Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story.
Coach • Consultant • Author • Teacher • Pastor
A steady and thoughtful leader, Dr. Mike Friesz serves as a manager, coach, consultant, community leader, and pastor. He is dedicated to building people and leaders in every capacity.
Early Life and Calling
Dr. Friesz committed his life to Christ as a young boy, a decision that later led to a commitment to serve the Lord as a pastor. He later earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Ministry degrees, grounding his pastoral work in both academic depth and practical wisdom. He began preaching at fifteen and pastoring at nineteen, launching a ministry that has spanned decades across Missouri.
His leadership and teaching reflect a blend of theological insight, pastoral care, and a deep desire to help people grow in their faith.
The Journey to Engage as a Coach and Consultant
Three major developments shaped the creation of Engage Coaching and Consulting:
- A Foundation of Faith — Dr. Friesz’s relationship with Christ has guided his motives, shaped his character, and influenced every aspect of his leadership. While his coaching resources serve people from all backgrounds, his faith remains the foundation of his work and calling.
- A Growing Understanding of Spiritual Gifts — Through years of teaching and leading spiritual gifts studies, he discovered a passion for helping people understand their God‑given design. Whether pastoring small congregations or larger churches, he has consistently focused on helping individuals identify their gifts, motivations, and potential.
- A Passion for Leadership Development — During his doctoral studies, exposure to leadership assessments sparked a lifelong pursuit of leadership theory and practice. His leadership tools and resources reflect decades of study, pastoral experience, and hands‑on leadership across diverse settings.
A Broader Leadership Journey
Alongside his pastoral work, Dr. Friesz became bi‑vocational, serving as a bank manager for three financial institutions. His roles included training, leadership development, strategic planning, and mentoring. He has presented leadership development topics at Bank of America, Regions Bank, and Midland States Bank.
His leadership influence extends into the community as well, where he has served as a chaplain, president of ministerial alliances, and in various other leadership roles. These experiences have shaped a well‑rounded understanding of leadership that bridges ministry, business, and community life.
Author and Communicator
Dr. Friesz is the author of several books designed to help readers understand Scripture and navigate cultural change through a Christian worldview:
- What Would Jesus Say? — A reflection on cultural shifts in America and the words Jesus would say to people in His churches today.
- The Lion Will Roar — A conversational exploration of biblical prophecy and the return of Christ, framed through discussions with his grandson.
- Death, Then What? — A hopeful look at eternity and the Christian promise of life beyond death. We are all headed to our end. What comes next?
His writing is accessible, thoughtful, and rooted in a desire to encourage believers in their faith.
Family and Personal Life
Dr. Friesz is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family remains one of his greatest joys and a continual reminder of God’s goodness. Whether preaching, writing, coaching, or mentoring, he carries a heart for guiding future generations with wisdom, humility, and grace.
