Cultivating Healthy Growth in Leaders, Teams, and Churches
“Good health is the key to growth. Healthy teams equal healthy growing churches. We all know when things aren’t growing; they are dying. Today’s churches are facing new challenges. Leading and growing your church can happen with the right strategy that is designed specifically for you and your church. ”
― Gary Wheat, Founder, Healthy Church Life
A farmer sowed his field and went away, and as the days went by, the seeds grew and grew without his help. For the soil made the seed grow.
Mark 4:27-28 (TLB)
Church Consulting and Leadership Development
Coach, Consultant, Pastor, Teacher, Mentor. For the past twenty-two years, Gary Wheat has served as lead pastor of The Assembly in Siloam Springs, AR. Before taking this role in 2001 at The Assembly, he was the lead pastor at First Assembly of God in Norman, OK. He uses his experience from leading both of these churches to help pastors, leaders, and churches to grow in a healthy manner.
In 1998, the church in Norman lost its pastor to cancer. In a significant transition, the church had laid plans to relocate with no building plans or land and only 25 members. Gary came and led the church from 35 people in weekly attendance to over 170. As well as, purchase land and build a new building where they still thrive today. All within three years of coming to Norman.
In 2001, Gary and his family moved to Siloam Springs to become the lead pastors at what is now The Assembly. The church was experiencing a difficult time. With Gary’s experience, network, and leadership abilities the church is now a healthy, vibrant church that is impacting its community and the world. In 2018, The Assembly moved from its former location to a new 20-acre campus. In 2019, The Assembly had the opportunity to parent another church in Gentry, AR. Now, The Assembly has two campuses that are reaching more people for the Kingdom of God.
The journey had its challenges, but Gary has led these churches to a new level of growth to impact the Kingdom. Gary has a heart to help other pastors, churches, and leaders reach their full potential with his network of leaders, coaches, and consultants.
Credentials
Growth Opportunities with Pastor Gary Include:
- Coaching
- One-on-one coaching, training, and equipping of pastors, staff, and volunteers.
- Consulting
- Offering consultation and training with a fresh eye assessment of your church’s facilities, systems, and processes.
- Roundtables
- Training, team building assessments, and retreats are available to church staff and ministry volunteers.
“Since I have been meeting with Pastor Gary, I have seen tremendous growth in myself, our staff and our church body. Pastor Gary has helped me bring balance and practicality to my ministry as a lead pastor. Pastor Gary has shown me personally why it is important to pay attention to the details and not just the big picture. He has helped us refocus and because of that, I have seen consistent growth all throughout our church. This has definitely set us on the right track and we are excited about our future.”
– Pastor Dewayne Helms, Open Arms Assembly
“Gary helped me grow more confident in my administrative responsibilities and communicate more effectively with both lay leaders and from the pulpit. His mentoring—offering support, challenges, and friendship—has been incredibly valuable. I encourage any church board to invest in a mentoring relationship with Gary Wheat and Healthy Church Life. A healthy pastor leads to a healthy church.”
– Pastor John Page, River of Life Church
“Pastor Gary exemplifies excellence in every role he undertakes. His wisdom, vision, and practical coaching have brought clarity to complex challenges, helping me grow personally and professionally. What sets him apart is his humility and genuine desire to empower others, instilling confidence and purpose in my leadership journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Pastor Gary—his integrity, passion, and leadership can make a profound impact on you and your ministry.”
– Pastor Jacob Roach, Caldwell Assembly
FAQs About Healthy Church Life Consulting and Coaching
We want to come alongside you and help provide an impactful and influential ministry in your church and community. Our goal is for you and your church to grow and develop disciples for the Kingdom of God.
Our process provides coaching sessions with the pastor each month either in person, phone calls, or video calls. There are also quarterly meetings with staff members and other members of the leadership team. We cover pastoral principles that will help cultivate and develop individualized gifts. We also provide training and equipping for volunteer ministries as needed.
Healthy Church Life coaching is a 12-month journey. Coaching can be provided for a shorter period of time; however, we recommend 12 months for you to achieve the full benefit.
Monthly meetings will be held onsite at the client’s church. We will be available by phone, email, and Zoom throughout the entire process. We can also offer off-site retreats and training opportunities.
Contact us to schedule an initial visit so we can assess your pastoral and leadership needs.