Kelly Loney – Parker, Colorado … If you have been to Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, you have probably met lead pastor, Lisa Cardinal. Full of smiles and energy, she tries to welcome each new face that comes through the door. This is part of her ministry, and she believes it starts with that initial step of saying “hi.”
Lisa has spent 17 years navigating the highs and lows of ministry with an unwavering commitment to her calling. As lead pastor, she ensures that Newday Church remains focused on its mission: developing passionate Christ followers who love God and serve people. But Lisa’s journey to ministry began long before her current role.
Over 25 years ago, she was part of a church plant that drew deeply from the spirit of the early church in Acts. Together with others, she prayed, read Scripture, and invited people into this community. They shared life, challenged each other, and grew together. This experience changed Lisa’s life and solidified her calling to ministry, and ultimately, shaping how she approaches leadership today.
As a woman in ministry, Lisa understands that her effectiveness stems from God’s blessing. She reflects, “I believe strengths in leadership and ministry are gifts given by the Holy Spirit to people.” When faced with challenges, Lisa turns to God directly and regularly spends time alone in nature—following the practices of Jesus. She finds looking back on lives touched through ministry brings clarity in navigating difficult times.
Mentoring others is key to her leadership. Lisa believes that empowering people happens through relationships—by spending time with them and offering opportunities to use their gifts. When it comes to mentoring women specifically, Lisa advises young women who feel called to ministry to know themselves—their strengths, weaknesses, and gifts—and above all, to know God’s voice and say “yes” when He calls.
For Lisa, ministry is not about gender but about responding to God’s call with faith and confidence. “Ministry is calling,” she says, “being clear and confident of that calling and knowing our unique strengths and weaknesses—our areas of giftedness—are the best ways to navigate the challenges and successes of ministry.” Her journey exemplifies a life lived in faithful obedience to that calling.
—Kelly Loney is the director of communication at Newday Adventist Church. Photos by Agape Hammond.
