Pastor, Coach, Teacher
It has been one of my greatest privileges in life to walk with pastors and church leaders towards greater impact. I understand from several unique points of view the challenge and loneliness that can accompany the ministry. When I planted a church in 2009, there began some of my most challenging years of leadership. Some of the darkest moments I have ever encountered in life was while I was planting a church. Through my hardship and growth in that season, I became passionate about walking alongside leaders by equipping and helping them grow in their own journeys.
Most pastors I come across are busy, overwhelmed with ideas and wrestling with more questions than answers. As a result, progress can slow, people get restless, and the future becomes fuzzy. Many wrestle with feeling alone, overwhelmed, stuck, or on the brink of something new, but all have something in common: they would all benefit from outside help.
That is where I can help. As a coach, I bring an unbiased outside perspective, objective viewpoint, and past experience—which can be extremely profitable to your church or organization. Let me help you create the systems and structures that lead to breakthrough and growth.
Lee Stephenson
Coach, business owner, author, pastor, church planter and speaker
MY BACKGROUND...
I've had a diverse journey through various roles in the church—pastor's kid, youth pastor, teaching pastor, church planter, denominational executive, and leadership coach. I've co-authored practical resources for church planting and co-hosted a podcast on real church planting conversations.
Education-wise, I hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Christian Ministry. I've served in different-sized churches across the U.S. and played a pivotal role in starting several from scratch. Certifications include Patterson StratOp facilitator, Church Planting systems expert, and certified navigator in Church Unique/God Dreams. I've also earned certifications from the University of Notre Dame in Nonprofit Leadership & Administration and Transformational Leadership.
My expertise extends beyond the church to strategic planning and leadership coaching for both businesses and non-profits. Over the years, I've trained, assessed, and coached numerous pastors and leaders, contributing to their professional growth.
Married to my wife, Melissa, since 2003, we have three kids. Melissa, the daughter of a church planter, holds a degree from Biola University and has served in various church roles. She's passionate about supporting couples and ministry wives.
Together, we're committed to making a positive impact on individuals, families, and the local church, blending our dedication to ministry with a practical approach to leadership and growth.
“Lee’s practical, next step kind of coaching helped me put what was in my head and heart into reality. Since he started coaching me our church has flourished to a new level of fruitfulness. We broke the 125 barrier, and 150, 200 and 300 with his help. Lee is a top level leader! ”