A Quiet Invitation
in a Noisy World
A Quiet Invitation
in a Noisy World
In a world that demands more, The Great Invitation offers something different: a spacious call back to the presence of God. We create sacred spaces where leaders, missionaries, and teams can be renewed—not by doing more, but by returning to the One who restores the soul.
Who We Are
We are a team uniquely equipped to walk with those on the frontlines of ministry and mission. With decades of experience in pastoring, global leadership, mentoring, and soul care, we’ve lived the pressures of leadership and know the deep cost of pouring out without being filled.
Mike and Lori McDaniel bring a distinctive approach, each gifted in teaching, guiding and caring for others—individually and as a couple. From local church leadership to church planting to global mission fields, we’ve walked with leaders through growth, grief, burnout, and breakthrough. We know what it means to be a leader, but stretched thin—and what it takes to be restored.
Who We Are
We are a team uniquely equipped to walk with those on the frontlines of ministry and mission. With decades of experience in pastoring, global leadership, mentoring, and soul care, we’ve lived the pressures of leadership and know the deep cost of pouring out without being filled.
Mike and Lori McDaniel bring a distinctive approach, each gifted in teaching, guiding and caring for others—individually and as a couple. From local church leadership to church planting to global mission fields, we’ve walked with leaders through growth, grief, burnout, and breakthrough. We know what it means to be a leader, but stretched thin—and what it takes to be restored.
Who We Are
We are a team uniquely equipped to walk with those on the frontlines of ministry and mission. With decades of experience in pastoring, global leadership, mentoring, and soul care, we’ve lived the pressures of leadership and know the deep cost of pouring out without being filled.
Mike and Lori McDaniel bring a distinctive approach, each gifted in teaching, guiding and caring for others—individually and as a couple. From local church leadership to church planting to global mission fields, we’ve walked with leaders through growth, grief, burnout, and breakthrough. We know what it means to be a leader, but stretched thin—and what it takes to be restored.
Why The Great Invitation?
We’re called to live the Great Commandment. We’re commissioned to fulfill the Great Commission. But there is another invitation—the one Jesus gave to the weary:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
This is The Great Invitation. It’s not a break from your calling—it’s the way to sustain it. Jesus invites us to learn His rhythm, to take His yoke, and to live and lead from a place of grace.
And it doesn’t stop with us.
As your soul finds rest, your story becomes an invitation to others:
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and let me tell you what He’s done for my soul.” —Psalm 66:16
Why The Great Invitation?
We’re called to live the Great Commandment. We’re commissioned to fulfill the Great Commission. But there is another invitation—the one Jesus gave to the weary:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
This is The Great Invitation. It’s not a break from your calling—it’s the way to sustain it. Jesus invites us to learn His rhythm, to take His yoke, and to live and lead from a place of grace.
And it doesn’t stop with us.
As your soul finds rest, your story becomes an invitation to others:
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and let me tell you what He’s done for my soul.” —Psalm 66:16
Why The Great Invitation?
We’re called to live the Great Commandment. We’re commissioned to fulfill the Great Commission. But there is another invitation—the one Jesus gave to the weary:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
This is The Great Invitation. It’s not a break from your calling—it’s the way to sustain it. Jesus invites us to learn His rhythm, to take His yoke, and to live and lead from a place of grace.
And it doesn’t stop with us.
As your soul finds rest, your story becomes an invitation to others:
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and let me tell you what He’s done for my soul.” —Psalm 66:16
Why Soul Care?
At the heart of the gospel is transformation—a life wholly changed by Jesus speaks louder than any platform. Soul care builds resilience, attunes your heart to God’s voice and presence, and allows Him to reshape your story, forming you into a Christ follower and leader who reflects Him in every season.
Soul care is more than rest—it’s formation, healing, alignment, and the pursuit of a sustainable rhythm.
Our approach gives witness to and honors your life’s story—past and present—through transformational mentoring, spiritual direction, biblical counsel, and pastoral care, all rooted in God’s presence and the power of the gospel.
We believe God’s Word revives the soul (Psalm 19:7). His presence and guidance restore the soul (Psalm 23:3). His transforming work within us brings Him glory as we are shaped into Christ’s likeness and declare His goodness—"Come and let me tell you what He has done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16).
We believe when leaders are transformed, they multiply that transformation in others.
Why Soul Care?
