Joe Graves is a pastor, entrepreneur, and consultant who helps leaders rethink assumptions and spark new possibilities in faith, leadership, and social impact. A seasoned speaker, Joe has led workshops, taught leadership classes, delivered keynotes, and is a sought-after preacher known for his clarity and creativity. He has hosted countless public events, facilitated interviews and panels, and been featured on podcasts and in media conversations around faith, justice, and innovation. With experience in church planting, organizational health, and mission-driven leadership, Joe brings practical insights and catalytic energy to every stage and setting.

I love working with churches, planters, nonprofits, and ministry leaders to design strategies that are authentic, mission-driven, and effective.

Here are some of the workshops I offer:

From Data to Discipleship: Creating Ministry Action Plans That Work
Learn how to turn demographics and community data into actionable ministry plans that reflect your mission and meet real needs.

What If The Gospel Was Good News?: Evangelism and Witness for Today’s Church
Rediscover evangelism as a practice rooted in authenticity, justice, and relational connection—no bait-and-switch required.

Marketing with Integrity: Branding Strategies for Progressive Churches
Explore how to communicate your church’s values and vision clearly and compellingly without compromising your integrity.

Catalytic Events 101: Holding Outreach Events that Cast Vision
Design high-impact, one-time events that introduce your church to the community and spark momentum for what comes next.

The Art of Gathering: How to Meet and Invite New People
Develop practical tools for building trust, extending invitations, and creating welcoming spaces where new people can find belonging.

The Entrepreneur Framework: The Skills and Styles of Innovative Leadership
Discover the core mindsets, habits, and leadership styles that drive innovation, adaptability, and long-term impact in ministry and mission-based work.

Looking for something else? Let me know.

Testimonials

  • “Joe Graves is one of my favorite preachers. He said this quote a number of years ago in a sermon at Central and I've never forgotten it. It challenged me. It encouraged me. It changed me. 'Never make yourself the hero of your own story." This is not about false humility. It's about right-sizing our perspective. For some of us, our natural tendency is to rewrite our narrative to make ourselves the center of the story.”

    Rev. Paul Risler

  • “Pastor Joe Graves is a selfless man with a heart posture of sacrifice and servitude. Joe has rallied his congregation to support the mission of Mothers Of Murdered Columbus Children, has volunteered as a consultant for the Initiative Operation Under Triple Digits, and has been gracious with giving financial support. The operations of programming would not have been possible without his expertise.” Malissa Thomas St. Clair, Co-Founder of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children.

    Malissa Thomas-St. Clair, Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children

  • “Joe Graves has been coaching us through our merger of 3 churches for 4 months and without his help we would not have had a solid process, empathy for all parties, smooth transitions and every facet of our merger already thought-through, walked-through and the way smoothed for us as we step into this new endeavor.”

    Dave Warner, social entrepreneur and coach

Media

For press and interview examples, go here.