Rev. Dr. Byrene Haney is a dedicated and experienced pastor with over 31 years of service in multi-ethnic urban congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. And a Doctorate of Education from Concordia Univerisity, Irvine, CA. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including Senior Pastor at Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI, and Mission Facilitator for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.
Currently, Rev. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President in the Iowa District West, where he assists congregations with strategic planning, visioning, outreach, and fostering a culture of generosity and human care. His commitment to connecting faith with community needs and crises has significantly impacted the congregations he serves.
Recent Content
"When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." Proverbs 21:15
"When justice is don…
"When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." Proverbs 21:15
Steve Schave shares his inspiring journey from the business world to becoming a pastor and ultimately leading LAMP Mission, which focuses on sharing Christ with indigenous communities in remote areas.…
Steve Schave shares …
Steve Schave shares his inspiring journey from the business world to becoming a pastor and ultimately leading LAMP Mission, which focuses on sharing Christ with indigenous communities in remote areas. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the profound impact that personal loss had on his decision to enter ministry. Throughout the conversation, Steve reflects on the challenges and rewards of church planting and community revitalization, illustrating how entrepreneurial skills can be leveraged to address complex issues in inner-city environments. He recounts powerful stories that highli…
Understanding your leadership style is crucial to effective engagement, decision-making, and team management. Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it takes on various forms influenced by pe…
Understanding your l…
Understanding your leadership style is crucial to effective engagement, decision-making, and team management. Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it takes on various forms influenced by personality, experiences, and values. This guide aims to help you embark on the rewarding journey of identifying and embracing your unique leadership style.
Join Keith as he welcomes Ann Mracek, author of "Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child." Ann shares her transformative journey of emptying her parents' home as they transitioned to a…
Join Keith as he wel…
Join Keith as he welcomes Ann Mracek, author of "Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child." Ann shares her transformative journey of emptying her parents' home as they transitioned to assisted living, which triggered profound childhood memories and suppressed traumas. Through her vivid storytelling, she illustrates the power of retrospection in healing and reframing painful experiences, allowing for personal Growth and emotional release. With insights on the significance of inclusivity and the impact of childhood programming on adult Relationships, Ann emphasizes the importance …
In today’s dynamic landscape, organizations constantly face the need for change. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, changing consumer preferences, or navigating external pressures,…
In today’s dyn…
In today’s dynamic landscape, organizations constantly face the need for change. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, changing consumer preferences, or navigating external pressures, the ability to lead effectively through these transformations is crucial. Central to this capability is leadership style, which can significantly impact organizational change. This post explores five distinct leadership styles—Transformational, Servant, Charismatic, Transactional, and Authoritative—and how they each uniquely guide organizations through change.
Pastor Chris Nitzel shares his inspiring journey in ministry and the transformative impact of his congregation's outreach to the Hispanic community in Hartley, Iowa. Emphasizing the importance of humi…
Pastor Chris Nitzel …
Pastor Chris Nitzel shares his inspiring journey in ministry and the transformative impact of his congregation's outreach to the Hispanic community in Hartley, Iowa. Emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership, he reflects on the best piece of advice he received: to wield authority wisely while empowering others to take credit for their contributions. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities faced when integrating a new cultural group into church life, including the implementation of ESL classes as a gateway for connection. Pastor Chris also shares heartwarming stori…
Storytelling in faith communities is a powerful tool that goes beyond simple communication. It connects us, helping us share historical narratives, personal experiences, and cultural legacies that res…
Storytelling in fait…
Storytelling in faith communities is a powerful tool that goes beyond simple communication. It connects us, helping us share historical narratives, personal experiences, and cultural legacies that resonate deeply within our faith journeys. By uncovering these hidden gems, we can inspire others to grow in their faith, creating a community filled with understanding and empathy.
