Dr. Terry LaMasters
Leadership Scholar, Author, and Co-Founder of Audacious Leadership
Leadership scholar, author, and practitioner focused on forming leaders whose lives and influence are shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bridging theology and leadership practice for over three decades.
A Life Committed to Forming Leaders
For more than 30 years, Terry LaMasters has invested in developing leaders across churches, organizations, and communities helping them lead with clarity, conviction, and faithfulness.
His work is rooted in a simple but enduring belief: leadership is not first about influence or position, but about formation. Who a leader is becoming will always shape how they lead.
Across pastoral ministry, organizational leadership, and leadership development, his focus has remained consistent, forming leaders who are grounded in Scripture, shaped by the gospel, and equipped for real-world influence.
Leadership Begins with Followership
At the center of Terry’s work is a conviction that challenges much of modern leadership thinking:
“The most effective leaders are first and foremost faithful followers of Jesus.”
This conviction led to the development of the Christ-Centered Followership Paradigm, a framework that repositions followership as the foundation of effective leadership.
Rather than focusing first on skills, strategies, or influence, this approach emphasizes formation—anchoring leadership in obedience, humility, and faithfulness to Christ.
Academic Work and Research
Terry holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Christian Leadership: Ministry Leadership from Liberty University.
His doctoral research explored the relationship between leadership and followership, challenging the leadership industry’s tendency to overlook the formative role of following.
The result was the Christ-Centered Followership Paradigm—a theological and organizational framework that integrate:
Scripture
Leadership Theory
Practical Ministry Experience
This work continues to shape his writing, teaching, and leadership development efforts.
Leadership Experience
Terry’s work spans multiple leadership contexts, each contributing to a deeply integrated perspective on leadership and formation.
Pastoral Leadership
We engage leadership through the lens of Scripture—thinking carefully about truth, authority, and the gospel’s implications for every sphere of life.
Organizational Leadership
We bridge the gap between theology and leadership practice—helping leaders apply conviction in real-world contexts.
Leadership Development
We are not simply developing skills—we are forming leaders whose character, thinking, and decisions are shaped by Christ.
Writing & Thought Leadership
Terry is the founder and primary voice behind Audacious Leadership, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of theology, leadership, and culture.
Through articles, essays, and ongoing writing, he engages leaders who are seeking more than technique—offering insight that is both theologically grounded and practically applied.
His forthcoming book:
“Followership: The Foundation the Leadership Industry Forgot”
Examines the relational and theological dynamics between leaders and followers, making the case that followership is not secondary—but essential to effective, ethical, and enduring leadership.
His writing is shaped by a commitment to clarity, depth, and faithfulness—helping leaders think theologically about their influence and lead with conviction in complex environments.
Part of the Forward Leader Movement
Audacious Leadership is the forward-facing voice of Forward Leader—a gospel-driven movement equipping leaders to break barriers, multiply impact, and lead culture-shifting change.
While Audacious Leadership focuses on formation through writing, reflection, and content, Forward Leader provides the training, structure, and community that help leaders grow and multiply their influence.
Together, this work exists to develop Christ-centered leaders across churches, organizations, and communities around the world.
Personal
Terry and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for over 35 years. Together, they have invested their lives in ministry, leadership development, and raising a family rooted in faith.
This personal foundation continues to shape his commitment to forming leaders who live with integrity, humility, and faithfulness.
Speaking and Engagement
Terry works with churches, organizations, and leadership teams seeking to develop leaders who are grounded in Scripture and equipped for real-world impact.
Let’s Lead Faithfully Together.
Audacious Leadership—Rooted in Christ. Fueled by Faith.
Whether through writing, conversation, or collaboration, this work exists to serve leaders pursuing thoughtful, gospel-centered leadership.
Monthly insights on leadership, formation, and faithful influence. No noise, just depth.