Let's not lecture...

Let's make disciples

I help Christian communicators become trainers, not just talkers. You’ve walked with God, wrestled through the mess, and gained wisdom worth sharing. But right now your message feels scattered [or maybe a little dry].

The SkillStory System can help!

You are done with fluffy Christian messages that drown people in vague inspiration. And you certainly don’t want to try to guilt people into holiness—Yikes! You want to show them how to live out the Word. At Contrary to Popular, we're building a better way... with less performance and more practice. If you’re ready to shape a message that’s clear, creative, and ignites maturity in the people you serve, let’s make it happen.

You have a powerful message...

But can you teach a skill?

Too many Christian messages are trying to:

  • Hype up emotions

  • Use guilt to change behaviors

  • Info-dump theological insight

  • Sound lofty or smart

  • Build the speaker's credibility

  • Offer pep talks instead of plans

But that is not what makes disciples. And that’s not what you’re here for.

When people hear yet another message about what they "should" be doing, but without instructions on HOW, even a sincere believer might walk away assuming the bible just doesn't work.

They don't hate the truth. They just don't have anyone to show them the SKILL of living it out.

Honesty time

Ask yourself these questions

Is my message structured in a way that actually helps people get there?

Have I been guilty of dropping a vulnerable personal story and walking away?

Does my message ever feel like fluff, guilt, pressure, or background noise?

Do I see much maturity happening around me, or just spiritual diapers?

Let’s build a discipleship tool that actually works.

I created the SkillStory System as your roadmap for transformation.

You've seen where your people are struggling. You’ve been leading, teaching, and praying for them for years. What you need now is a clear structure to pull your insights together and build something they can practice.

Most Christians aren’t lazy or apathetic. They’re undertrained.

That’s where SkillStory Coaching comes in. We don't need louder voices or better stage presence. We need to teach in a way that sticks.

The SkillStory System helps you:

  • Clarify your message without watering it down

  • Turn biblical truths into tangible, doable soft skills

  • Create your own Skill Map: a clear, teachable path your audience can follow

  • Structure books, talks, courses, sermons, or curriculums that equip, not just impress

  • Gain confidence that what you’re building will actually disciple people

This is a system for guides, not gurus. It's for Christian leaders like you who care more about fruit than fame.

Hello there!

I'm Julianne

Founder of Contrary to Popular & creator of the SkillStory System

We know God’s truth brings freedom. We know Jesus is the answer. But how do we help people move from knowing it to living it?

I’ve seen too many people receive the truth, try their best…and eventually walk away from the church, convinced that biblical principles just don’t work.

That’s why I created the SkillStory System to help Christian communicators turn biblical insight into spiritual muscle memory (instead of truth-dumping).

I help bold, humble leaders like you take what you’ve experienced and shape it into a clear, practical framework that equips your audience to grow, live it out, and pass it on.

Discipleship doesn’t happen through

Content Dumps or Good Vibes

Discipleship is a training ground, and you can learn how to lead people through it.

What you'll walk away with

SkillStory Coaching is a 1:1 experience tailored to your calling. You’ll go through the same process I use in my cohort program, but with personal attention and a custom approach.

Here's what we'll build together...

  • A crystal-clear Main Skill that anchors your message

  • A Skill Map that breaks your biblical insight into actionable, teachable steps your audience can live out

  • Tangible tools your audience can use to practice your Skill

  • Scriptural backbone without overwhelming your audience

  • Framework to share your personal stories and experiences

  • The strategy to scale and steward your message well

By the end of our work together, you'll have turned your message into a clear, repeatable system that equips others and lays the foundation for books, talks, courses, retreats, or anything else God has up His sleeve for your ministry!

3 Simple Steps

To turn your message into a SkillStory message

1. Schedule your Call

Let’s chat about your message, clarify your goals, and see if SkillStory coaching is the right fit.

2. Map your Message

We’ll work together to build your Skill Map—a clear, transformative path your audience can actually follow.

3. Build and Multiply

Turn your Skill Map into a book, course, sermon series, or retreat that trains and expands the Kingdom.

Let's discuss your message

I can't wait to hear about what God has been teaching you!

Awesome SkillStory Collaborators

Maria Francisco

Counselor & Author

"Julianne pulled out the details I didn’t even know were in my head. I probably would’ve forgotten half of what I wanted to put in my book if she hadn’t been there asking the right questions. The process was so much less frustrating — and it came together so much faster — with her help."

Sonya Funk

Author of "From Doormat to Daughter"

"I had worked on my book for year and hadn't gotten very far. I would NEVER have published the book without Julianne's guidance, knowledge, and support. Working with her has been amazing. Over and over again, she has brought me clarity and a different perspective that I would not have thought of on my own."

Dan Good

Ghostwriter

“Julianne is helping people help people. She gets that we’re in an age of too much telling and not enough guiding. She has a knack for organizing a message so it actually equips. Every time we collaborate, she adds incredible value. The content she develops for our clients has been impeccable.”

Joni Scott

Podcaster & Author

“Julianne is a rock star! She’s incredibly thoughtful and clear, with the smarts to keep things focused without ever being harsh. I thought my idea was clear before—but through this process, I realized I’d only been seeing through a glass dimly. For the first time, I took the time to really organize my thoughts and clarify not just the ways God has helped me, but who I’m called to reach.”

Jeff Dear

Screenwriter

“Jules always does it! She has this uncanny and magical way of getting the pulse on what I’m trying to say far more concisely and eloquently than I could ever have articulated my own thoughts. That rare ability enables me to break down barriers and ultimately create what I had in mind. She spawns my creative pursuits and helps me get a better grasp on a project. All that to say … WOW, THANK YOU, & SO GRATEFUL for her coaching!”

Esther Carpenter

Author of "When Goodbye Becomes Hello"

“Julianne’s hands-on, detailed coaching style is exactly what I needed. I could talk with her for hours. She’s so encouraging and supportive, and her gift for brainstorming amazed me. The one-on-one time with her was the best part of the program. She really listened and helped me say what I was trying to say.”

Not ready for coaching just yet?

Grab the FREE Message Clarity Mini-Kit

You have an important message. But how do you talk about it?

Maybe your message is still a swirl of sticky notes and journal entries. Or maybe you know exactly what you’ve walked through, but not how to pass it on. Either way, the tug on your heart isn’t going away.

This short, coaching-style resource will help you slow down, reflect, and uncover the deeper message God’s been forming in you, so you can stop second-guessing and start getting clear.

No more dragging your feet. No more blank pages.

Let's start mapping it out today!

New Course Coming SOON!

Prefer a group experience?

Join the waitlist for the 12-week SkillStory Course and:

  • Gain access to tons of helpful exercises and development tools

  • Clarify your core biblical Skill alongside other Christian leaders

  • Receive realtime feedback on your message

  • Stay on track to create a discipleship resource your audience will love

You’ve been called to lead.

Now let’s make sure your message seriously equips.