Gary received a BA from Colorado Christian University in Biblical Studies, an MDiv in Pastoral Studies from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, a DMin in Church Growth Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.
He is the author of twenty-five published books in the fields of pastoral ministry, church growth, and leadership, as well as hundreds of published articles in numerous magazines, newsletters, and journals. He is the bestselling author of The Issachar Factor, Beyond the First Visit, and One Size Doesn’t Fit All. His most recent books include There’s Hope for Your Church, What Every Pastor Should Know, and Donald A. McGavran: A Biography of the Twentieth Century’s Premier Missiologist.
Gary and his wife, Carol, reside in Temecula, California, and have two grown children and seven grandchildren.
Phil Stevenson has an extensive background in coaching denominational leaders, pastors, and church planters. He has consulted on evangelism, church growth, and multiplication issues with a variety of denominations.
Dr. Stevenson currently serves as the District Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest District of the Wesleyan Church and is also a visiting professor at six universities and seminaries. He has a BA in psychology from San Diego State University, an MA in theology and philosophy from Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, California), and a DMin from Talbot School of Theology, Biola University (La Mirada, California).
Phil has published articles in a variety of publications and authored seven books, including The Ripple Church, Becoming a Ripple Church, Five Things Anyone Can Do to Lead Effectively, Five Things Anyone Can Do to Help Their Church Grow, Five Things Anyone Can Do to Help Start a New Church, and The Leadership I.
Previously, Phil served as the National Director of Evangelism and Church Planting for the Wesleyan Church in the USA and Director of Church Multiplication and Leadership Development for the Wesleyan Church of California.
He lives in Roseville, California, with Joni, his wife of over forty years. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.