Dave Ferguson

CEO & President of Exponential. Co-Founding Pastor of COMMUNITY, Author of award-winning books including "Hero Maker", "B.L.E.S.S." & upcoming "Multiplier."

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

You reproduce who you are and what you do.

That conviction is why I launched a new Substack—to help leaders become healthy, faithful, and intentional over the long haul so their impact actually multiplies.

https://t.co/AqXQbJ8JPx

This first post is an invitation:
to lead together, grow together, and learn together.

If you’re hungry for leadership that lasts, come join the conversation.

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

Jesus was a Multiplier, and he always prioritized relationships!! Life was Jesus’s classroom. Think about that for a moment—He used the everyday moments of life to make disciples and raise up leaders. And you can do the same!

Get your copy of Multiplier today: https://t.co/cPaIA2Gqp2

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

Great 1-on-1s don’t happen by accident—they happen with intention!!

In my latest article, I share 6 simple questions that help leaders prepare for every coaching conversation:
YOU? CELEBRATE? CHALLENGES? DOING? HELP? PRAY?

These six questions have shaped how I develop leaders and invest in people. Read the full article to learn how to use them in your own 1-on-1s - https://t.co/FzKyhxgfrL

[Exponential @exponentialus]

Option 1 for Exponential Global 2027 is officially SOLD OUT 🙌

In 2027, we’re doing something we’ve never done before. Two Conferences. One Week. One Mission.

Thousands of leaders from around the world are already planning to gather in Orlando next March around this year’s theme: Never Alone: Becoming Friends on Mission

But here’s the good news: Option 2 is still available.
📍 March 18–20, 2027 at First Baptist Orlando

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time to grab your spot before remaining seats begin to disappear.

Register now at https://t.co/679CA2LHmZ

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

What if disciple-making is simpler than we think?

A disciple is someone who hears from God and obeys Him!! And the real evidence shows up in relationships, not platforms. It’s about real people, real conversations, and real life.

Most multiplication happens around tables, in coffee shops, and in everyday moments.

Watch this video and rethink how disciples are actually made. And get your copy of Multiplier today: https://t.co/cPaIA2GYeA

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

@EddieWouldGrow Thank you! I would love to know why this one stood out to you. You are my substack mentor!

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

What do you do when someone who publicly humiliated you asks for your help?

Years after a man launched a verbal attack against me in a crowded room, he stood next to me on a running path—hurting, scared, and asking for pastoral advice.

Internal battle? Absolutely. But ministry changed for me when I embraced one unsettling, beautiful conviction: “They are all your kids.” When we shift from organizational managers to spiritual parents, everything changes:

If you’ve ever been stung by the people you lead, you are standing on your own version of that running path. Choose to love with a longer horizon.

Read the full article below.

https://t.co/SY77VJ5NaO

[Jeff Matas @jeffmatas]

A word to the wise. If we are not intentional about our integrity...we will suffer from drift.

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

Not all drift happens loudly. Most of it is subtle...small shifts over time that you don’t notice until later.

That’s why staying anchored matters more than ever!!

This conversation will make you think about the direction you’re really heading.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast
📘 And grab a copy of Multiplier to rethink how you lead for Kingdom impact

https://t.co/cPaIA2Gqp2

[Erin Bird @erinbbird]

If you are a pastor or leader within a church, especially a newer one, I’d recommend you take three minutes and read Dave’s insights.

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

@erinbbird Thanks! You are definitely not along @erinbbird. If you lead for any time at all, you will face this dilemma.

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

@gsonntag Thanks for the shout out, Griffin. This is mindset of "They are all your kids" is something I have learned over the years of leading.

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

Grateful for this endorsement from Carey Nieuwhof!!

“If we had more multiplying leaders, we’d have more multiplying churches…”

That’s the heart of Multiplier!

The future of the church depends on leaders who don’t just grow things… but multiply them.

Get your copy of Multiplier today: https://t.co/cPaIA2Gqp2

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

A mentor once gave me a simple piece of leadership advice that completely reframed how I lead. It was about asking. I'm convinced most organizations don’t have an execution problem. They have an asking problem.

We hint. We suggest. We hope. We wait. Then we wonder why nobody steps up.

But what if the missing ingredient isn’t more strategy… it’s a clearer invitation? People often don’t respond because no one had the courage to ask.

Stop hinting. Stop assuming. Always ask.
https://t.co/5O4XnTjNR8

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

@koobxwm Great getting one more meal in before you leave for Atlanta. Love you, Linda and the Yang family!

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

Love this guy! Chicago is going to miss Daniel Yang, but we will continue stay partnered on the Jesus Mission!

[Daniel Yang @koobxwm]

Over my last nine years in Chicagoland, I couldn't have had too many lunches with @daveferguson. I wish we had more. He's a true practioner of multiplying Jesus-y things. Thankful for his leadership and friendship over the years.

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

Ever feel like you’re working harder than ever… but not seeing the fruit or results you dreamed of? Like you and your church are busy, but not really multiplying disciples, leaders or churches?

I had a raw and candid conversation with Carey Nieuwhof about why that happens—and what you can do to break through it. We talked about making disciple-makers, church planting, leadership drift, the future of the church, and theme of my new book "Multiplier: How Healthy Leaders Create Lasting Impact." If you care about making an impact, being a healthy leader, and building a church that outlives you, I think this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Check it out and leave a comment!
https://t.co/xDtmHMuRYP

@cnieuwhof @exponentialus

[Paul Worcester @PaulWorcester]

Really enjoyed this one by @daveferguson 💪💯 Highly recommend for any ministry leader. @exponentialus @NewThingNetwork @CampusMNetwork

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

“Nothing like fun at the old ball park!” Even better when the White Sox beat the Cubs 8-3 and Murakami hits two home runs!

[Dave Ferguson @daveferguson]

I am headed to the Cross Town Classic tonight and posting this video to let my White Sox know I will be there and ready to go if they need a late inning reliever to beat the Cubbies!!