For two decades, church planting has grown in prominence—and rightly so. Leaders have emerged with innovative planting ideas and the church has eagerly embraced their methods. Now, I believe a new breed of leader is emerging—and Steve Childers is at the forefront. As a church planter, Steve not only knows the practical, but he has the mind and heart for the theological and missiological. Steve is the kind of leader church planting has needed—a successful practitioner with the heart of a theologian and a missionary. I wish I had Steve as a mentor when I planted my first church but at least I have him as a friend today. He is a precious gift to the church.