Why Rev. Kynan Brookes Believes GLS is a Game-Changer for Leaders Everywhere

Why Rev. Kynan Brookes Believes GLS is a Game-Changer for Leaders Everywhere

The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) has shaped the leadership journeys of countless individuals around the world, and Rev. Kynan Brookes is no exception. From attending his first leadership conference with his father in the late 90s to now leading a church with a thriving leadership culture, Kynan’s story is a testament to how investing in leadership development can create lasting impact. Watch his inspiring GLS story and discover how leadership, mentorship, and faith intersect to build a stronger community.

A Leadership Journey Rooted in Faith

Growing up in a family dedicated to pastoral ministry, Kynan was immersed in leadership from an early age. His father, a respected minister, continues to coach and mentor leaders at 80 years old—a legacy that deeply influenced Kynan’s own path. Now, as the Lead Pastor of Hope Valley Church in Adelaide, South Australia, Kynan is carrying forward this passion for leadership, serving alongside his wife Rachel, who oversees the church’s Children’s Ministry and is a gifted musician. Their family is actively involved in ministry, with their children leading in various capacities, from youth ministry to creative content development.

How the Global Leadership Summit Changed Everything

Kynan’s leadership transformation began in 1998 when he attended a leadership conference at Willow Creek Community Church, the precursor to GLS. Since then, he has attended over 15 GLS events, including three live experiences in Chicago. The impact was so profound that in 2016, Hope Valley Church became a GLS host site, ensuring that more leaders in their community could benefit from the world-class leadership training GLS offers.

One of the most defining lessons he took from GLS was the importance of investing in others. “Early on, I was focused on developing my own leadership,” Kynan shares. “But GLS continually reinforced that leadership is not about leading alone—it’s about empowering others.” This revelation led him to bring his team to GLS, fostering a servant-hearted leadership culture at Hope Valley Church. Over the years, this culture has inspired people of all ages to step into leadership, creating a ripple effect in schools, community initiatives, and the church’s Women Leaders Network.

Taking Risks and Leading with Courage

A pivotal GLS moment for Kynan came from speaker Juliette Funt, who encouraged leaders to give others the opportunity to take risks. “GLS pushed me to be courageous in leadership,” Kynan reflects. “As a young leader, taking risks felt daunting, but the Summit provided a framework and inspiration to step out in faith. Now, I encourage others to do the same.”

By embracing this mindset, Kynan has cultivated a culture of risk-taking and faith-based leadership at Hope Valley Church, equipping emerging leaders to step forward with confidence. Whether through GLS events for the next generation, leadership networks for women, or mentoring young pastors, Kynan is passionate about helping others find their calling and take bold steps in leadership.

A Call to Step Into Leadership

Kynan believes that leadership is embedded within every person, waiting to be nurtured and developed. “I believe that every person has something planted deep within them by the hands of a loving God,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to step out, to take a risk, and to invite others along the journey with you. We need leaders with vision, people willing to take a step of faith.”

His prayer for GLS leaders around the world is simple yet powerful: “May you know that God goes before you in leadership. The courage to lead comes from the confidence that you have heard from God.”

Watch Kynan’s GLS Impact Story

If you’re looking for leadership inspiration, don’t miss Kynan’s story. His journey demonstrates the power of GLS to equip leaders at every stage—whether they are just starting out or looking to develop a thriving leadership culture.