Focusing on the FEW
to reach the MANY
Our Mission
We develop well-equipped, confident leaders who thrive in their God-given purpose through practical resources and deeply relational, personalized mentorship.
Our Vision
We want to see a world with healthy, equipped, Christ-centered leaders who inspire transformative change for God’s Kingdom in their communities and beyond.
Why We Exisit
In today’s leadership landscape, many Christian leaders—whether in churches, nonprofits, or businesses—are navigating a culture that pushes them toward performance, self-promotion, and results at any cost. The culture of leadership around them has shifted away from Christ’s example, which has led to burnt out leaders who feel alone, isolated and unequipped for the realities of ministry.
The Realities of Leadership in Ministry
72% of leaders report feeling burned out by the end of the day.
Workload
29% employees trust their immediate supervisor.
Expectations
77% of organizations report a leadership development gap.
Preparation
What makes us different?
01
Christ-Dependent, Not Merely Christlike
While many faith-based leadership organizations focus on “being like Christ,” LBTN uniquely emphasizes living by Christ—prioritizing spiritual dependence over performance or imitation. This subtle but profound distinction shapes every aspect of our approach, from mentorship to resource development.
02
Personalized, Relational Mentorship
Unlike mass training programs or curriculum-driven models, LBTN is built around deeply relational, one-on-one mentorship. Leaders are not just recipients of information but are personally walked with, supported, and formed in community. This addresses the core pain point of isolation and burnout among leaders.
03
Authenticity Over Celebrity
LBTN positions itself as an antidote to the “celebrity-driven, performance-based leadership” that dominates much of the sector. Our methodology consistently elevates authenticity, wholeness, and spiritual health over visibility or status.
04
Focus on Legacy and Multiplication
By investing in a few, we empower many. As pastors and leaders are empowered, their ministries, churches, and communities experience transformation as well. Our hope is not just to develop individual leaders but to multiply Christlike leadership across communities, creating a ripple effect of transformation.
Roots of
Our Calling
A seed planted
Lead by the Name was officially founded in November 2021 by Eduardo Mendes—but its heartbeat had been stirring long before. To truly understand its origin, we must look to the generation before him, and to a deeper desire that shaped Eduardo’s vision: the longing for leadership that reflects Christ—not in dominance or distance, but in wisdom, humility, and dependency.
Eduardo’s father, Pastor Antonio Mendes, grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. After 20 years at Ford Motors, he entered full-time ministry. In 1979, while still a theology student at Palavra da Vida, he was invited to shepherd a small group in Atibaia, meeting in a 40m² room.
That group, together with American missionary Karl Lachler (Converge/Baptist General Conference), became the First Baptist Church of Atibaia, officially planted on November 8, 1980.
But it wasn’t only about the church plant. What followed was a life-shaping mentoring relationship between Karl and Antonio. Their weekly walks—filled with reflection, Scripture, and spiritual insight—were more formative than any classroom. They modeled a Christlike leadership, not obsessed with status, but committed to servanthood.
This shaped Eduardo’s view of leadership from an early age. Watching his father lead from a place of surrender—not control—fostered in him a conviction: Leadership must be lived by Christ, not merely modeled after Him.
A Legacy Continued
Eduardo’s story begins with inheriting his father’s vision and a passion for expanding it. He spent over a decade as a Project Manager Consultant in ERP and IT Transformation, leading global implementations for clients in banking, insurance, and manufacturing, and earning certifications in Oracle and Systems Union ERP. In 2010, Eduardo transitioned to ministry, serving as Executive Director at Preach the Word (Expository Preaching Workshop Ministry), where he launched a national training program that reached more than 1,700 leaders across 70 sites in Brazil, partnering with WordPartners (US Ministry).
In 2016, he moved to the U.S. to direct Diaspora Training at Training Leaders International, developing theological training for immigrant leaders in major cities and deepening his multicultural leadership experience. Today, as Consultant for Spoken Worldwide, Eduardo leads oral Bible translation initiatives in Brazil, West Africa, and beyond. The vision of Lead by the Name grew as Eduardo partnered with longtime friend Rodrigo Marin and André Oliveira. Rodrigo, with his financial and business expertise, and André, with his ministry experience and shared spiritual convictions, made ideal co-founders. Together, Eduardo, Rodrigo, and André blend their complementary gifts—mentoring, biblical leadership, and operational excellence—embodying a leadership rooted in Christ and authentic community.
At Lead by the Name, mentoring is more than just guidance—it’s a personalized, relational, and empowering pathway designed to help leaders thrive in their calling. Our approach is built on four key values:
What's important to us
Personalized Mentoring for Purposeful Leadership
Personalization
Every mentoring experience is uniquely tailored to the mentee’s specific needs, goals, and ministry context, ensuring relevant and meaningful support.
Relationship-Building
We believe in fostering trust, open communication, and mutual respect to create a safe space for authentic growth, meaningful conversations, and deep connections.
Empowerment
Our goal is to equip leaders with the confidence, wisdom, and tools they need to lead with resilience—shifting from dependence to proactive, independent growth.
Development
Leadership is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to providing strategic resources, accountability, and encouragement for ongoing personal, professional, and spiritual growth.
Turning God-Given Vision into Action
We serve leaders with a kingdom-centered vision who need encouragement, guidance, or practical support. Ministry is both rewarding and challenging, and every step—from vision to action—requires wisdom, perseverance, and faith.
Christ-Centered Leadership
At Lead by the Name, we believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of leadership. By embracing His teachings and applying them to your life and ministry, you can lead with clarity, purpose, and a lasting impact—wherever God has called you to serve.
