For Cath Tallack, Arrow has been more than a program, it has been a transformative journey that reshaped not only how she understands leadership but also how she lives it out every day.
From her first steps as a participant, through years of growth and service, to her current role as Program Director helping to shape the next generation of leaders, Cath’s story reflects the heart of Arrow’s vision: to see a world where Christian leaders are positioned to influence and transform people, the Church, schools, not-for-profits, businesses, and broader society.
A formative journey
Cath entered Arrow at a time when the program looked very different from today. Over two years and four residentials, she found herself one of only eight women in a cohort of thirty, immersed mostly among men who were more experienced and confident. She recalls arriving with a sense of doubt and surprise. “I thought, ‘They’ve made a huge mistake. I’m in the wrong program. I should be in some junior program.’” Yet, this challenging environment became the crucible for her growth.
At the time, Cath was working as the Children’s Pastor at Gateway Baptist Church and shared that she “wasn’t really sure what it meant” for her to be a leader. She had been one for a few years, but she reflects, “If you had asked me to define my leadership, I might have said it was because I was bossy or opinionated,” she laughs.
She often hid in the “kids’ ministry corner,” content to describe herself as “just a kid’s pastor.” But Arrow shifted that perspective profoundly, and now she helps shift that in others too. Through the program’s deep focus on self-understanding and leadership development, Cath gained a newfound confidence. She moved from running a ministry to intentionally raising leaders around her. “I stopped being the person who was running kids ministry and became the person who was raising leaders within kids ministry.”
This change rippled outward, not only within her church but across various ministries and leadership contexts. The personal vision process at Arrow was pivotal for Cath, helping her discern her God-given strengths and how to steward them well. “It really made me think about the things God had put in me that he hasn’t put in everybody.”
Leading in a changing landscape
Cath’s journey with Arrow didn’t end at graduation. Over the years, she has stayed deeply connected, observing and participating in Arrow’s evolving story. She’s witnessed the increasing complexity leaders face, balancing large, diverse congregations, managing teams, maintaining spiritual formation, and engaging the broader culture. “Leadership now is so complex. It’s not just about the church or the family anymore. Leaders are stretched in so many directions.”
She also notes the painful shadow cast by public moral failures in recent decades. The leadership culture has had to adapt, learning to walk closely with leaders through fear and failure, helping them to lead without being crippled by the risk of falling. “Leaders are so afraid of moral failure now that sometimes they hesitate to step up. We’ve shifted from pulling leaders back from ego to pushing them forward with the right support in place.”
Through these changes, Cath has served in leadership roles at Arrow, including being part of the global leadership network, and currently serves on the Arrow Global board. Her perspective has broadened internationally, yet she treasures what makes Arrow unique in Australia, a genuinely cross-denominational, circle-like community that values Christ above all.
Community: The heartbeat of Arrow
One of the most distinctive aspects of Arrow for Cath is the community it fosters. “People come for the leadership content, but they stay for the cohort.” Arrow creates a space where leaders quickly build deep trust and vulnerability, stripped of denominational or contextual pressures. “No one cares how big your church is or what college you went to. They care about you.”
This intentional community continues long after the formal program ends, with alumni groups regularly reconnecting, sharing a common language and experience. “Arrow’s language is its own, it bonds you in a way few other things can.” For Cath, this community is a source of encouragement, accountability, and lifelong friendship.
Reflecting on 30 Years of Impact
As Arrow celebrates its 30th anniversary, Cath reflects on the remarkable journey from its beginnings to now. “Thirty years ago, there was no leadership development for church leaders in Australia. Arrow almost invented that space.” She marvels at how many of the strong leadership programs across the country are now run by Arrow alumni.
Cath is optimistic about Arrow’s role in the future church landscape. “Leadership is changing. The church in Australia is entering a new season, finding its own identity.” She sees Arrow as vital in raising leaders equipped to navigate a culture vastly different from decades past.
Her hope is that Arrow will continue to nurture leaders who are resilient, humble, and Christ-focused, leading churches that reflect the gospel authentically in an Australian context. “It’s a real privilege to see what God is up to in His church through the leaders Arrow raises.”
Cath’s story is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Arrow Leadership, a place where leaders are formed not just to lead, but to be shaped deeply in their identity in Christ and their calling to serve others.
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