What I've Learned from my Co-Workers at Mount Paran North--James Byrd

James Byrd is celebrating 10 years at Mount Paran North today! Pastor Byrd has served the Church of God denomination in so many capacities as pastor, evangelist, state/regional youth and discipleship director, administrative pastor and middle/senior adults pastor. In addition to that, he also served as a missions director at Haggai Institute for 7 years. JB is one of the wisest men that I have ever met and had the privilege to serve with. Though we never had an official mentoring relationship, he indeed is one of the mentors that I strive to emulate in servant leadership.

The greatest lesson I learned from James Byrd is to develop the art of listening to others and measuring my words. If you need an ear, you can be sure that Pastor Byrd will listen with full attention to what you are saying. This seems to be a lost art today because people are so preoccupied with multitasking that they miss the treasure of the moments we spend together. JB seems to be able to tune out everything else and focus only on the person he is engaged in conversation with. Because of his ability to listen, James Byrd can offer better advice and wisdom because he has actually heard and understood the other person and what they are facing in life.

Pastor Byrd also measures his words more than any person I have ever met. I often found myself interrupting Pastor Byrd when I thought he was finished speaking, but he was still measuring his words--this makes for awkward moments in conversation. Because he carefully thinks through every word before he speaks, the message he communicates is crystal clear. You do not walk away from a conversation with JB with misunderstanding. He communicates carefully and his clear messages are seasoned with grace.

James Byrd is the epitome and fulfillment of the scripture that says, "Be quick to listen and slow to speak." Thanks to my friend and mentor for teaching me invaluable lessons in leadership!

What I've Learned from my Co-Workers at Mount Paran North--David Lewis

David has been at North for over 18 years and has served in almost every conceivable ministry role. It is difficult to imagine a person having that much success in that many areas of ministry, and yet David has been very successful and highly consistent. He is the ultimate utility player--much like the guy you love to hate in baseball that switch-hits and plays every position well.

Though that is impressive in its own right, David's greatest trait is that he is one of the most loyal friends and colleagues a person can have. Now don't get me wrong--David is not afraid to speak his mind nor question established systems or ministries in leadership meetings. However, when the meeting is over and the decision is made, David supports the decision with his words and actions. If you weren't in the meeting, you would never know whether David was for or against the decision because his loyalty runs deeper than any personal agenda.

Because of this, I know that whatever I entrust to David from a working relationship to a personal friendship is safe. I hope and strive to be that kind of friend, leader, and co-worker where my loyalty can never be questioned. Thanks David for the 51/2 years of friendship and ministry we shared at North.

What I've Learned From my Co-Workers at Mount Paran North--Mark Walker

Dr. Mark Walker came to Mount Paran North in August of 1992 and serves as Senior Pastor. Mark is also a sought-after speaker for church conferences and serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University.

The most important thing I have observed in Mark is that his confidence in who he is in Christ enables him to look for the most talented people to come along side him in ministry. I have met a lot of talented leaders who say they would love to have good people to help them with their ministry or organization. The problem is they are so insecure in themselves, which prohibits them from hiring anyone they feel that may be better than them. Not so with Pastor Mark—he truly wants people that are extremely good in the areas that he is not. That has enabled him to surround himself with talented people who are loyal to him and Mount Paran North and exponentially increases his capacity to lead well and pursue the God-given vision he has for North.

Mark is one of the most gifted leaders I have been associated with and he reminds me that my security is in Christ. When I remember this, I open my life up to really talented people that God will send to help fulfill the vision.

What I've Learned From my Co-Workers at Mount Paran North--Cindy Hunnicutt

Cindy Hunnicutt came to Mount Paran North in January of 2008 and serves as the Director of Children’s Ministry. She is also founder and director of SquarePeg Ministries that reaches out to underprivileged children in the Atlanta area.

The most important thing I have observed in Cindy is to completely pour your life into the calling God has given you. If you are around Cindy for any amount of time, you realize that she lives, breathes and eats Children’s ministry. I once asked Cindy what type of music she liked to listen to. She responded, “children’s praise and worship music, of course.” The only other thing that matters to Cindy is her husband, Darrell, and her children (including their spouses) and grandchildren. This is the core of who she is. She is a devoted follower of Christ who has sold out to God’s calling as a minister, mother and grandmother. She is not enamored with little side issues that seem to distract others. Maybe this is why Cindy has been selected as president of a major children’s ministry more than once and is a much sought-after speaker and trainer at many children’s conferences.

Now Cindy can light up a room with her personality and seems comfortable in any situation. The reason is that she is comfortable in who she is in Christ and what God has called her to do. Thanks to Cindy for reminding me what a life of priority looks like in the busy world.