The author wishes to acknowledge the following people:
Dan Reiland—So many thoughts in this book are a result of the countless hours you have spent coaching and developing me. Thanks for being such a great friend and mentor.
Mark Cole—Remember when you took me to the original Chick-fil-A in Atlanta? That conversation was the seed and this book is the fruit. Love and appreciate you, Mark.
John Maxwell—I’ve only had a few private conversations with you but each one of them has impacted my life. Thank you for every book you’ve written and lessons you’ve taught. I am a far better leader because of them.
Rich Guerra—I was just a fourteen-year-old kid when I first gave my life to Christ in your youth group. So thankful that after all these years you are still such a big part of my life. Thanks for always being in my corner.
Donny Burleson—You’ve always been my closest friend and my biggest fan. Whatever God allows me to do or to touch is simply an extension of your place in my life. You are loved!
To those who have helped with the coaching platform of Church BOOM—Mark Batterson, Dave Ferguson, Herbert Cooper, Sam Chand, Rob Ketterling, Dan Reiland, Mark Cole, Larry Osborne, and Brad Lomenick. Thank you for partnering with me and investing into the lives of pastors around the world.
To my agent, Tawny Johnson—Thanks for believing in me and in this project. You’re a blast to work with and an honor to know.
To the team at Baker Publishing—Thanks for your heart behind this book and for your desire to see thousands of pastors and churches get unstuck.
To my South Hills family, the incredible staff and the amazing people of South Hills Church—You are all risk takers and world changers. Thanks for dreaming far beyond your corner of the world. I love you all.
To my dad, Hank Sonksen—You’ve taught me more with your life then most will ever teach with their words. I am honored to be your son.
Finally, to my wife, Laura, my daughter, Grace, and my son, Aidan—You are the three most important people on the planet. I am so blessed to call you my family. I love each of you more than you could possibly know.