dr. Carney’s story is more than an inspiring beginning — it’s an open invitation to join him:
Preorder Unshackled – Freedom to Flourish
Join the Unshackled Community
Rich is stepping out in faith with In The City – For The City. Now is the time to walk alongside him as he builds a movement that transforms cities — one relationship, one community, and one bold step at a time.
S P O N S O R
MND Financial Services
The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"
Tax Benefits for Equipment Financing
The recently approved “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” include new tax incentives which represent significant monetary opportunities for your customers.
Three tax incentives: Bonus Depreciation, Section 179, and Interest Expense Deduction, all incurred changes which create positive financial impacts for businesses who lease or finance equipment.
All of these changes provide a stronger financial incentive
for your customers to purchase and install the equipment they need
(or more than originally planned for) in 2025.
ABOUT MND FINANCIAL SERVICES
Our purpose is to ignite and nurture transformative Kingdom Impact by empowering faith-forward businesses, organizations, and ministries to flourish in the digital era. We are driven by a commitment to excellence, expertise, and collaboration, aiming to create a global network where inspired visions are realized. Through innovative strategies, sustainable business funding, and faithful stewardship, we strive to equip communities to reach their highest potential and achieve lasting Kingdom Impact.
MND QUICK FACTS
- Over $6.5 Billion in equipment lease and finance originations
- 32 years of successful performance in all economic cycles
- Nationwide scope with extended reach into Canada
- Deep market expertise; channel sales program experts
- Long tenured, industry leading management team
- Comprehensive leasing & financing solutions for commercial enterprises, non-profits, and state and local governments.
Contact Us To Begin a Conversation
* Under prior law, only 40% bonus depreciation was allowed for property placed in service in 2025. Your customers may want to reevaluate their 2025 tax liability and capital investment plans for the remainder of 2025. In addition, the change will make it more attractive to structure M&A transactions as asset acquisitions. Summit does not offer or provide tax advice. Customers should always consult with a CPA or tax professional to assess your businesses unique situation and needs.