Larry Osborne is a real gift to our church and a whole generation of younger pastors and churches.

In a world with few “older” saints and pastors that really finish well, Pastor Larry is a major blessing (if you read this, Larry, I apologize if that makes you sound old. Truth be told, I don’t know your exact age but you don’t look a day over 45 to me).

For those unfamiliar with Larry Osborne and his work at North Coast Church in San Diego, here are 5 reasons why I love Larry (with evidence from his latest book, Sticky Teams):

1. Larry cultivates unity.

He takes Jesus’ words seriously about praying for and building up church unity, beginning with the leadership team. “I don’t think it’s an accident that Jesus predicted church growth but prayed for unity. If left unattended or taken for granted, unity quickly disappears. Unity is the one thing that can’t be left to chance” (24).

2. Larry understands the diversity of Christ’s body.

He’s able to help so many different churches because he teaches principles rather than imposing methods. “A storefront church, a midsized church, a large church, and a megachurch aren’t simply bigger versions of the same thing. They are completely different animals…Leadership teams that fail to recognize or adapt to these differences inevitably experience unnecessary conflict or shrink back to a congregational size that best fits the structures and patterns they cling to” (61).

3. Larry does not let programs take priority over mission.

He cares about the forward progress of the gospel and doesn’t waste time building institutions or enabling wasted efforts. “If we give in to everyone who pleads for heroic measures to save their favorite ministry, it won’t be long until we’ve become a historic preservation society, so loaded with yesterday that we have no energy or resources left for today or tomorrow” (82).

4. Larry cares to invest in up-and-coming leaders.

He recognizes a propensity within the church to marginalize young leaders for lack of seniority. “To counteract that natural tendency, I’ve made it a personal priority that our young eagles have a place at our leadership table…Either I can slowly kill off the future of our ministry by allowing tenure to determine who sits where, or I can bite the bullet and start moving people around” (114, 122).

5. Larry loves the church.

He knows that God works through the body of Christ to reach people with the gospel and unveil his ongoing story of redemption. “The local church is God’s plan A. There is no plan B. Therefore, we will give top priority to ministries and missions that either plant churches or build up existing local churches” (152).

As if that weren’t enough, it’s hard not to like Larry’s Hawaiian shirt collection and his laid back, approachable, SoCal style. Come hear him teach firsthand at the Sticky Teams Conference October 25–26. You won’t be disappointed.

Join Larry Osborne and Jamie Munson at the Sticky Teams Conference in San Diego.