Archive for Leadership
Leaders Follow
John Byrne teaches a group of men about leadership and what it means to follow. Who are you following?
The Power of Prayer
Everyone says it. Sometimes I get weary of hearing it. Prayer is that one thing we should all do a lot of and most of us, maybe all of us, don’t do enough. There have probably been millions of blogs and articles written about prayer, so why write another one? Because I think, I hope, [...]
Youth Pastors and Their Wives
John and His wife Christa talk about the marriage relationship, the ups and downs, the difficulties and blessings, and some practical tips for keeping a marriage healthy while in ministry. Take some time and watch this with your spouse.
This is part two:
Volunteers vs. Team Members
Probably the number one issue for youth pastors is volunteers. How do you get them? How do you keep them? Here are some simple things I do and don’t do.
Things I Don’t Do:
Make announcements (they almost never work)
Put inserts in the bulletin (see above)
Take anyone who want’s to help
Ask people to be a volunteer (sounds [...]
Heroes Never Die!
My Grandpa and spiritual mentor passed away a couple of hours ago(as I write this). My eyes are dried up, but occasionally they well up and spill a little more. I have been going through one of his old Bibles that I am privileged to have. I know it is weird, but I am actually [...]
Honestly Evaluating your ministry
Have you ever watched a video of yourself presenting a message? How about listening to yourself sing? I have, and I don’t particularily enjoy either of them. I am critical and can’t believe the mistakes I make. Sometimes the truth is painful, but helpful. Every person who follows Jesus [...]
Understanding Your Context
A lot is made of understanding our cultural context. There are magazines like Relevant and people like Walt Mueller who help us in that area. There are web sites about how to use movies, music, Facebook and other cultural phenomenons to further God’s kingdom. To all of them I am thankful, and [...]
Learning to Use Ministry Models
My Freshman year at Oak Hills Bible College in Bemidji (otherwise known as Buuurrrmidji), MN I began my paid youth ministry career. I was hired (along with the woman who is now my wife) to do youth ministry in a small town. At the age of 17 I began a quest to change [...]
Learning to be a General Contractor
I love students, I love God, and I love to teach and preach. I am not an organizer, or a detail oriented person. My guess is you may fall into this category or one similar. If you are like me you would like to have a large ministry, not for the sake [...]
Retreat Mussings
This weekend I was in Ohio speaking at a retreat. I was at some old school that is being turned into a youth center(www.soncenter.org). My phone didn’t work, there was no way to check my email, and it was freezing cold even inside the building. I am not complaining, it was great. [...]
