A glimpse into the life of an incredible youth worker, Brian Dye. Brian's ministry in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago is a tangible example of living a life of discipleship. "Disipleship happens best, life on life. It happens as people see, not just hear, what I teach, but see it practiced in everyday life." 

Check out his ministry at Legacy Movement.

One of the most effective ways you can minister to your pastor is to pray for him. As normal, ordinary men, pastors are fallible and must consistently pursue the character God requires of them, as well as faithfully completing the many duties attached to their roles. Knowing that others are praying for him is an encouragement to the heart of a man who longs to give his best to God! As you seek to pray for your pastor, consider praying for two areas of his life: his personal needs as well as his spiritual needs.

I remember when 55 seemed really old. Right now it feels like the prime of life.  

What does a 55 year old worship leader think about? Here’s a sample…

1. The years I have left for fruitful ministry are dwindling.


Used to be I never thought much about death. Now I think about it at least weekly. Life is short, and it keeps getting shorter. I estimate I have between 10-20 more years of fruitful ministry, Lord willing. Then again, I may not live to see 2011. A lot to accomplish before I’m done, though. Songs to write, messages to preach, albums to produce. Maybe another book or two. And then I get to see the face of my Redeemer. So I keep running the race.

2. Now’s the time to influence the next generation.


These years aren’t about me (were they ever?). I want to spend more time helping younger musicians and leaders grow in their godliness, gifts, and influence. I’m hoping to offer an study/internship next fall for a few guys, and in the mean time trying to spend more regular time with twenty-something potential leaders. I don’t want to act like I have nothing to learn from the next generation, and I want to do everything I can to help them avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made. So I mentor.

I’m often asked, “How can I know if I am called to pastoral ministry?” Here is a very quick checklist of questions I would want to ask in any discussion about a call to the ministry.

1. Do you have a holy desire (1 Tim. 3:1)?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a pastor. In fact, when God calls a man, he usually implants a strong desire for the work in his heart.

A holy desire for the pastoral ministry will be motivated by a passion for the glory of Christ and the salvation of precious souls. To a certain degree, every Christian should have these desires. But potential pastors should have them to an unusually high degree.

Sadly, many want to be pastors for unholy reasons: these include a love of books, an ambition to make a name for yourself, or wanting to become a Seminary professor. On that last point, I know there are exceptions, but I get quite worried when Seminary students start expressing a desire to be a teacher of pastors without having spent even a day in pastoral ministry.