Team

Shawn Layton is a devoted ministry director with over 18 years of diverse experience in various facets of church leadership and community engagement. His journey in ministry began with a pastoral internship in California, where he served in every ministry from the parking lot to the pulpit, gaining a comprehensive understanding of church operations. During this period, Shawn attended Vision International University, it was not the Lord’s timing for Shawn to move into that level of ministry, and Shawn lead back to the state of Washington. This foundation in biblical education has profoundly influenced his approach to ministry, focusing on discipleship, community building, and spiritual growth.

Upon his transition back to the greater Seattle area, where he took on multiple leadership roles at several churches, including community group leader, redemption group leader, volunteer biblical counselor, and member of the in-service prayer team. He served as a community group leader, Every Man a Warrior leader, in men’s ministry. His current focus is on discipleship and biblical counseling, leading multiple groups of men through the “Every Man a Warrior” curriculum. Shawn also served on the church’s first impressions team, welcoming new attendees and ensuring they feel part of the community. He has completed extensive biblical counseling training and provided guidance to dozens of men, helping them deepen their relationship with Jesus. Shawn’s dedication to fostering spiritual development continued as he led and hosted discipleship groups, guiding participants through transformative processes of redemption and healing.

Shawn along with his wife have been a part of a church plant in Seattle and are transitioning into “Freedom in Christ” groups. Focusing on deliverance from bondage of our past to freedom that can only come through a personal relationship with the One who paid it all.  His financial advisory practice allows him to dedicate substantial time to his ministry work, balancing his professional and spiritual commitments effectively without taking any monetary allowance from the ministry.

In 2023, Shawn and his wife, Raquel, felt the Lord’s prompting to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, furthering their vision for New Beginning Ministries. Their mission includes supporting pastors, missions, and ministries both financially and through direct involvement. Shawn and Raquel receive no monetary compensation at this fledgling state in their ministry.  They recently celebrated the miraculous completion of a church in Brazil, a project they funded themselves, showcasing their commitment to expanding the Kingdom of God. On the horizon they are being led to start an orphanage to help stop child trafficking and abuse in Brazil. Shawn and Raquel co-lead the “Freedom in Christ” group, and their shared vision includes the construction of additional churches and orphanages in the United States and Brazil. Together, they emphasize unity, the power of prayer and fasting, and a deep reliance on Jesus in all their endeavors.

Raquel Layton is a passionate and dedicated ministry leader with a wealth of experience in church leadership and community outreach. Originally from Brazil, Raquel brings a unique multicultural perspective to her ministry work, being fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Her journey in ministry has seen her lead a variety of groups, including intercessory prayer groups, community groups, couple’s groups, and youth groups, each aimed at fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion. Raquel’s leadership is characterized by her deep compassion and commitment to serving others, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ in all her endeavors.

Raquel has been a pivotal figure in her current church community, where she leads a powerful intercessory prayer group on Wednesday nights. Her role in prayer ministry is complemented by her co-leadership of the “Freedom in Christ” group alongside her husband, Shawn. Together, they guide participants through processes of spiritual liberation and empowerment, helping them to experience the fullness of life in Christ. Raquel’s ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and her fluency in multiple languages enhance her effectiveness in ministry, enabling her to reach a broader audience and foster deeper connections within the community.

In addition to her leadership in prayer and discipleship groups, Raquel has been instrumental in the vision and development of New Beginning Ministries. This nonprofit organization, founded in 2023, aims to support pastors, missions, and ministries both in the United States and Brazil. Raquel’s experience and dedication were crucial in the successful completion of their first church build in Goiania, Brazil, a project she and Shawn funded themselves. This accomplishment is a testament to Raquel’s unwavering faith and her commitment to expanding the Kingdom of God through practical acts of service and generosity.

Raquel’s ministry is deeply rooted in the principles of unity, prayer, and fasting. She and Shawn share a vision for the construction of additional churches and orphanages, providing vital resources for those in need and creating spaces where people can encounter God’s love and grow in their faith. Together, they strive to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, promoting a culture of compassion, kindness, and spiritual growth within their community and beyond. Raquel’s leadership, coupled with her deep faith and multicultural background, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those she serves.

We serve as the voice of our ministry, embodying the collective spirit and mission that unite us. Through thoughtful articles, personal reflections, and shared experiences, we offer a platform for our community to express its faith, values, and aspirations. This space allows diverse perspectives to come together, reflecting the rich tapestry of our congregation. Each post is crafted with the intention of inspiring, educating, and uplifting our readers, ensuring that our message of love, compassion, and hope reaches far and wide.

We represent the collective voice of our community, highlighting the stories and testimonies that define who we are. Our narratives capture the essence of our shared journey, from our challenges and triumphs to our spiritual growth and communal endeavors. By sharing these stories, we strengthen our bonds and reinforce our commitment to our mission. We are more than just a collection of posts; we are a living testament to our faith in action, a beacon of our collective wisdom, and a celebration of the unity that propels us forward.