How Masterminds Changed My Life (and Led to Text In Church)
The idea for Text In Church was born in a mastermind group. That conversation, surrounded by smart, driven people challenging each other to think bigger, sparked something that would go on to impact thousands of churches. Masterminds haven’t just shaped my business, they’ve shaped who I am as a leader and entrepreneur.
The Day Text In Church Was Born
I can confidently say that Text In Church wouldn’t exist without a mastermind group.
Literally.
I was sitting in a mastermind with my dad when the idea first surfaced. It was a room full of passionate leaders, and in that moment, the spark for something bigger was lit. That one conversation started a journey that’s now serving thousands of churches across the country.
That’s what masterminds can do.
They create space for clarity, stretch your thinking, and push you to act on something bigger than yourself.
Why I Still Invest in Masterminds Today
I’ve spent over $100,000 on mastermind groups, and I’d do it again.
Today, I’m still active in two groups that keep me sharp, focused, and growing:
- A mastermind for software business owners, where I learn how to scale, market, and lead a SaaS company.
- A mastermind for business leaders who serve churches, where I connect with others who are passionate about ministry and impact.
What Masterminds Have Given Me
Joining a mastermind isn’t about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about being in the right room. Here’s what they’ve given me:
1. A Community That Challenges Me to Grow
Leadership can be lonely. Big decisions, high stakes, and constant pressure, it’s not always something you can talk about openly. Masterminds have given me a group of peers who get it. They encourage me, challenge me, and give honest feedback when I need it most.
2. Access to New Strategies and Insights
The business landscape is constantly changing. Masterminds have exposed me to new marketing approaches, leadership frameworks, and innovations I wouldn’t have found on my own. Often, a single insight from someone else’s journey has unlocked clarity and direction in mine.
3. A Safe Place for Honest Conversations
There’s no pretending in a good mastermind. It’s a place to be real, about wins, about setbacks, and about what’s not working. I’ve had some of my most vulnerable and clarifying conversations inside those rooms.
4. The Accountability to Follow Through
Growth doesn’t happen without action. One of the best parts of being in a mastermind is knowing that when I commit to something, someone’s going to follow up. That kind of accountability fuels consistency, and consistency fuels results.
The ROI of Community
Yes, masterminds cost money and require time. But for me, they’ve been one of the most valuable investments I’ve ever made.
It’s not about networking or exclusivity. It’s about wisdom, growth, and learning from others who’ve been where you’re going.
I don’t invest because I have it all figured out. I invest because I know I don’t.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Helping You Grow?
You don’t need a formal mastermind to experience this kind of growth. But you do need people in your life who stretch you.
So let me ask:
- Who challenges your thinking?
- Who supports your growth?
- Who helps you follow through on your goals?
If you don’t have those people yet, go find them. Because the right community doesn’t just help you grow… it helps you build something that matters.
How Mastermind Groups Changed My Life and Leadership
In this short video, I share how mastermind groups have shaped my leadership journey, from sparking the idea for Text In Church to helping me gain clarity, stay accountable, and uncover breakthrough strategies.
▶ Watch: How Masterminds Changed My Life
If you’ve ever felt like leadership is lonely or overwhelming, I hope this serves as a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. The right community can stretch your thinking, sharpen your skills, and help you build something that truly lasts.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
