Welcome to Sagebrush & Vine
Why We Do What We Do
Thank you for visiting our website and taking the time to learn more about us. I hope you find the information here helpful and relevant—whether for your personal life, professional journey, or the organizations you lead.
For over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of traveling across the country teaching about the power of mindset. I've worked with a wide variety of organizations and people from all walks of life. While it’s rewarding to help leaders, employees, and organizations optimize their habits of thought to improve organizational performance, the most meaningful impact has been seeing how mindset education transforms people—their families, teams, and communities.
Using Cognitive Science to Build the Kingdom of God
Just as we use modern tools—like computers, websites, and social media—to advance God’s kingdom, we can also use the knowledge and insights of cognitive science to equip leaders in ministry. Whether working with priests, pastors, parachurch ministries, or Catholic and private Christian schools, these tools provide powerful support for fostering growth, resilience, and impact.
While cognitive psychology became formalized in the mid-20th century, the principles of thought management have been woven into Scripture for thousands of years. Consider the following verses just to name a few:
"Be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Romans 12:2).
"Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."(Nehemiah 8:10)
"We take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life" (Matthew 6:25).
"New wine must be poured into new wineskins" (Luke 5:38).
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
New discoveries in neuroscience, particularly in the area of neuroplasticity, deepen our appreciation for God’s design of the human brain. He has equipped us with the ability to choose, enabling us to develop new neural pathways that allow us to adapt, grow, and access more of our potential. By gaining a deeper understanding of how God has designed us, we are better equipped with tools to flourish both professionally and personally while remaining aligned with His purpose for our lives..
Just as we intentionally follow the exercises laid out by a physical therapist to overcome physical limitations, we can take intentional steps to overcome mindset limitations. Modern cognitive science provides information to help us understand how our minds work to hinder or to help us in our ministry. It also offers specific tools and exercises to help us live out our God given purpose as we more clearly align our minds with the mind of Christ.
The Challenges Christian Leaders Face Today
Christian leaders encounter profound challenges, including navigating cultural shifts, addressing moral and theological complexities, fostering unity amidst division, and engaging younger generations in meaningful ways. Living up to unknown expectations of the congregation or parishioners and dealing with the inability to satisfy all parties or avoid disappointing others adds an additional layer of strain. These demands often stretch leaders thin, leading to burnout, discouragement, and isolation. Balancing the weight of these responsibilities with personal faith and integrity can be deeply taxing, impacting emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The Role of the Leader and Their Impact on Organizational Culture
There is no question that leaders have the greatest influence on an organization's culture. When we statistically assess culture, we consistently find that leaders account for 30-40% of the variance, meaning their influence is a major factor in shaping the differences between organizational cultures.
As a leader, your influence on the mindset of those you lead is profound. If you are not intentional, that influence can sometimes have a negative effect. While every individual is ultimately responsible for their own mindset and actions, leaders have a unique responsibility to motivate and engage those they lead thoughtfully and intentionally.
In our work, we engage with all levels of an organization, but we always begin with the leadership team. Why? Because as leaders learn to examine their own mindsets and recognize their personal impact, they become better equipped to authentically model and mentor the mindsets they wish to cultivate within their teams.
When we work directly with leadership teams, they align around a shared mission and gain tools to consistently mentor and support their direct reports. This alignment and consistency not only strengthen the leadership team but also foster a healthy, thriving organizational culture.
Mindset and the Biblical Call to Intentionality
I am struck by the similarities between the present day and the first-century church, particularly the early Christians who brought the Gospel to a pagan Roman culture. The words of saint Paul resonate deeply, especially in light of the external challenges he faced. Consider these verses from Philippians 4, which are as relevant today as they were then:
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
Remarkably, Paul told us to Rejoice, Not Worry and Think positively while he was sitting in a prison in Rome: , demonstrating that even in adversity, our mindset profoundly shapes how we live out our calling.
Modern science affirms the truths Scripture has taught for thousands of years. Managing one’s mindset leads to greater success, creativity, and resilience. Conversely, the mindset left unchecked can drain our energy blind spots to solutions, stifles innovation, motivation and can ultimately lead to burnout.
How We Help
At Sagebrush & Vine, we are passionate about helping people thrive through faith-inspired mindset shifts. Our process can be summarized into 3 basic steps:
Education: involving both research validated principles in cognitive science paired with biblical truths
Reflection: applying the concepts to our personal and professional lives and at a cultural level for the organizations or ministries we lead
Action: identifying steps needed to flourish personally, professionally, and organizationally
Our services include workshops, leadership coaching, video based training and personalized assessments, all tailored to meet the unique challenges and goals of each individual or ministry we work with. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific needs, ensuring our approach serves you effectively.
I invite you to click the link below to set up a time to learn more about your ministry and how we might best support you.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. May God bless you in your ministry!
Sincerely,
Chris Scaffidi
About Our Founder
Chris Scaffidi brings over 35 years of experience in ministry, education, applied cognitive psychology, and organizational development.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and a Master of Arts in Historical Theology and Adolescent Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—along with graduate studies at Boston College and St. John’s Catholic Seminary—Chris began his career as a Religious Studies Teacher and Campus Minister at St. John’s Preparatory School.
Building on this foundation, Chris broadened his focus to leadership and professional development. His consulting work spans sectors such as the U.S. Navy SEALs, human service agencies, and Catholic organizations like Catholic Education and Catholic Relief Services.
Throughout his career, Chris has dedicated himself to helping individuals and organizations shift thought processes that drive personal growth, professional success, and organizational performance.
Chris now lives in Cedar Rapids, IA, and is an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife, Dee Dee, his six kids, and five grandchildren. When he has a chance to catch his breath, he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, biking, and swimming.
About Our Name
The sagebrush symbolizes wisdom and clarity. Its ability to thrive in desolate regions reflects the possibility of finding direction and purpose, even in difficult or barren times. Additionally, its capacity to shed old growth and thrive anew reminds us of the cycles of death, renewal, and transformation. These qualities are particularly relevant for ministries navigating the challenges of an ever-changing culture. To remain fruitful, ministries must often let go of older, once-successful methods and embrace new approaches that meet the needs of today.
Jesus also used plant imagery to teach powerful lessons. Perhaps the most striking is His parable of the vine: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). Scripture reminds us to align our mindset with God’s kingdom and His truth. This includes how God sees us and the gifts and power He has given us to live out His kingdom purpose (2 Timothy 1:7).
At Sagebrush and Vine, we are here to help ministries embrace renewal and transformation while remaining deeply rooted in Christ, so they can thrive in their calling and bear fruit in every season.