Rich with vulnerability and insight, the podcast invites listeners into the lives of three widows who navigate the complexities of loss, Grief, and eventual healing. Karen, Rebecca, and K.J. articulat…
Rich with vulnerabil…
Rich with vulnerability and insight, the podcast invites listeners into the lives of three widows who navigate the complexities of loss, grief, and eventual healing. Karen, Rebecca, and K.J. articulate their journeys in a candid and relatable manner, starting from the moment they received devastating news to the long paths they traveled toward recovery. The conversation tackles the nuances of widowhood, including societal expectations surrounding grief and the often isolating experience of losing a partner. Through their stories, the women reveal not only their individual struggles but also th…
Change is a constant in our world, and while it often brings opportunities for growth and development, it can also be met with resistance. The church, as a deeply rooted institution, has long been rec…
Change is a constant…
Change is a constant in our world, and while it often brings opportunities for growth and development, it can also be met with resistance. The church, as a deeply rooted institution, has long been recognized for its reluctance to adapt to new paradigms. This tension between the irresistible force of change and the immovable object of church culture can lead to challenges that, if not managed well, might hinder progress and fracturing relationships. In this post, we will explore practical strategies for churches to navigate change effectively while fostering interpersonal connections.Understa…
Matt McGee, founder of MRM Education, shares invaluable insights on college admissions and the importance of fostering academic curiosity in students. He emphasizes that success in the college applica…
Matt McGee, founder …
Matt McGee, founder of MRM Education, shares invaluable insights on college admissions and the importance of fostering academic curiosity in students. He emphasizes that success in the college application process is not merely about getting into prestigious schools but about discovering and pursuing one's true interests and passions. With over a decade of experience in tutoring and college consulting, Matt highlights the significance of resilience and perseverance in achieving long-term goals. He also discusses the growing Mental Health challenges faced by students transitioning to college and…
Dear Subscribers, I am excited to announce a new resource for 2025 focused on "Leading Effective Change in Your Congregation." This resource aims to equip our church leaders and members with the tools…
Dear Subscribers, I …
Dear Subscribers, I am excited to announce a new resource for 2025 focused on "Leading Effective Change in Your Congregation." This resource aims to equip our church leaders and members with the tools and insights to navigate and implement positive changes within our community. What to Expect:Inspirational Messages: We will share weekly messages that inspire and motivate us to embrace change with faith and courage. Practical Workshops: Join us for hands-on workshops where we will explore practical strategies for leading change effectively. Special Podcast Speakers: We will host expe…
Join Rev. Dr. Keith Haney on the Narrative Stories Podcast as he interviews Pastor Mark about his compelling book, Curious Cases: A Series of Short Pastoral Case Studies. This episode dives into the …
Join Rev. Dr. Keith …
Join Rev. Dr. Keith Haney on the Narrative Stories Podcast as he interviews Pastor Mark about his compelling book, Curious Cases: A Series of Short Pastoral Case Studies. This episode dives into the best advice Pastor Mark has received, the people who have inspired him, and his journey into the ministry. They also discuss the selection of cases for his book, the challenges pastors face today, sermon preparation, and the book’s reception by the pastoral community. The conversation wraps up with insights on using the book as a study guide and Pastor Mark’s desired Legacy.Don’t miss this i…
Reverend Garret Casper shares insights into his pastor journey and experiences at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School in Des Moines, Iowa. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a vibrant and su…
Reverend Garret Casp…
Reverend Garret Casper shares insights into his pastor journey and experiences at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School in Des Moines, Iowa. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a vibrant and supportive community for the church and school, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of bridging the gap between the two. Garrett discusses his commitment to discipleship and how he models faith-sharing within his congregation and school community. He reflects on the significance of maintaining humility as a leader and his family's role in his ministry. Additionally, Garrett addresses the potent…
Reverend Michael Parris shares his inspiring journey from Retirement back to missionary work in Asia, highlighting the profound impact of sharing God's love across diverse cultures. With a background …
Reverend Michael Par…
Reverend Michael Parris shares his inspiring journey from retirement back to missionary work in Asia, highlighting the profound impact of sharing God's love across diverse cultures. With a background as a pastor, English teacher, and church planter, Michael emphasizes the unique challenges and rewards of ministering in a context whereffect interpersonal relationships. He reflects on how important it is to adapt preaching styles to prioritize the messages of grace and forgiveness, especially for those who have lived under oppressive systems. Michael also recounts memorable interactions that ill…
The story of the Wise Men, or Magi, visiting the newborn Jesus is one of the most cherished narratives in the Christian tradition. Their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize wealth and…
The story of the Wis…
The story of the Wise Men, or Magi, visiting the newborn Jesus is one of the most cherished narratives in the Christian tradition. Their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize wealth and reverence while holding profound spiritual significance. In this post, we will uncover the deeper meanings behind these gifts, illuminating their symbolism in the context of Jesus and exploring their representations in religious teachings.
This podcast delves into the profound and often unspoken journey of widowhood, featuring three remarkable women who share their personal experiences and insights. They emphasize that there is no right…
This podcast delves …
This podcast delves into the profound and often unspoken journey of widowhood, featuring three remarkable women who share their personal experiences and insights. They emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, highlighting the individuality of each person's process. The conversation uncovers the importance of being prepared for unexpected life events, with practical advice on how to support those facing loss. Listeners will find valuable takeaways on the significance of open communication and community support, as well as the need to prepare for the future, even in the midst of …
The story of Jesus' birth is central to Christianity, celebrated every year around the world during Christmas. While many know the basic narrative, there’s often confusion about where exactly Je…
The story of Jesus' …
The story of Jesus' birth is central to Christianity, celebrated every year around the world during Christmas. While many know the basic narrative, there’s often confusion about where exactly Jesus was born. Contrary to popular belief, the term "inn" as used in the Bible can be misleading. The place of His birth was likely not an inn as we understand it today but rather a humble barn where animals were kept. This blog post seeks to clarify the setting of Jesus’ birth, highlighting its significance for Christians and how it reflects profound truths about humility, accessibility, and…