EMBRACING
UNCERTAINTY
TOGETHER

I'm Miche (like quiche!) - a leadership trainer, author, and podcast host helping churches and faith-based organizations navigate change with courage and compassion.

Miche van Essen

About Miche

My work centers on helping people navigate the space between certainty and faith - that uncomfortable but sacred territory where real growth happens. I specialize in supporting white women in their 30s and 40s, and LGBTQ Christians who are seeking answers after leaving traditional church structures.

Leadership Training

Helping churches and faith-based nonprofits develop resonant leadership rooted in emotional intelligence and authentic connection.

Author

My upcoming book "Let Her Speak" challenges rigid interpretive frameworks and creates space for marginalized voices to shine through.

Speaker

Speaking engagements that help communities embrace uncertainty as a pathway to deeper faith and more inclusive practices.

Deeper Currents

A monthly podcast featuring in-depth conversations with specialists who challenge common misconceptions in their fields. We dive beneath surface assumptions to discover the deeper currents of truth flowing underneath.

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Recent Episodes

The Leadership Myth

Exploring why resonant leaders with high emotional intelligence outperform traditional command-and-control styles.

Beyond Armchair Environmentalism

A deep dive into why simple environmental solutions often miss the complex reality of ecological systems.

My Work

From leadership development to organizational change, I help faith-based communities navigate uncertainty with wisdom and grace.

Leadership Development

Comprehensive training programs that move beyond traditional models to develop emotionally intelligent, resonant leaders who can navigate complexity with grace.

  • • Executive coaching for senior pastors and nonprofit leaders
  • • Team dynamics and conflict resolution
  • • Organizational culture transformation

Speaking & Workshops

Engaging presentations that challenge assumptions and create space for meaningful dialogue about faith, leadership, and social change.

  • • Conference keynotes on embracing uncertainty
  • • Workshop facilitation for church leadership teams
  • • Retreat guidance for communities in transition

Organizational Consulting

Strategic guidance for churches and nonprofits navigating change, from policy development to community engagement strategies.

  • • Inclusion and diversity strategy development
  • • Change management for traditional organizations
  • • Board development and governance

Writing & Content

Thoughtful exploration of faith, leadership, and social justice through writing that challenges and inspires.

  • • Book: "Let Her Speak" (forthcoming)
  • • Articles on faith and social justice
  • • Curriculum development for progressive faith communities

Resume

Over two decades of experience in leadership development, organizational transformation, and community building across faith-based and secular organizations.

Education

Doctor of Ministry, Leadership

Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley, CA)

2022-2024

Master of Arts in Global Leadership

Fuller Seminary (Pasadena, CA)

2020-2022

Jewish Liturgy

Levisson Instituut (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

2007-2009

Current Roles

Senior Partner/Management Consultant

The Resonance

2019 – Present

Director of Operations

Transmission Ministry Collective

2023 – Present

Director of Administration & Communications

Stonewall Sports RVA

Current

Core Competencies

Leadership & Strategy

  • • Collaborative Leadership
  • • Operations Strategy
  • • Change Management

Community & Development

  • • Community Building
  • • Spiritual Development

Business & Management

  • • Budget & Financial Management
  • • Staff Development

Notable Achievements

Revenue Growth Leadership

Drove 150% revenue growth at Transmission Ministry Collective through strategic operational improvements and KPI implementation.

Organizational Transformation

Successfully managed merger operations between two congregations and led comprehensive organizational audits.

Team Leadership

Directed and collaborated with over 60 volunteers and 12 staff members, empowering lay leaders in growth initiatives.

International Experience

Served as History Teacher and Board Member at Farel College/Calvijn College in the Netherlands for 6 years.

Let's Connect

Ready to explore what it means to embrace uncertainty together? I'd love to hear about your community's journey and discuss how we might work together.

Get in Touch

I'd love to hear from you and learn about your journey.