Arden, NC — September 12, 2025 —
The Board of Trustees of NovusWay Ministries joyfully announces the selection of Lauri SoJourner as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2025. NovusWay Ministries, encompassing Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs, provides life-changing Christian camps, conferences, and retreats to thousands of participants annually.
SoJourner brings more than 18 years of executive leadership experience in outdoor ministry and nonprofit management. Most recently, she has served as Interim Executive Director of Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center in Florida, where she guided a $2 million organization through transition by restructuring operations, stabilizing finances, and strengthening donor engagement.
Previously, she served as Executive Director of Lake Logan Conference Center and Camp Henry, Inc., where she worked with a team to eliminate $600,000 in debt, increased revenue by 25%, expanded property use, and led the popular Cold Mountain Music Festival. She also led Gravatt Camp and Conference Center in South Carolina for nearly a decade, eliminating deficits, spearheading major capital projects, and increasing summer camp enrollments by 40%. In addition, she founded SoJourner Coaching and Consulting, where she has supported nonprofit boards, ministries, and leaders with governance, strategic planning, and financial stewardship.
Nationally, SoJourner is a recognized leader in Christian outdoor ministry. She has served on the board of the Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers, contributed to the Outdoor Ministry Connection, and taught nonprofit management through Compass Points and Columbia Theological Seminary. She has visited more than 60 camps and conference centers across the U.S., sharing wisdom, strengthening networks, and mentoring the next generation of ministry leaders.
“We are excited to welcome Lauri as the next CEO of NovusWay,” said Ranate Patrick, Board President and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “Her proven record of financial stewardship, innovative program development, collaborative approach, and Christ-centered leadership make her uniquely prepared to guide NovusWay into its next chapter of growth and impact.”
Lutherock, Lutheridge and NovusWay staff met Lauri on Wednesday, September 3rd, and Lauri visited with Luther Springs staff on the 10th. Van Van Horne, Executive Director for Lutheridge and Lutherock stated that “the staff had a chance to meet with Lauri and she is already connecting with staff, is very personable and seems to really listen to our concerns and ideas.” LaToya Ellis, NovusWay’s CFO emailed a letter of thanks to the Search committee, commenting that “Offering us the opportunity to meet Lauri not only honors our voices but also strengthens our shared sense of community and trust as we look to the future together.”
In addition to her professional experience, SoJourner has a personal connection to NovusWay. Her own faith was deepened through formative experiences at Lutheridge, including the Wild Women’s Weekend, where she first discerned her call to camp ministry nearly two decades ago.
“I am honored to serve this community that helped nurture my own faith,” SoJourner said. “I believe in the power of camp and retreat ministry to transform the church and the world, and I look forward to walking with you as we create new stories of God’s love through NovusWay’s ministry.”
SoJourner will succeed interim co-CEOs Mike Ward and Mitzie Schafer. The Board extends its deepest gratitude for Mike and Mitzie’s continued faithful service and leadership.
For more information about NovusWay Ministries and its programs, please visit www.novusway.org.
Media Contact:
Ranate Patrick
Board President
NovusWay Ministries
(770) 861-0409
ranatep@gmail.com
