Across the Russian-speaking world, a great spiritual harvest is ready, but there is a critical shortage of equipped leaders to gather it. Our ministry is designed to solve this problem. We identify potential leaders through our on-the-ground relational ministry and develop them into catalytic disciple-makers through the structured training of Academy NOVO. Guided by the Holy Spirit and a commitment to holistic discipleship, we don't just add to the work—we multiply it. Your support helps us forge the leaders who will ignite a disciple-making movement for generations to come.

Having served in Richmond, VA from 1997-2007 in private practice as a family counselor and life coach, as well as a facilitator of conversation and prayer on a citywide level, Lyle and his family of 5 moved to St. Petersburg, Russia to respond to an old, but theretofore dormant call from the Lord.

In this new role, through Novo Mission (www.novo.org), Lyle has drawn on his experience to train lay and church leaders through what has now become an international outreach to the Russian-speaking world through the Novo Academy. Now a team of over 30 leaders from a dozen different countries Novo (Russia) is emerging as a leader in a sparsely populated world of Christian ministry, particularly in their specialty: building deep and transformative relationships with God in Christ, within the Body, and with those outside the faith.

Most of the curricula that Novo Academy uses was written by Lyle himself, based on his years of service in Richmond, as well as his work in the Russian context, which is so steeped in relational and cultural trauma from its tragic political and religious history. The Lord has given Lyle favor across national boundaries, particularly between Russia and the Ukraine, where he is working with Christians on both sides of the ideological and political divide to learn how to take conflict seriously but to seek the Lord's ultimate values and leading.

Lyle’s ministry blog is here. To give to their mission, click here.