I never set out to write a book. But then again, I never set out to plant a church either.
I grew up in the kind of church where Acts 2:42 was the blueprint: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Solid stuff. But as I got deeper into ministry, I started asking a different question: What if the church was meant to multiply, not just maintain?
That question took me on a journey I never expected. In 1991, my wife and I—along with a handful of friends—planted a church. Since then, I’ve spent more than 30 years starting churches, coaching planters, and helping leaders wrestle with the realities of calling, equipping, and sending. I’ve worked with networks, denominations, and leaders across the country, and around the world, all asking the same thing: Where do we find more church planters?
The answer?
They’re already in your church.
That’s the heartbeat of The Antioch Way. The church in Antioch didn’t recruit from the outside. They called leaders from within, equipped them for mission, sent them with support, and welcomed them home like family. That model changed the world. And I believe it still can.
I don’t write as an academic or an armchair strategist. I write as someone who’s lived this, made plenty of mistakes, and still believes the best church planters aren’t waiting to be funded—they’re waiting to be called. If you’re a pastor, leader, or just someone who cares about seeing more people come to Jesus through new churches, let’s grab a coffee (or your favorite beverage) and talk. Because multiplication isn’t a theory. It’s a way of life.
Things I Like
Coffee
I roast my own.
Books
I read at least one a week.
Formula 1
2025 is Norris’ year.
Football
The 49ers have to be better this year.
Ocean
Anytime I can visit.
Travel
Especially if I’ve never been somewhere before.