Ron Sylvia is the founding and lead pastor of Church at The Springs in Ocala, Florida, and Director of NEXT Churches. The Springs began in an office building in 1994 with only 21 people and now with three campuses averages over 4,000 in weekly attendance. While leading a fast-growing church, Ron learned firsthand the value of mentoring & coaching. As a result, Ron started NEXT Churches, an organization that equips lead pastors nationwide. Ron and the NEXT team have coached hundreds of church planters & pastors to start & lead healthy churches. Ron also leads networks as one of the few certified in the well-known Tom Paterson Strategic Planning Process, using the process to help pastors think & act strategically in the local church. Ron is the author of Launching a Purpose Driven Church conference curriculum and authored his story and methods in the book, Starting New Churches on Purpose.