The Beacon Show with Tamara Jackson

Transforming Detroit Through Vision and Unity with Chris Lambert

Episode Summary

Chris Lambert, founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, shares how his organization is transforming Detroit neighborhoods by repurposing vacant school buildings into community hubs.

Episode Notes

In this incredible episode, Chris Lambert, founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, shares how his organization transforms Detroit neighborhoods by repurposing vacant school buildings into community hubs. Chris discusses his journey from aspiring real estate developer to nonprofit leader, revealing key principles for building effective nonprofit organizations.

Chris Lambert's path to nonprofit leadership began with a radical encounter with God during his college years in Australia. After abandoning plans for real estate development and attending seminary, he founded Life Remodeled in Detroit. Under his leadership, the organization has invested $51 million in Detroit neighborhoods, mobilized 82,000 volunteers, and transformed communities through strategic neighborhood revitalization.

Key Takeaways

1. Team Unity is Foundation: Building a leadership team that reflects the community served is crucial for organizational success
2. Vision Requires Strategy: Effective nonprofits need both ambitious vision and practical implementation plans
3. Relationships Drive Impact: Authentic community relationships and cultural understanding are essential for meaningful change

Topics Covered

• Personal transformation and calling to ministry
• Building diverse, effective leadership teams
• Strategic planning for nonprofits
• Community-first approach to urban renewal
• Nonprofit organizational development

Notable Quotes

• "Detroit residents have all the talent they need, but many don't have access to all the opportunities they deserve."
• "I'm a follower of Jesus because I am first and always first a follower before I'm a leader."

Leadership Lesson 

Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding how God has uniquely wired each leader and organization for specific purposes while maintaining the humility to learn and grow continuously.

Faith and Service Insights 

Chris demonstrates how faith-driven work can create a broader community impact through secular organizations, showing that ministry can take many forms beyond traditional church settings.

Featured Resources

• "Next Level Nonprofit" book by Chris Lambert
• Life Remodeled's community development model
• "Traction" book by Geno Wickman (mentioned as an influence)

About Chris Lambert
Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based nonprofit that transforms vacant schools into thriving community hubs. After experiencing a spiritual awakening during his college years at Indiana University, Chris redirected his path from real estate development to community service, starting with seven months in a Liberian village where he helped secure resources for essential infrastructure. Since founding Life Remodeled in 2010, Chris has led the organization to invest over $51 million in Detroit neighborhoods, mobilize 82,000 volunteers, and create sustainable community transformation. His innovative approach to nonprofit leadership and commitment to building diverse, community-reflective teams has earned him recognition, including Building Design + Construction's 40 under 40 and Crain's Detroit 40 under 40. Chris lives in Detroit with his wife and two sons, where he continues to embody servant leadership while helping other nonprofits achieve greater impact through his book "Next Level Nonprofit" and organizational coaching.