ABOUT LISA
For more than 37 years, I’ve served as an author, speaker, mentor, worship leader, and ministry leader. But if you ask me what has shaped me most through those decades, it isn't a title, a stage, or even the incredible people I’ve run alongside.
It’s learning, again and again, just how deeply God loves us.
I believe the Christian life doesn't begin with us striving to love God perfectly. It begins with discovering how deeply He already loves us, right where we are.
My own story has taken me down roads I never would have chosen, through deep loss, unexpected endings, and seasons when life looked nothing like I planned. Through it all, I’ve discovered that God’s love isn’t a reward for getting life or faith right. It is simply where we begin. Everything else flows from there.
One of the most meaningful chapters of my life started when I opened my home to a few young adults who needed a safe place to land. That simple "yes" grew into Lisa’s House Ministries.
Over the years, 76 young adults found a home through our transitional housing, while hundreds more joined the community around it. We gathered around tables, shared ordinary life, worshiped, wrestled with faith, and became a beautifully unlikely family, much like the early church in Acts.
Lisa’s House taught me that loving people rarely looks neat or convenient. Sometimes it simply looks like opening the door, pulling up another chair, and making room.
Over the years, music and ministry have also taken me to churches and conferences across the country. I've had the honor of sharing stages alongside incredible artists like Andraé Crouch, Rick Cua, and The Winans.
Today, I continue to lead worship and serve in women’s ministry at my local church alongside my dear friend, Nichole Nordeman.
Whether I’m writing a book, speaking to a room full of people, mentoring, or simply sharing a cup of coffee, my mission remains the same: I want people to know how deeply they are loved by God, and to learn to love others from that same place, without conditions or agendas.
Life Outside of Ministry
When I’m off the clock, you’ll probably find me getting my hands dirty in the garden or spending time with my two favorite humans: my adult kids, Cerease and Anthony. Being their mom is one of the greatest joys of my life. (Cheesy, but entirely true.)
I also deeply treasure the friends who have walked with me through thick and thin. My core circle is a gift I never take for granted. There’s something sacred about the people who know your whole story, the beautiful parts and the messy ones, and keep showing up anyway.
Give me a table full of my family and friends, good food, lots of laughter, a board game, and a really good cup of coffee, and I’m happy. I’m increasingly convinced that the best parts of life happen in these exact ordinary moments.
“Lisa Catalano is a passionate lover of Jesus. She gives herself fully to any endeavor the Spirit nudges her to pursue. Whether that is offering radical love to the lost and broken, leading worship, teaching, or anything else comfortable or scary, she gives a full-blown YES. Lisa is courageously compassionate and is always ready to open her arms wide to whoever she meets. Her willing heart and tenacious faith are an inspiration and challenge to me personally and to many others.”
TIM WAY - MIssionary
Pull Up a Chair: A Few Quick Questions with Lisa
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Right now, it’s a beautifully crowded space! I’m cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and blackberries. I also love filling the yard with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, mint, lavender, and chamomile, alongside bright pops of zinnias and marigolds. Most mornings you’ll find me there with a cup in my hand, learning more about the careful tending of a loving Father.
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It starts nice and slow with a hot cup of tea, usually a mix of green tea and fresh mint leaves from the garden. Next would be a good swim if time allows. And for the perfect ending, there is a table crowded with family and friends, sharing a great Italian meal, playing games, and laughing until our sides hurt.
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My day has a definite soundtrack! I always start the morning in worship, transition into a little Motown in the afternoon, and put on some good Italian cooking music in the evening. It’s a simple rhythm that keeps the day feeling sweet, peaceful, joyful, and rich.
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I’d probably lean in and remind you that you don't have to perform today. You can just breathe. You are deeply loved exactly as you are. And remember: God’s plans for you are good. If things in your life aren't good yet, it just means He’s not done yet!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Whether you’re looking for a speaker or worship leader, considering personal mentoring, exploring books and resources, or simply wanting to stay connected, there’s a place for you here.
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