One Summit. One Leap of Faith. Albert’s Story

In Curitiba, Brazil, Albert Martins de Oliveira Filho is known as a dynamic leader in church media and communication. But over the past decade, his leadership journey has expanded far beyond the digital walls of his local church—thanks in large part to the impact of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS). Today, Albert is not only the media and communications ministry leader at FBC Curitiba, but also the co-founder of Grace School, a thriving Christian educational institution serving hundreds of students. His story is a powerful reminder of how GLS can broaden our vision, spark bold decisions, and create ripple effects for generations to come.

Discovering the Summit—and a Bigger Purpose

Albert’s GLS journey began in São Paulo in 2007. A year later, he brought GLS to Curitiba, hosting their first DVD-based conference in 2008 with 900 attendees. Since then, he’s attended 16 GLS events in Brazil and 12 in the U.S., including live experiences in Chicago.

At the time, Albert was in the early years of his ministry. Leading media and marketing for a growing church—now with over 20,000 members and 300+ media volunteers—he saw GLS as a source of annual encouragement and clarity. “Every year, I felt like God was speaking directly to me—giving me courage, faith, audacity,” he says.

A Vision Beyond the Church Walls

Over time, GLS began to shift Albert’s sense of calling. He and Mariana began feeling stirred to launch a Christian school—something that felt entirely outside their capacity. “I didn’t have time, money, resources, or expertise,” Albert admits. But the Summit talks planted seeds of faith, especially messages about risk, leadership, and purpose.

Through prayer, persistent faith, and support from family, Albert and Mariana launched Grace School in 2018 with nearly 200 students. Today, the school serves around 700 children between the ages of 2 and 15. Students not only receive a high-quality education, but they also study the Bible, enjoy daily devotionals, and even engage with GLS talks adapted for young teens.

Faith-Based Leadership That Multiplies

Albert credits GLS with expanding his vision from church-based communication to community-wide transformation. “I thought my calling was limited to media,” he reflects, “but GLS helped me realize God could use our lives to impact children, parents, teachers, and entire communities.”

Today, Grace School is not just a school—it’s a platform for faith-based leadership development. Students are introduced to servant leadership values early, setting a foundation for future impact.

Encouragement for Fellow Leaders

Albert’s prayer for other GLS leaders is this: “Don’t give up. Stay strong. Feel encouraged to start new things and projects.” His favorite verse, Romans 12:2, reminds him daily not to conform, but to be transformed—and to keep his mind open to the new ways God may lead.

Watch the Video and Be Inspired

Albert’s journey from skepticism to city champion, from church media to school founder, is proof that bold vision paired with God-inspired leadership can change lives.