John Laster

John is a passionate catalyst for congregational renewal fueled by his mission of developing leaders for the emerging church. John consults with congregations to foster increasing health and organizational effectiveness. He coaches staff and leadership teams in a variety of settings, and consults with congregations to refocus and bring spiritual and organizational vitality. John's functional experience as a practitioner helps congregations "jump-start" renewal and begin to chart a course toward increasing faithfulness and health.

For the last seventeen years, John has served as an associate minister in large multiple staff congregations (ranging from 500 to 1400+ in worship attendance) in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. His equipping ministry has focused on mobilizing believers into their God-given ministry, adult spiritual formation, small group ministry, and leadership and infrastructure development. John has trained with some of the top catalysts in the field of congregational renewal today. He is certified to conduct Bill Easum’s “Ministry Audit,” and Tom Bandy’s “Congregational Mission Assessment,” as well as the "Managing Transitions" training developed by William Bridges, and the "Ministry Identity" leadership assessment and team-building process developed by Paul Ford. He earned his masters degree from Abilene Christian University, and is the author of the Pastoral Assessment and Search Tool (Published by Easum, Bandy & Associates) and has had articles published in Net Results and 21st Century Christian magazines.

John and his wife Lisa, and their children live in southeast Michigan where he serves as the "Equipping Minister" at Rochester Church, in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He concentrates on developing healthy, team-based ministry, and equipping members for more effective life and ministry. With over 17 years serving in a variety of urban settings, John brings a wealth of experience to his services as trainer and coach.