The people and groups we have worked with over the years have been kind enough to share their  experiences of working with us at Cypress River. To help you with your decision-making process about our services, they are listed below.

“I was surprised by the benefits that I received by entering into a coaching relationship with Nick Howard.  I have grown as a leader in ways that I did not imagine.  My skills as a leader have been increased and I have acquired a more fulfilling approach to life as a whole.  Dr. Howard is a uniquely gifted Christian leadership coach who will serve you remarkably well.”

Mike Cauley, D.Min.
President
Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

“Nick Howard has a unique gift in helping Christian leaders.  Unlike many leadership development consultants, he knows how to address core issues in a leader’s life and bring lasting, positive change.  You (and your organization) will be glad you worked with him.”

Kevin Miller
Former Executive Vice President
Christianity Today International

“Coaching with Nick Howard is the best thing I have done to grow in Ministry over the past 25 years. He has helped me find my passion and voice in leadership and helped me see my role with increasing clarity. His systems approach to leadership has not only invigorated my ministry, but also has brought into a healthier balance my personal life.”

Paul Hoover, D.Min.
Vice President for Administration
Georgia Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

“Dr. Nick Howard is a skilled professional with a heart for God. Nick understands pastors and the culture in which they work. My research in clergy-psychologist collaboration, clearly highlights the importance of pastors finding spiritual friends, such as Pastor Coaches, to support them in their ministries. Nick Howard is such a person, gifted and called to serve the Church.”

Mark R. McMinn, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, George Fox University
Author of Integrative Psychotherapy: Toward a Comprehensive Christian Approach

“Nick coaches leaders with the life giving combination of grace and truth.  His relational style encourages and empowers; his directness challenges like a good coach who has the ability to see potential and the skill to bring it forth.  He has been a grace-gift to me, and I believe his ministry is invaluable for any leader of Jesus’ Church who is seeking to be life-giving in the 21^st century.”

Dave Hendershot
Senior Pastor, Newlife FourSquare Church
Frederick, MD

“I entered my executive coaching relationship with Dr. Nick Howard a couple of years ago as a reluctant skeptic.  However, once I began the coaching sessions, I was quickly transformed into a firm believer in the benefits of professional coaching, and in Dr. Howard’s skills as a coach.  Through the coaching process and Dr. Howard’s keen insights I have developed as a leader and have grown tremendously as an individual.  For me, the coaching relationship with Dr. Howard is an invaluable resource and tool, as well as an enjoyable and rewarding experience.  I believe that any leader who wishes to develop into the best leader they can be, will benefit greatly from such an experience.”

Tom Verrill
Senior Vice President for Financial Administration
Southern Adventist University

“In the seven years I have known Nick he has become one of the top leadership coaches in the U.S.  His vast breadth and depth of knowledge in the areas of psychology, leadership, systems thinking, and spiritual formation make him uniquely qualified to build the leadership skills of Christian leaders and help them create the types of high performing cultures they are pursuing.

Nick brings a strong sense of intelligence, thoughtfulness, expertise, and integrity to his work and I could not recommend him more highly.”

Ellen K. Harvey, Ph.D.
Executive Coach

“Nick’s valuable insights into leadership have certainly helped me grow as a Christian leader. His coaching skills and solid values have helped me toalign my soul, life, and ministry around a clear vision that I believe honors God and strengthens my soul.  I believe his services are clearly needed in today’s demanding leadership environment.”

Dr. Matthew Poole
Senior Pastor,
FaithPoint United Methodist Church, Frederick, MD

“Dr. Nick Howard’s Christian leadership coaching  has been a real asset to me personally and professionally.  His quiet, unassuming insightfulnesshas proven to be an especially powerful tool in helping me gain greater clarity as we’ve processed challenging professional issues.  The opportunities to discuss important leadership challenges openly with a coach whose values I trust gives me a greater sense of confidence and peace that I will continue to grow as a leader and honor the responsibilities I’ve been given.

I can truthfully say that I am a better leader and administrator today as a result of Nick’s coaching.”

K. James Epperson, Ed.D.
Vice President for Education
Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

“Imagine if every church in America was led by a pastor who was making significant progress in the area of self-leadership.  The impact of highly focused Christian leaders in thousands of communities would be easy to see.  Nick Howard understands the importance of what leaders do every day in the Body of Christ.  He loves and respects men and women who shepherd congregations.  Leaders will be motivated by his mix of intellect, humor and compassion.  Rarely have I been coached about God’s vision for my leadership than the time I spent with Nick.  He is extremely gifted as a leadership coach who guides you to confront and clarify God’s will for your life as a leader.”

Tim Simpson
Senior Pastor,
Greenridge Baptist Church, Clarksburg, MD