Alan Sears

"Alan embodies the Lord’s admonition that in the kingdom, the leader shall be the servant of all, and the first shall be last." — Foreword by Nikolas T. Nikas

From a Baptist teenager campaigning door-to-door for Barry Goldwater to founding and building Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) into a one-hundred million dollar plus religious liberty powerhouse, Alan Sears' inspiring journey reveals how faith and principled leadership can transform lives and nations.

In this compelling interview-style biography from the Tepeyac Leadership Series, Alan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path: learning Constitutional Originalism under Attorney General Edwin Meese III, discovering the difference between politicians who live their faith versus those who merely claim it, and the unexpected journey from Baptist seminary student to a Knight of St. Gregory the Great under Pope Francis. Discover how Alan Sears built ADF from one person and $4,700 into America's premier religious freedom organization, spent fourteen summers traveling the country with his family to fund the growing ministry, and overcame health challenges, all while maintaining his commitment to mentoring next-generation leaders. More than a success story, this book offers timeless wisdom on authentic leadership rooted in service. Alan's philosophy - drawn from his life verse, John 15:5, "Without Christ, we can do nothing" - demonstrates how humility, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to truth create a lasting impact.

Whether you're leading a family, organization, or community, Alan Sears' insights on "making stars of others" and maintaining a teachable spirit provide a roadmap for principled leadership in challenging times. Perfect for Catholics and Christians seeking inspiration from a leader who kept “the door open for the Gospel” while building one of America's most influential legal advocacy organizations.

The Tepeyac Leadership Series was started to offer contemporary models of lay Catholic leadership. The third volume features an attorney and legal advocate whose witness is especially timely. Alan Sears: on life, faith, and leadership is presented in an engaging question-and-answer format between Alan and Laurie Strom, editor for TLI Publishing. It is structured to give the reader insight into three concrete areas; the reader may jump into the section or questions he or she wants to explore first and navigate the rest at their own pace. The book includes photos of Alan Sears and a list of the principles that guided his organization. We hope you find in its pages much inspiration to nurture your own life, faith, and leadership.

Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. (TLI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals around the world. TLI offers a catalyst development experience that equips the Catholic laity to become virtuous leaders, influence the culture and serve the common good.

Laurie Strom is a deacon’s wife, grandmother, and former Executive VP & COO serving the aerospace and automotive industries. Today, she is a mentor, coach, writer, and photographer—praising God and finding science and faith beautifully intertwined.

TLI Publishing is a division of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. (TLI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals around the globe. TLI offers a catalyst development experience that equips the Catholic laity to become virtuous leaders, influence the culture and serve the common good. The Tepeyac Leadership Series aims to provide inspiration and insights for Catholics based on contemporary models of lay Catholic leadership and conversations with exemplary Catholic leaders.

Alan Sears served as founder of Alliance Defending Freedom, building on his experience as longtime leader of the organization to strengthen alliances, forge new relationships, and develop the resources needed to ensure the ministry's capacity to respond to opportunities. As the first president, CEO, and general counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, Sears led all strategic initiatives from 1993-2017.In his 23 years at the helm, he built an ADF team committed to a comprehensive legal strategy that includes training, funding, and legal advocacy-resulting in important roles in 52 victories at the U.S. Supreme Court, including Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer in the 2016-2017 term, Town of Greece v. Galloway and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Burwell in the 2013-2014 term, Reed v. Town of Gilbert in the 2014-2015 term, and Geneva College v. Burwell and Southern Nazarene University v. Burwell in the 2015-2016 term.Under Sears' leadership, ADF attorneys won more than three out of four cases in which they participated and successfully defended marriage as the union between one man and one woman in 50 cases nationwide. The ministry also funded more than 3,000 grants and legal projects for allied lawyers and organizations.Beginning with the launch of ADF in 1994, Sears provided strategic leadership in the training of 1,923 lawyers from 45 countries through the one-of-a-kind Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Academy, designed to ensure attorneys are fully equipped to defend religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage and family. These attorneys have reported more than $200 million in pro-bono/dedicated time.Sears' visionary efforts also resulted in the graduation of more than 1,800 outstanding law students-representing 227 schools and 21 countries-from the world-class Blackstone Legal Fellowship leadership-training program. This in-depth summer internship program helps equip these students to assume leadership positions to shape the future of law and culture across the globe.Sears earned his Juris Doctor from the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. While serving in numerous positions within the administrations of Ronald Reagan and G.H.W. Bush, he worked for the Department of Justice under Attorneys General William French Smith and Edwin Meese III, including service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Section for the Western District of Kentucky. Sears was appointed director of the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography and served as associate solicitor with the Department of Interior under Secretary Donald Hodel. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Sears has continued his education with professional instruction at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, and Pepperdine University.Practicing law for four decades, Sears is a member in good standing with the American, Arizona, California, District of Columbia (inactive), and Kentucky bar associations. He has helped fashion the language for numerous state and federal laws and has testified before committees of the U.S. House and Senate, state legislatures, and many local governments and commissions. Legislators in 20 states have adopted his policy recommendations. Sears has assisted legislators and law enforcement officials from many countries and has spoken before committees of the British Parliament and the Vatican.Sears' numerous media appearances include television interviews and features on The Today Show, Nightline, CNN, Fox News, C-SPAN, The O'Reilly Factor, Oprah, and Lou Dobbs Tonight. He has been a guest on radio programs, including The Laura Ingraham Show, National Public Radio, The Hugh Hewitt Show, and The Dennis Prager Show. He has been profiled extensively by The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Associated Press, The Washington Times, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Arizona Republic, and National Catholic Register.