Cultivate
Hay! Stephen.
Leadership Development.
Church & Pastoral Health

Stephen Hay
God created all living organisms with the capacity to grow and reproduce when they are healthy. The church is an organism, not simply an organization.
Recent Blog Posts
Run Toward Rest: A Gentle Call to the Weary Leader
A Conversation That Clarified a Deeper Need Recently, I had the privilege of spending time with Paul Joiner, Director of Ministerial Wellbeing for Geneva Benefits. Paul has worn the mantle of pastoral leadership for decades. He has felt its weight. He has known its...
When the Role Doesn’t Fit: A Leadership Conversation We All Dread
There are few conversations I dread more than sitting down with someone who’s struggling in their role. Whether you’ve led for five minutes or five decades, that particular meeting never quite stops feeling like holy ground—sacred, weighty, and slightly terrifying. We...
Strategic Church Partnerships: Cooperation Over Competition
In a world that often glorifies competition, the Church has a different calling—collaboration. Drawing from the book Churches Partnering Together by Chris Bruno and Matt Dirks, this blog highlights why churches must move beyond silos and toward a unified,...

20 Years of Ministry and Leadership Experience
From 2008 to 2020, Stephen served as a pastor of a rural church in upstate New York, guiding it through a remarkable renewal journey. Originally from Scotland, Stephen moved to Buffalo in 2008 and quickly embraced his calling to pastoral ministry in the U.S. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant growth, transforming into a healthy, Gospel-centered community.
Stephen brings 20 years of ministry experience to his work in church renewal and revitalization. His ministry philosophy is rooted in grace and truth, focusing on fostering spiritual health, dynamic community engagement, and innovative approaches to ministry. He believes he is called to serve churches in their pursuit of health, addressing not only organizational transformation but also the personal well-being of pastors.
Ask the correct questions
Asking the right questions is crucial because it fosters clarity, encourages thoughtful dialogue, and uncovers the insights needed to guide teams and organizations toward meaningful growth and success.
Collect the correct context
Build the correct strategy
Developing the right strategy is essential for turning vision into actionable goals, optimizing resources, and creating a clear path to lasting success.
Cultivate the correct results
Cultivating the right results is crucial for ensuring that efforts align with the mission, drive meaningful impact, and create sustainable growth and success.