1. Dr. Stephen A. Whitner
Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church
4660 Caldwell Mill Road
Birmingham, AL 35243
February 3, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
I had the pleasure of working with Brian when he served as my facilitator coach. After I attended
Wellspring Group’s catalytic discipleship and leadership development retreat, I participated in a
cohort of facilitators whom Brian coached as we led groups through the follow-through process.
I have been in ministry for over twenty-five years, and I have participated in many discipleship
and leadership development groups. I can honestly say that the coaching calls with Brian
provided the most effective small group leader training that I have experienced in all my years of
ministry. Part of this was due to the content of the learning material, which Brian participated in
designing, but most of the effectiveness of these calls centered on Brian’s unique strengths and
skills.
Despite the inherent challenges that accompany conference calls, Brian was able to create a safe
and stimulating environment that fostered honest sharing, self-discovery, and effective
interactive learning experiences for our group. Being a perceptive listener, Brian was able to
draw out deeper truths that rested unnoticed below the surface. The discovery of these truths
often led to healing and growth. On multiple occasions, Brian modeled specific leadership skills
so effectively in our meetings that I was able to apply those skills to my own small group, with
encouraging results. This frequent “quick success” provided additional motivation for me to
participate in these calls.
What I appreciated most about Brian was his strong commitment to and genuine concern for a
group of men whom he was just getting to know. Although Brian faced significant challenges in
his own life, he continually made our group of men a priority. His integrity and investment in us
provided a desire and motivation within me to invest in a group of men I hardly knew.
For all these reasons, I can wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend Brian for positions in
which he would utilize his coaching gifts to foster skill and leadership development in other
people.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen A. Whitner,
Associate Pastor of Worship and Music