By Shannon Baker, BCM/D National Correspondent

Ron Sylvia
Ron Sylvia is the founding and lead pastor of Church at The Springs in Ocala, Fla., and the Director of NEXT Churches, an organization that provides coaching networks, conferences and resources to lead pastors nationwide.
The Springs started in an office building in 1994 with only 21 people and now averages 3,000 in weekly attendance. While leading a fast-growing church, Sylvia learned first-hand the value of mentoring and coaching. As a result, Ron started NEXT Churches, and he and the NEXT team have coached hundreds of church planters and pastors to start and lead healthy churches. Sylvia also leads the coaching networks as one of the few certified in the well-known Tom Paterson Strategic Planning Process, using the process to help pastors think and act strategically in the local church.
Sylvia is the author of “Launching a Purpose Driven Church” conference curriculum and recently authored his story and methods in the book, “Starting New Churches on Purpose.” More about Sylvia and NEXT Churches can be found at www.NextCoachingNetworks.com.