A Faithful Attention Manifesto

Hi—I’m Ryan J. Pelton. I help spiritual leaders pay attention to what matters most.

Living with grace, attention, and courage in a distracted world.

We live in an age that rewards noise, speed, and performance.

Everyone’s trying to be seen, to win, to make a name.

But what if the invitation isn’t to win at all?

What if it’s simply to be faithful?

To show up.

Pay attention.

To give faithful attention in a world addicted to power, outrage, and distraction.

1. Presence Over Power

Jesus never fought for power. He gave it away through sacrificial service.

Faithful attention means we resist the temptation to dominate or manipulate.

We lead by serving, not by shouting.

We embody humility in spaces that crave control.

2. Formation Over Fame

Our culture tells us to build a platform.

The Gospel tells us to pursue a deep life.

Faithful attention begins not on stages—but around tables, in neighborhoods, at jobs we think don’t matter, and participating in faith communities with Word, sacraments, songs, and prayer.

3. Attention Over Ambition

To pay attention is to love.

Faithful attention isn’t found in large scale movements or million dollar companies, but in small acts of devotion: listening, noticing, showing up again.

In a world that trades presence for obsessive climbing, we choose to stay awake to what gives true life.

4. Creativity as Witness

We create not to prove ourselves, but to point toward something greater.

Art, words, business, leadership—these become our offerings, our way of participating in God’s renewal of all things.

Every creative act the opportunity to say: “The best is yet to come.”

5. Community Over Isolation

Faithful attention requires a family of spiritual brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.

We don’t need more isolation; we need more connection.

We show up for one another, again and again, because love is only expressed toward others.

6. The Long Obedience

There’s no quick fix to the human heart.

Faithful attention is slow work—the kind that changes us as we stay.

We walk the long road of ordinary faithfulness, trusting that grace is doing its quiet work beneath the surface.

7. Engagement Over Escapism

We don’t escape the world, belittle, or become like it. We pray for it.

God’s new world is breaking in through small things—kind words, shared meals, hope, faith, love, and the courage to bring light into dark places.

Faithful attention is how heaven touches earth.

May we be people of faithful attention.

In our homes, our neighborhoods, churches, with our art, and our work.

May our presence reflect the One who is always faithfully present to us.

How I Can Help You:

Ready to get started?

FOR THOSE STARTING OUT

Are you in the learning, exploring, and curious stage? You want to start something, launch a business/ministry, a new creative project, or simply want to live with more purpose and faithful attention?

Start with my free community service content:

• The Newsletter: Weekly dispatches of actionable advice for launching your next project.

• The Podcast: Weekly interviews, and solo-shows packed with inspiration, tips, and actionable advice for building your next thing.

• The Articles: Deep dives into living with faithful attention in a distracted world.

FOR THOSE IN THE MIDDLE

Are you somewhere in the middle? You've built something, experimented with a new project, or tried some side hustles with minimal success?

Start with these paid programs:

• 45 Day Novel: If you are an aspiring novelist, or seasoned pro needing some proven strategies for writing your next thing. This program will serve you well.

Are you building something awesome and want to scale to the next level? Are you feeling spiritually lost and needing some direction? This is where personalized guidance/mentoring comes in.

Book a call to discuss mentoring packages:

• Business/Ministry Coaching: Is for scaling your life and business/ministry to new heights.

• Spiritual Mentoring/Coaching: Is for finding your purpose, and crafting the best chapter, yet.

FOR THOSE READY TO SCALE

Attention is Everything.

Better living, creating, and leading in a distracted world -- weekly dispatches for living with faithful attention in our generation.

I truly appreciate Ryan's commitment to helping other writers succeed. Not only is the course incredibly informative from a practical standpoint but is also full of wisdom, motivation and encouragement.

Quinn N.

★★★★★

A Message from Ryan

Hey friend,

If you've found your way here, I'm guessing you're feeling that stirring inside—a whisper that says there's more for you, or maybe a full-on shout that the conventional path just isn't cutting it anymore. I get it. I've been there too.

You've already proven you can learn, lead, and overcome. Now it's time to channel all of that wisdom into work that actually matters to you. Work that gives you freedom to live on your terms. Work that connects to your deeper purpose.

The next chapter isn't about slowing down or playing it safe. It's about stepping fully into who you were meant to become and creating the life you were meant to live.

Your best chapter? It's not behind you. It's ahead of you.

Ready to design the next chapter you were meant to live?

Attention is everything.