Each of our team members specializes in a different area, and we want to give you a little glimpse into the life of our Lead Researcher, Megan Lawrence.

With more than 150 combined years in ministry and 15 years of church consulting experience, our team brings an unparalleled depth of understanding and experience to the churches we serve. Find out more about the valuable work Megan is doing for our team!

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your vocational background?

I am currently transitioning from Pittsburgh to Chicagoland with my husband and two boys, who are five and two. However, I grew up in the south. I received my undergraduate degree in international business and marketing from the University of South Carolina and my graduate degree in Christian education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Before working at NL Moore & Associates, I put my graduate degree to work as an editor for a Sunday school curriculum for six years. I also continue to work part-time as a freelance editor, and I have edited a number of first-time authors over the years.

2. What is your role at NL Moore & Associates and what does it entail? 

I am the lead researcher at NL Moore & Associates. I help to find qualified, theologically aligned candidates for our search associates and consultants to hopefully pass along to our clients. I also bear a lot of responsibility for managing our extensive database.

3. What does your process look like? 

As a researcher, I spend the vast majority of my time on the computer, searching for potential candidates for a given role. After we have worked extensively with our client church or organization to determine just what their specific needs are, I review their theological, cultural, and geographic characteristics, as well. Then I search the US—and sometimes the world—for people who will fit the unique context of the church or organization and the role. Some of these potential candidates come from our network of over 17,000 people, while others may be new connections.

4. What’s the most rewarding part of your role?

It is so encouraging when we see the members of a client church or organization get excited about a potential candidate. The search process isn’t always easy, but we help take the pressure off of search teams so that it doesn’t have to be hard. When a church and a candidate come together in a way that benefits them both and will impact the kingdom of God for good—I get so excited to have been a part of that.

5. Anything else we should know? 

The way the NL Moore team works together is so encouraging, and I really think it brings an added benefit to all of our clients. I am always thankful for the way we pray together each week for our clients and for one another. It is a reassuring to know that I am not working alone as a researcher, but that the whole team is working together for the good of our clients and the Kingdom of God.