One of the greatest joys and fulfillments of my life is serving as the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, which I founded back in October 1998. I am amazed at the growth, the breadth, the depth, and the strength of this unique body. Only our awesome God could have made possible the many pieces that now shape and sustain this ministry. God—and God alone—deserves all the praise and all the glory.

I am especially grateful for those who faithfully serve as fellow elders. These individuals assist our pastors and staff in keeping everything in proper perspective. They faithfully pray and serve without public applause. They provide helpful oversight without self-serving agendas. And they make wise decisions without hidden or legalistic motives. It is a distinct privilege to serve alongside these men who model what it means to be godly, gracious servant leaders and who love Christ and His people.

With gratitude and deep respect, I dedicate this book to these ten men: Jim Byrd, Ralph Ehren, Jim Goodyear, Jim Gunn, Dave Hammock, Jay Madden, Sam Mathai, Russell Patterson, Steve Raffaele, and Stan Toussaint.