In a world where titles often define a person’s worth, Pastor Kale Mann chooses to lead with purpose, passion, and a plan. Recently appointed as the International President of the Youth Department for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Pastor Mann is on a mission to inspire a generation to discover their calling and lead lives of impact—both in the church and the world.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Pastor Mann for an episode of The Daily Mix, where we delved into leadership, youth engagement, and the importance of staying grounded amid growing responsibility. What unfolded was a conversation filled with wisdom, honesty, and a deep sense of spiritual conviction.
A Foundation Built on Family and Faith
Despite holding numerous leadership roles—including Jurisdictional AIM Chairman for Western New York—Pastor Mann is quick to point out that his most cherished titles are “husband” and “father.”
“At my core, I’m just someone devoted to my family and my purpose,” he said. “I enjoy life, but I also live by a mantra that guides me: purpose, passion, and a plan.”
This mantra, birthed in 2011 through his nonprofit Sovereignty of Destiny, has become the foundation for his life and ministry. For Pastor Mann, it’s more than just catchy alliteration—it’s a divine strategy.
“God showed me that purpose provides vision, passion brings resources, and planning delivers results,” he explained.
Reconnecting with a Disconnected Generation
As someone who’s worked with youth for years, Pastor Mann has a clear-eyed view of the disconnect between churches and young people.
“Too often, we chase personal goals and forget about legacy,” he said. “In the Black church especially, we often equate leadership transition with death. We’ve got to be intentional about preparing the next generation.”
He points to the decline in intergenerational mentorship and the erosion of foundational skills once learned in church—budgeting, public speaking, and leadership—as major losses. “I learned how to lead in church,” he said. “And I still use those same skills today.”
Under his leadership, COGIC’s youth initiatives are being revived through platforms like Young Men of Valor and Young Women of Excellence, which teach life application and spiritual principles.
“Some things don’t need to be reinvented—they need a resurgence,” he noted.
Leadership That Listens
Beyond programming, Pastor Mann emphasizes the importance of influence over control. “You can’t lead young people without listening to them,” he said. “Sometimes they just want to be heard. If we start by affirming that they matter, they’ll begin to open up—and that’s when real transformation begins.”
For Mann, ministry isn’t confined to the four walls of a church. He believes in meeting youth where they are—on social media, in schools, even on podcasts—and showing them that their gifts are relevant to the Kingdom of God.
“We need to stop idolizing the past and start asking God where He is now,” he said. “If we keep trying to recreate 1985, we’ll miss the move of God in 2025.”
Leading Without Burning Out
With so many roles, how does he stay grounded?
“Trial and error,” he said honestly. “I’ve had to learn when to shut things off. Covenant relationships, like with my wife, help me stay balanced. And I’ve learned to listen—not just to others, but to my own body.”
He also emphasizes practical self-care—admin support, calendars, rest—alongside spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and time in the Word. “You can’t lead on empty,” he said. “And you can’t YouTube intimacy with God.”
A Call to Build the Bench
One of Pastor Mann’s greatest concerns is the church’s failure to cultivate future leaders. “Leadership isn’t about us—it’s about who comes after us,” he said. “God didn’t tell Joshua to be Moses. He said, ‘As I was with Moses, so will I be with you.’ That’s how legacy works.”
As he continues to grow into his new role, Mann remains focused not on spotlighting himself, but on empowering a team—and an entire generation.
“I may have been given the vision, but God has sent others to help execute it,” he said. “My job is to build an army, not just stand at the front.”
Final Thoughts
Pastor Kale Mann’s message is clear: Real leadership isn’t about power or position—it’s about purpose. It’s about pouring into others, preparing them to lead, and trusting that God’s plan is bigger than any one person.
In a world searching for direction, Pastor Mann’s simple but profound mantra might be exactly what we need: Live with purpose. Lead with passion. Walk with a plan.