At the heart of the gospel is transformation—a life wholly changed by Jesus speaks louder than any platform. Soul care builds resilience, attunes your heart to God’s voice and presence, and allows Him to reshape your story, forming you into a Christ follower and leader who reflects Him in every season.
Soul care is more than rest—it’s formation, healing, alignment, and the pursuit of a sustainable rhythm.
Our approach gives witness to and honors your life’s story—past and present—through transformational mentoring, spiritual direction, biblical counsel, and pastoral care, all rooted in God’s presence and the power of the gospel.
We believe God’s Word revives the soul (Psalm 19:7). His presence and guidance restore the soul (Psalm 23:3). His transforming work within us brings Him glory as we are shaped into Christ’s likeness and declare His goodness—"Come and let me tell you what He has done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16).
We believe when leaders are transformed, they multiply that transformation in others.
Why Soul Care?
At the heart of the gospel is transformation—a life wholly changed by Jesus speaks louder than any platform. Soul care builds resilience, attunes your heart to God’s voice and presence, and allows Him to reshape your story, forming you into a Christ follower and leader who reflects Him in every season.
Soul care is more than rest—it’s formation, healing, alignment, and the pursuit of a sustainable rhythm.
Our approach gives witness to and honors your life’s story—past and present—through transformational mentoring, spiritual direction, biblical counsel, and pastoral care, all rooted in God’s presence and the power of the gospel.
We believe God’s Word revives the soul (Psalm 19:7). His presence and guidance restore the soul (Psalm 23:3). His transforming work within us brings Him glory as we are shaped into Christ’s likeness and declare His goodness—"Come and let me tell you what He has done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16).
We believe when leaders are transformed, they multiply that transformation in others.
What is Transformational Mentoring?
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Transformational Mentoring is an intentional, relational process of spiritual formation. It goes beyond traditional discipleship and coaching by focusing on the inward journey of the soul, guiding individuals to be fully formed in Christ.
Core elements include:
Deepen connection with God & others
Experience inner healing and spiritual renewal
Build transformative spiritual practices
Integrate faith with life story
Develop sustainable rhythms of rest and resilience
Realign to a Gospel-centered identity and purpose
It’s the difference between being informed—and being transformed.
What is Transformational Mentoring?
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Transformational Mentoring is an intentional, relational process of spiritual formation. It goes beyond traditional discipleship and coaching by focusing on the inward journey of the soul, guiding individuals to be fully formed in Christ.
Core elements include:
Deepen connection with God & others
Experience inner healing and spiritual renewal
Build transformative spiritual practices
Integrate faith with life story
Develop sustainable rhythms of rest and resilience
Realign to a Gospel-centered identity and purpose
It’s the difference between being informed—and being transformed.
What is Transformational Mentoring?
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Transformational Mentoring is an intentional, relational process of spiritual formation. It goes beyond traditional discipleship and coaching by focusing on the inward journey of the soul, guiding individuals to be fully formed in Christ.
Core elements include:
Deepen connection with God & others
Experience inner healing and spiritual renewal
Build transformative spiritual practices
Integrate faith with life story
Develop sustainable rhythms of rest and resilience
Realign to a Gospel-centered identity and purpose
It’s the difference between being informed—and being transformed.
What is Spiritual Direction?
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths… and you will find rest for your souls.” —Jeremiah 6:16
Spiritual direction is a sacred space of discernment. It’s an ancient practice where a trained director helps you notice, name, and respond to the presence of God in your life.
These conversations are anchored in Scripture, rooted in prayer, and designed to deepen your walk with God—quieting the noise so you can clearly hear His voice.
What is Spiritual Direction?
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths… and you will find rest for your souls.” —Jeremiah 6:16
Spiritual direction is a sacred space of discernment. It’s an ancient practice where a trained director helps you notice, name, and respond to the presence of God in your life.
These conversations are anchored in Scripture, rooted in prayer, and designed to deepen your walk with God—quieting the noise so you can clearly hear His voice.
What is Spiritual Direction?
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths… and you will find rest for your souls.” —Jeremiah 6:16
Spiritual direction is a sacred space of discernment. It’s an ancient practice where a trained director helps you notice, name, and respond to the presence of God in your life.
These conversations are anchored in Scripture, rooted in prayer, and designed to deepen your walk with God—quieting the noise so you can clearly hear His voice.
