EP 027 | The Importance of Coaching & Mentorship in Church Planting

“If you feel like you have to choose, choose your family.” Coaching plays a crucial role in the success of your leadership. Today, we’re hearing from Ben Pilgreen and Ernest Smith as they discuss the ways coaching impacted more than the health of their churches…it has contributed to the health of their families. 

Welcome to Episode 027 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with Mike Hickerson and David Hibiske.

EPISODE LINKS

Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS BEN PILGREEN?

Ben Pilgreen is the founder and lead pastor of Epic Church in San Francisco, CA. Ben loves coaching leaders, whether in church or in business. Ben is the host of the Bring It Out podcast. Ben and his wife, Shauna, have four wonderful children and make their home in San Francisco. Read more at benpilgreen.com.

WHO IS ERNEST SMITH?

Ernest Smith didn’t grow up in the church, but when he was finally introduced to Jesus, he has sought to serve the Church ever since. He was on staff at Seacoast Church for over 15 years, where he led many ministries including Students, Family Ministry, College Ministry and Campus Pastor. In addition, Ernest was on the teaching team and a part of the executive team. During this same time, Ernest completed two master’s degrees and started his Doctorate of Ministry at Liberty University, which he finished in 2019. In 2013, Ernest and his family moved from Charleston, SC to Castle Rock, CO to start Front Range Church. Ernest has the honor of serving as the lead pastor of Front Range and getting to lead a great team of staff and volunteers toward reaching and impacting the community. He also serves as president of a mission’s organization called Bread of Life Mission and is an associate at The Slingshot Group. He has a great passion to help church leaders and teams establish healthy rhythms, create, and execute vision and develop leaders that will impact their ministry, church and community. Ernest has been married to his best friend, Sara, for 20 years and together they have two incredible kids, Wyatt and Waverly. In addition, their house is inhabited by a Yorkie (Pearl) and a French Bulldog (Winston). Together, the family loves to travel, play games and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs.

SPONSORS

Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.

A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you're ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!