This week, Roswell Rotary is honored to welcome Pastor Mike Linch, Senior Pastor of NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he has served for 28 years. With a career rooted in ministry and mentorship, Mike brings a message titled Encouragement Builds Excellence, a theme that reflects his lifelong commitment to helping others discover and live out their purpose. A graduate of Liberty University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Mike’s background includes Division I baseball, youth ministry, and leadership roles that span both spiritual and athletic communities. He has delivered his encouraging messages to athletes at Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Atlanta Falcons, among others. Beyond the pulpit, Mike is a football chaplain and pitching coach at Allatoona High School, continuing his hands-on approach to encouragement and leadership. He and his wife Anne have been married for 33 years and are proud parents of two adult children.

In his talk, Mike explores the transformative power of encouragement not as a fleeting compliment, but as a legacy-building force. Drawing from examples he illustrates how affirmation and belief can unlock potential in others. Mike’s message is impactful for those in leadership, coaching, or mentorship roles. He reminds us that excellence isn’t built on performance alone, but nurtured through affirmation, belief, and purpose. Recognized as one of John Maxwell’s Top 30 Transformational Leaders in America and Acworth’s Business Person of the Year, Mike exemplifies the kind of servant leadership that uplifts others. For those interested in hearing more, his podcast series offers ongoing insights into faith, leadership, and personal growth and can be found here.