Ministry Assignment:
Janelle has been serving as A3's U.S. President since January 2026.
Background Information:
Janelle graduated with honors from UCLA with a B.A. in communication studies before studying Bible for a year at Talbot Seminary.
At 23 she moved to Kazakhstan as part of a church-planting team. There she met her husband, and after marrying and having two kids, they moved sight unseen to Uzbekistan where they saw a church planted.
Since returning to the U.S., Janelle has served in a variety of roles with Frontiers, including as the Director of Strategy Coordination for the International Office as well as Co-Director of the U.S. Sending Base. She has a master’s in organizational leadership and serves on the board of Cafe 1040.
What excites you about becoming A3's new U.S. President?
I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that A3 has in the U.S., to work with Joe and the board, as well as to contribute to the strategy and work of the global ministry team. I believe that we are at a crucial point where we can expand our impact and together work to see the gospel spread to the ends of the earth."
STORIES ANNOUNCING JANELLE
Press Release: A3 Appoints Janelle Stoops as U.S. President
Passionate about equipping Christlike leaders and fostering global impact, Janelle Stoops brings decades of experience and a heart for mission as she begins this exciting new chapter with A3... Read our press release about Janelle now »
Meet Janelle Stoops: A3’s New U.S. President
A3 is thrilled to welcome Janelle Stoops as our new U.S. President! Discover her vision for strengthening leadership, building capacity, and helping A3 thrive as we expand into new regions. Janelle says, “Greetings, A3 Family! I’m thrilled to join A3 as your new U.S. President and can’t wait to begin serving alongside you.”... Read now »
A Conversation with Joe & Janelle: Key Leaders Talk About Leadership Preparation, Calling, and A3
Discover the heart behind A3’s leadership as Joe Handley and Janelle Stoops share their personal journeys of calling, preparation, and partnership—and how God is shaping a vision for global impact. Read now »
Looking Ahead to 2026 + A Big Announcement
2026 is shaping up to be a year of transformative growth and fresh opportunities for A3, and CEO Joe Handley has a major announcement that could redefine what’s ahead for our global community. Don’t miss his inspiring video message about deepening impact, expanding into new regions, and the exciting leadership milestone awaiting A3 next... Read now »
QUESTIONS FOR JANELLE
What advice do you have for anyone who is sensing God might be calling them into cross-cultural missions?
Do it! There is nothing more exciting or more fulfilling than bringing the hope of Jesus to unreached peoples around the world! As you bring the Good News to the unreached, you are making an impact that will echo throughout eternity! I don’t think there is anything more worthwhile to invest your life in.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to run, especially with my daughters, who also like to run. I also enjoy anything outdoors—hiking, kayaking, swimming, etc.! I also love a good cup of coffee with friends and family.
What are some ministry methods or activities you find especially meaningful?
I enjoy mentoring existing and emerging leaders, especially women in leadership. So many times, women feel ill-equipped for the roles they are stepping into and I loved coming alongside them to mentor them and watch them grow in skill and confidence.
What have been some especially meaningful aspects of your ministry, or some especially fun memories?
I remember sitting on the colorful, low cushions in Central Asia as we eagerly held the book of 2 Corinthians in the local language for the first time. It made me so thankful that I have access to God’s word in my heart language! Witnessing believers standing strong in their faith despite intense persecution strengthened my own faith. I’ve seen God move in powerful ways to answer prayers as His Kingdom has extended around the world.
What are some important lessons you’ve learned as you’ve served in ministry?
I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing who I am becoming in the Lord more than what I am accomplishing for the Lord. To focus on being faithful even more than being fruitful. This has meant embracing spiritual disciplines such as silence and solitude. It’s meant acknowledging that God created us to live within our limits. I’ve learned about the seasons of life and ministry.
If you imagine a tree in the fall, it loses its leaves before the winter snow comes. If it snows early before the leaves have fallen, the branches often break as a result of the weight of the leaves combined with the snow. In a similar way, we must recognize the season that God has us in, which often means letting go of a past season, and not anxiously grabbing towards the next season. When we try to live in more than one season, we often can’t bear the weight of it- it's not how God designed us to live and minister.
I’ve also learned the faithfulness of God. Time and time again, God has provided for me and my family. Psalm 91:4 says that “his faithfulness will be your shield,” and my life is living testimony to the truth of that scripture!
What are some ways you are seeing God bless your life and ministry?
One of the biggest blessings in my life is to see all four of our girls walking closely with Jesus!
What is a leadership lesson you've learned?
A leadership lesson that I’ve learned is that work flows from relationships. It’s important to listen well to your team, serve and support them, and set them up for success. We are all interim leaders who are “warming the seat” for the next leader. As I steward the gift of the people whom I lead, I seek to empower my team to make their best contributions and grow in their own development.
What are some hopes you have for the future?
I long to see the whole church contribute to the Great Commission. I especially desire to see women and the next generation equipped to step into leadership roles and contribute to “changing the few who change the many.”
What would you like some of your greatest “ultimate contributions” to be?
I have been blessed to be a part of seeing the Good News of Jesus reach to the ends of the earth. Some of the greatest joys of my life to date have been sharing the hope of Jesus with people who had never heard. I endeavor to work with all the strength the Lord gives me to see movements of disciples and churches multiply to every unreached and unengaged people group.
I would like to continue to inspire and equip people to take the gospel to those who currently have the least access to it. I want to call out the God-given gifts in people and encourage them to be a part of this amazing mission. I believe that we need Godly leaders to help in this task, and I want to be a part of equipping and inspiring these leaders to eagerly embrace God’s mission!
