Issachar
setting tables, not building stages
Issachar is a relational initiative emerging from longstanding friendships formed through the United States National Prayer Breakfast and the wider international prayer breakfast movement.
At its heart are leaders from many walks of life — business and finance, technology, education, science and medicine, arts and media, diplomacy, philanthropy, government, and civic society — each carrying significant responsibility within their own sphere of influence.
Over many years, many found themselves returning to a shared conviction:
that in an age of noise, fragmentation, and performance, leaders still need trusted places of prayer, honesty, discernment, encouragement, and spiritual depth.
Not larger stages.
Better tables.
The Invitation
Issachar is not a membership organization.
It is a growing fellowship of trusted relationships — a place for prayer, encouragement, discernment, reconciliation, and friendship among those carrying responsibility in demanding times.
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A Quiet Continuity
In the years surrounding the Second World War, simple gatherings of prayer, friendship, humility, and shared responsibility helped shape relationships that later influenced nations, institutions, and reconciliation efforts across the Atlantic world.
From those early relationships emerged Congressional prayer groups in Washington during the 1940s and, later, the United States and international prayer breakfast movement during the 1950s.
Many who participate in Issachar today believe the enduring strength of those early gatherings was not institutional scale, political access, or public visibility.
It was the willingness to come together in the name of Jesus — across nations, sectors, denominations, and backgrounds — seeking wisdom, reconciliation, humility, and moral courage.
That conviction remains at the heart of Issachar.
Understanding the Times
The Issachar vision draws inspiration from the biblical tribe described as “men who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do.” — 1 Chronicles 12:32.
Issachar reflects the leader who does not clamor for attention, but carries responsibility with humility, steadiness, wisdom, and quiet strength.
We believe our society needs leaders who are formed in character, grounded in truth, attentive to the voice of God, and capable of discernment in complex times.
Yet leadership is often accompanied by pressure, isolation, and noise.
The Issachar calling is simple:
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to be present —
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to pray —
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to encourage —
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and to help discern the times.
Recent gatherings
Recent consultations have been hosted in Washington, D.C., Italy, Austria; and Ireland and have included leaders from across the Americas, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, the Balkans, the Middle East, and beyond
Expressions of Issachar
The Issachar vision finds expression through:
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the Issachar Suite during National Prayer Breakfast week in Washington, D.C.
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private dinners and roundtable conversations
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international consultations and retreats
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hospitality and prayer gatherings
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ongoing friendship, counsel, and encouragement among leaders
The Distinctive
Issachar gatherings are intentionally relational rather than institutional.
They are shaped by:
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trust over visibility
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humility over prominence
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presence over performance
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attentiveness over activity
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relationships before platforms
These are not large public conferences or networking events.
They are quiet spaces where leaders can speak honestly, pray openly, listen carefully, and receive encouragement in the midst of responsibility.
