Lead by the Name was founded in November 2021 by Eduardo Mendes, but its roots stretch back much further. To fully understand why Lead by the Name exists, we must look to the previous generation.

 

Eduardo’s father, Antonio Mendes, grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and spent 20 years working for Ford Motors before transitioning into full-time ministry. In 1979, while still a theology student at Word of Life in São Paulo, Antonio became involved with a small group of believers meeting in a modest 40m² space in Atibaia. He was invited to help this group alongside an American missionary, Karl Lachler, from Converge in Brazil (Baptist General Conference). Their collaboration led to the official founding of the First Baptist Church of Atibaia on November 8, 1980.

 

The relationship between Karl and Antonio grew organically over the years, mirroring the biblical mentorship between Paul and Timothy. Every Monday morning, they would walk together, reflecting on the previous day’s service, discussing lessons learned, and sharing insights on biblical exposition. Karl’s passion for biblical preaching profoundly influenced Antonio’s ministry and leadership style. Even after Karl’s retirement to Michigan, their bond remained strong, with Antonio connecting with his mentor often.

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This mentorship shaped Antonio’s approach to leadership—one defined by relationship rather than authority, by humility rather than power. He became an example to his son Eduardo of how to be a relational, flexible, and humble leader.

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A Legacy Continues

 

Eduardo followed in his father’s footsteps, gaining experience in non-profit, for-profit, and ministry settings over 29 years. In 2010, his church invited him to start two ministries: one to support pastors in their preaching and another to establish a church-based seminary. After five years of leadership, he passed these ministries on to new leaders, realizing that his passion lay in serving and equipping others rather than returning to the corporate world. Encouraged by his church, he moved to the United States in 2016 to serve in a Christian organization, expanding his cross-cultural leadership experience over the years.

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Through his work with various organizations, Eduardo observed the impact of different leadership styles—both positive and negative. He saw what built organizations up and empowered their people, as well as what led to dysfunction and decline. These insights became the foundation of Lead by the Name. Eduardo envisioned a model of leadership that prioritized relationships over processes, that was collaborative, communal, and empowering.

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By developing leaders centered on Christ—His teachings, humility, and sacrifice—Lead by the Name seeks to transform both organizations and individuals. Drawing from years of experience in non-profit and for-profit settings, the organization embraces key principles:

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• A personalized approach is always best.

• Missional and business strategies can work beautifully together.

• Relationships should always take the lead.

• Serving others is the best way to make an impact.

 

Mentoring for the Future

 

The legacy of mentorship that shaped Antonio Mendes continues through Lead by the Name. Just as Karl invested in Antonio, and Antonio in Eduardo, Lead by the Name exists to invest in and equip the next generation of leaders. The organization focuses on reaching the few to impact the many, always partnering with local communities and empowering them to lead.

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Through mentoring, training, and strategic support, Lead by the Name seeks to cultivate leaders who build Kingdom impact worldwide—leaders who prioritize relationships, embrace humility, and serve others as Christ did.