Who We Are
Our Mission
Our mission is to encourage thriving through content creation, coaching, and consulting to help individuals, organizations, and communities reach their highest potential in Christ.
Our Vision
In a time of increasing leadership crises, Soulfire will be known as the source for redemptive leadership development.
Meet Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin
Founder of Soulfire International Ministries
Reverend Doctor Nicole Massie Martin was born and educated in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a triple major in Human and Organizational Development, Educational Studies, and French. Dr. Martin received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Dr. Martin is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries, which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She has decades of executive leadership experience in the church and Christian non-profits and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today. She is also active in her local congregation in Maryland at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, where she leads the Grow Ministry.
Dr. Martin is a gifted writer and author of numerous articles including two books: Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. She serves on the executive council of the National Association of Evangelicals, the board of trustees at Fuller Theological Seminary, and on the National Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. She is a founding board member of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and has been inducted into the esteemed Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. She is also a co-catalyst for the Lausanne Scripture Engagement Global Network.
Dr. Martin is married to her best friend, Dr. Mark Martin, and they have two amazing daughters, Addison and Josephine.
Meet Jessica L. Johnson
Director of Ministry Infrastructure
Jessica L. Johnson is a visionary leader, seasoned strategist, and dedicated servant of God, whose career spans over two decades of transformative impact in government, nonprofit, and ministry settings. Known for her exceptional ability to bridge vision with reality, Jessica brings a unique blend of organizational excellence, financial stewardship, and innovative leadership to every role she undertakes.
Currently serving as Assistant Commissioner of Administration, Finance, and Operations for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Jessica oversees a $2 billion budget while driving strategic initiatives that shape the state’s economic future. Her work includes optimizing financial systems, fostering operational efficiencies, and leading high- performing teams that execute groundbreaking programs like broadband accessibility and workforce innovation. Jessica has earned accolades for her service, including the Tennessee Governor’s Excellence in Service Award, underscoring her commitment to excellence in public administration.
Jessica’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her founding of Manifest, LLC, a suite of companies focused on strategic communication and personal storytelling, and formerly, Stay On The Go Magazine, a pioneering publication amplifying the voices of Nashville’s African American community. Her ability to innovate and lead also shines in her tenure as director of operations for Soulfire International Ministries, where she empowers individuals and organizations to realize their God-given potential through education, mentorship, and economic opportunity.
An ordained elder at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Jessica is deeply rooted in ministry. She serves on the intercessory prayer ministry and as administrator of the church’s Ministers in Training Program, equipping emerging leaders for impactful service. Her dedication to the local church is complemented by her broader contributions as a board member and treasurer for Millions of Conversations, an organization fostering unity across divides.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vanderbilt University, an MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management, and professional certificates from Harvard University Kennedy School and Princeton Theological Seminary. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Duke University, with a focus on Black Church Studies, Preaching, and Faith- based Social Transformation. Driven by a passion for aligning strategy with service, Jessica exemplifies the art of making vision manifest through her unwavering faith, keen wisdom, and transformative leadership. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and serving as a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephew.
Partners
Our board of directors is a dynamic group of thought partners who are as passionate about our mission as we are. They fan our flame so we may fan the flames of those with whom we come in contact each day.