Our Board
The Great Invitation is guided by a board of committed Christ-followers who care deeply about healthy leaders and the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
With leadership wisdom and financial oversight, our board helps ensure that this ministry remains accountable, responsible, and aligned with the heart of our mission.
Meet the team behind the vision.
Our Board
The Great Invitation is guided by a board of committed Christ-followers who care deeply about healthy leaders and the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
With leadership wisdom and financial oversight, our board helps ensure that this ministry remains accountable, responsible, and aligned with the heart of our mission.
Meet the team behind the vision.
Our Board
The Great Invitation is guided by a board of committed Christ-followers who care deeply about healthy leaders and the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
With leadership wisdom and financial oversight, our board helps ensure that this ministry remains accountable, responsible, and aligned with the heart of our mission.
Meet the team behind the vision.
Mike McDaniel
Is co-founder and Director of the Great Invitation. Mike and Lori have been doing soul care, spiritual direction, leadership, pastoring, and church planting for 35 years together. They founded Grace Point in 2001 and pastored the church for 23 years. Mike holds his Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing his certification in Spiritual Direction through Denver Seminary. Mike and Lori have been married for thirty-four years. They were high school sweethearts. They have three married adult children and six grandchildren.
Mike McDaniel
Is co-founder and Director of the Great Invitation. Mike and Lori have been doing soul care, spiritual direction, leadership, pastoring, and church planting for 35 years together. They founded Grace Point in 2001 and pastored the church for 23 years. Mike holds his Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing his certification in Spiritual Direction through Denver Seminary. Mike and Lori have been married for thirty-four years. They were high school sweethearts. They have three married adult children and six grandchildren.
Mike McDaniel
Is co-founder and Director of the Great Invitation. Mike and Lori have been doing soul care, spiritual direction, leadership, pastoring, and church planting for 35 years together. They founded Grace Point in 2001 and pastored the church for 23 years. Mike holds his Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing his certification in Spiritual Direction through Denver Seminary. Mike and Lori have been married for thirty-four years. They were high school sweethearts. They have three married adult children and six grandchildren.
Lori McDaniel
Lori is a cofounder and Director at The Great Invitation. An experienced ministry leader, author, and Bible teacher, she speaks at conferences globally, equipping women in spiritual formation. She is passionate about guiding others in their spiritual journeys through soul care, transformational mentoring, and leadership development. She and her husband have planted and led churches in the U.S. and served as missionaries overseas. Her love for the nations has taken her to over 30 countries, strengthening indigenous leaders and cross-cultural workers. Lori holds an MA from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Talbot Seminary, Biola. She is also the author of The Mission of God and You.
Lori McDaniel
Lori is a cofounder and Director at The Great Invitation. An experienced ministry leader, author, and Bible teacher, she speaks at conferences globally, equipping women in spiritual formation. She is passionate about guiding others in their spiritual journeys through soul care, transformational mentoring, and leadership development. She and her husband have planted and led churches in the U.S. and served as missionaries overseas. Her love for the nations has taken her to over 30 countries, strengthening indigenous leaders and cross-cultural workers. Lori holds an MA from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Talbot Seminary, Biola. She is also the author of The Mission of God and You.
Lori McDaniel
Lori is a cofounder and Director at The Great Invitation. An experienced ministry leader, author, and Bible teacher, she speaks at conferences globally, equipping women in spiritual formation. She is passionate about guiding others in their spiritual journeys through soul care, transformational mentoring, and leadership development. She and her husband have planted and led churches in the U.S. and served as missionaries overseas. Her love for the nations has taken her to over 30 countries, strengthening indigenous leaders and cross-cultural workers. Lori holds an MA from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Talbot Seminary, Biola. She is also the author of The Mission of God and You.
Brad Franklin
He is the co-founder and current Executive Director of Fresh Roots Family Counseling in Northwest Arkansas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working with men and couples for over 30 years, both in the church and private practice settings. He has been married to Beth for over 25 years and together they have raised three daughters. Brad and Beth are active members of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas and lead a community group.
Brad Franklin
He is the co-founder and current Executive Director of Fresh Roots Family Counseling in Northwest Arkansas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working with men and couples for over 30 years, both in the church and private practice settings. He has been married to Beth for over 25 years and together they have raised three daughters. Brad and Beth are active members of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas and lead a community group.
