Why Former Tech Exec Swapped Money For Ministry – Exclusive Interview With Teresa Devine
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 11, 2023
- 5 min read
When the CEO of a $6 Billion Fortune 500 Company offered Teresa Devine a shot as a rookie Chief Information Officer, she responded, “I’m not qualified.” The CEO saw potential she couldn’t see within herself. Teresa accepted the challenge and earned the CIO position, becoming one of 19 female Chief Information Officers among the 500 that year.
Recently, Teresa retired from a long career leading technology divisions for large companies. The career was a rewarding mission, but God had a new plan.
She spent decades confused about religion, and how to grow spiritually, so she searched for answers. From her experiences, she created a practical way to help build a closer relationship with God.
Six years ago, the Lord shared a vision for a Christian ministry, and Teresa responded, “I’m not qualified.” God must have seen potential she couldn’t see within herself. Teresa accepted the challenge and founded Teresa Devine Co. LLC and created 24/7 Purpose® Academy.
Today, Teresa serves busy Christians through coaching workshops, writing, and speaking. She’s on a mission to help believers grow closer to Christ and live with purpose daily.
We sat down with Teresa to learn more about her new mission.
Teresa Devine, Christian Writer | Coach | Speaker
First, why give up a lucrative career for ministry? I struggled with this decision for the last several years, trying to juggle both CIO consulting and ministry. Jesus said, no one can serve two masters. We serve God wherever we are, so leaving a job or career is unnecessary for most. Facing the truth that my career was prioritized before God, family, and health, I had to walk away. Giving up money and C-Level prestige comes from an eternal mindset vs. a temporal worldview. God provided the provision. Now it’s time for me to trust Him and focus on this new mission 100%. Teresa, why this ministry and why now?
We’re facing a Christian development crisis that few discuss, but the data tells the true story.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 81% of Americans said yes when asked “Do you believe in God?” dropping 6% since 2017 and a record low since 1944, when 96% believed. The same question peaked at 98% in the 1950s and 1960s.
Gallup’s question is generic in terms of “God”, but as it relates to Christians, more data reveals a Bible illiteracy epidemic impacting the declining interest.
The State of the Bible 2023 research shows most of the last decade, about half of Americans reported reading or listening to the Bible three or more times per year. In last year’s poll, that number dropped ten points. Only two in five Americans (39%) were Bible users.
Despite the downturn, about 63 million American adults (24%) use the Bible beyond church service at least once a week. Alarming statistics, but with God, we can turn this around.
I’m passionate about this topic because I avoided reading the Bible halting my Christian development for years.
After baptism as a teen, I lacked mentorship, and spiritual growth stagnated. I spent years chasing worldly gains over God's purpose. I was Biblically ignorant. Life was grand from a worldly viewpoint, but inside, I felt a huge void. I needed God’s strength, healing, and love.
That’s why I want to help other believers experience God’s ultimate life for them. Through Him, a life healed from pain and past mistakes, more meaning, and sustainable joy.
Like my story, the data reveals millions of Christians must be stuck in the early stages of maturity. They crave more, but time and direction are scarce.
My mission is to help the millions of Christians get unstuck and learn how to build a closer relationship with God and progressively grow through His leading.
How do you help?
Foremost, I encourage all followers of Christ to seek God’s direction through prayer. He is the author of their life’s purpose and missions.
For those looking for guidance, I offer the same methods, tools, and resources I used to jumpstart my spiritual growth. The same practices God inspired and prompted me to teach through writing, coaching workshops, and speaking.
Who do you help?
From men and women in addiction recovery to C-Level executives in Fortune 500 companies and everyone in between.
I’ve trained numerous Christians, and a few non-believers at first, with tremendous results. New or stagnant Christians at any maturity level benefit from the training. Testimonials are available on my website.
What’s different about your Christian coaching and training?
After searching for a Christian based spiritual growth strategy, I came up short, so I developed my own with the Lord’s help and my corporate background. It’s a journey of discovery, equipping, and execution backed by a faith centered community. Students discover their unique talents through the renowned Clifton Strengths assessment and align their spiritual gifts for even greater impact. We get clear about God’s purpose and unique assignments. Through equipping, we focus on daily application with a customized growth plan to execute immediately.
I share many free resources and bible studies to enhance the process, which I still use today.
Do you hold any relevant certifications?
Yes, four. I’m a certified Gallup/Clifton Strengths Coach and certified Christian Coach with Marriage Today Ministry. I hold certifications with Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence and The John Maxwell Team.
A graduate from a 2-year School of Discipleship, I taught the foundations phase at a well-known mega church. What should students expect to gain?
Here’s a short bullet list, but there’s more.
Clarity and peace about their purpose. I wrestled with this for decades until God revealed His ultimate purpose.
Confidence and joy by unlocking God’s unique design and how to apply it.
The truth about life’s priorities and how to align with God’s plan.
Increased time for faith, family, and the most important things.
An actionable spiritual growth plan and templates for continuous growth beyond my teachings.
A supportive faith community focused on The Great Commission.
What’s next on the horizon? My first novel. I’ve completed the manuscript working to gain a publisher. We’re expanding 24/7 Purpose® Academy by adding a live group coaching masterclass and an online self-paced course. We could talk all day, but I’ll close with one last question. Any tips on staying humble?
Potato salad. What? Yes. After my funeral ceremony, there will be someone standing by a large punch bowl eating potato salad. Life goes on, with or without us.
One more. The CEO that offered me the rookie CIO role said to his team, “Take your jobs seriously, but yourselves, not so much.”
I take the role of bringing glory to God seriously, but myself, not so much.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and visit my website for more info!
Source Citations:
Belief in God in U.S. Dips to 81%, a New Low by Jeffrey M. Jones https://news.gallup.com/poll/393737/belief-god-dips-new-low.aspx
American Bible Society – State of the Bible 2023 https://sotb.research.bible
