Luann Riley loves nothing more than opening her Bible, studying, and telling anyone who will listen about what she’s learning.  She does that over coffee, in small groups, from the pulpit, and at conferences.

Luann speaks with the gentle authority of someone who has a history of life gone wrong and decisions gone bad until Jesus showed up. Her story is nothing short of miraculous, and her struggles with infertility, chronic illness and loss speak straight to the hurting soul. God has used her again and again to reach those who feel forgotten and flailing, calling them to a place of transparency, community, and hope in Jesus.  

She received a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Alabama. From a store manager at Babies “R” Us to Distribution Manager at Target to Vice President and Branch Manager at Wells Fargo, she’s been leading teams for 20 years. She learned from some of the best leadership training programs in the country and eight years ago God called her to use that experience in her local church.

Luann combined her education in business school and corporate leadership training with a passion for the gospel and found her calling.  Over the next five years, Luann grew to lead five ministries and a staff of twelve. She raised hundreds of leaders and volunteers. She trained more than 75 churches and pastors on how to transform their ministries through intentional relationships to multiply disciples and leaders. She was the first female member of her church’s preaching team and is passionate about the value of women and minorities in leadership and in the pulpit.  

Luann received a Texas Theological Fellowship from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a Masters of Arts. She is on staff at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in the The Woodlands, Texas.

She writes about her journey on her blog.