Brad Franklin
He is the co-founder and current Executive Director of Fresh Roots Family Counseling in Northwest Arkansas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working with men and couples for over 30 years, both in the church and private practice settings. He has been married to Beth for over 25 years and together they have raised three daughters. Brad and Beth are active members of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas and lead a community group.
Clint Gill
Is a senior executive at Sam’s Club. He is a midwesterner from Michigan. Clint earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin. His life is deeply grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, which guides his personal and professional decisions. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Natalie, and together they are blessed with three children. Clint has served in the past on the Make-a-Wish Foundation chairman for the Mid-south and currently serves as the chairman of the board for the Great Invitation.
Clint Gill
Is a senior executive at Sam’s Club. He is a midwesterner from Michigan. Clint earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin. His life is deeply grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, which guides his personal and professional decisions. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Natalie, and together they are blessed with three children. Clint has served in the past on the Make-a-Wish Foundation chairman for the Mid-south and currently serves as the chairman of the board for the Great Invitation.
Clint Gill
Is a senior executive at Sam’s Club. He is a midwesterner from Michigan. Clint earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin. His life is deeply grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, which guides his personal and professional decisions. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Natalie, and together they are blessed with three children. Clint has served in the past on the Make-a-Wish Foundation chairman for the Mid-south and currently serves as the chairman of the board for the Great Invitation.
Greg Spears
Is Managing Partner – Chief Operating Officer, FCS Private Wealth Management. Prior to FCS he was with Merrill Lynch since 1990 and was with the Walton family in the starting of Arvest Banks Investment Division in 1985 to implement and establish a bank broker-dealer that would serve the bank group in Northwest Arkansas. Greg serves as a Corporate Board member of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and is on the Financial committee at his church. He is married to Jennifer they together have 5 children, 7 grandchildren. He and Jennifer reside in the greater Kansas City area.
Greg Spears
Is Managing Partner – Chief Operating Officer, FCS Private Wealth Management. Prior to FCS he was with Merrill Lynch since 1990 and was with the Walton family in the starting of Arvest Banks Investment Division in 1985 to implement and establish a bank broker-dealer that would serve the bank group in Northwest Arkansas. Greg serves as a Corporate Board member of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and is on the Financial committee at his church. He is married to Jennifer they together have 5 children, 7 grandchildren. He and Jennifer reside in the greater Kansas City area.
Greg Spears
Is Managing Partner – Chief Operating Officer, FCS Private Wealth Management. Prior to FCS he was with Merrill Lynch since 1990 and was with the Walton family in the starting of Arvest Banks Investment Division in 1985 to implement and establish a bank broker-dealer that would serve the bank group in Northwest Arkansas. Greg serves as a Corporate Board member of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and is on the Financial committee at his church. He is married to Jennifer they together have 5 children, 7 grandchildren. He and Jennifer reside in the greater Kansas City area.
Kisha Smith
Kisha Smith, SVP, leads the Human Resource function for Tepper Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, and Bank of America Stadium. Originally hired into her HR career by the Walmart Logistics group over twenty years ago, Smith has held various roles with increasing responsibilities, leading large HR teams, and partnering as a strategic business partner at varying levels of executive business operations. Kisha earned a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina. She went on to earn an MBA in human resource management, a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is currently working on her Executive MBA. Smith and her husband, Marcus, have two children, Kylie and Santana, and live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kisha Smith
Kisha Smith, SVP, leads the Human Resource function for Tepper Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, and Bank of America Stadium. Originally hired into her HR career by the Walmart Logistics group over twenty years ago, Smith has held various roles with increasing responsibilities, leading large HR teams, and partnering as a strategic business partner at varying levels of executive business operations. Kisha earned a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina. She went on to earn an MBA in human resource management, a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is currently working on her Executive MBA. Smith and her husband, Marcus, have two children, Kylie and Santana, and live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kisha Smith
Kisha Smith, SVP, leads the Human Resource function for Tepper Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, and Bank of America Stadium. Originally hired into her HR career by the Walmart Logistics group over twenty years ago, Smith has held various roles with increasing responsibilities, leading large HR teams, and partnering as a strategic business partner at varying levels of executive business operations. Kisha earned a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina. She went on to earn an MBA in human resource management, a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is currently working on her Executive MBA. Smith and her husband, Marcus, have two children, Kylie and Santana, and live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
