Dan Reiland, Leader-Telegram Journalist Profile

Articles

How to Work With a Mentor

1 month ago | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

My friend and mentor, John Maxwell, has written and spoken about being mentored by the great coach John Wooden among others. Hearing this, a pastor asked me these questions: “How does one go about getting the greatest NCAA coach as a mentor? Did he (Maxwell) just ask for regular meetings and what does mentorship look like?” Good questions. I will admit that getting John Wooden as a coach is an extraordinary circumstance involving an extraordinary leader.
What Makes Them Come Back?

1 month ago | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

The most common reason people check out your church is someone invited them. The most common reason people leave your church is they don’t feel connected. But what are the most common reasons people return to your church after their first visit or two? Conversations about church attendance patterns are an ongoing subject and they affect how we measure guest retention rate and the length of time it takes for guests to connect within your church.
What Does Evangelism Look Like in the Church?

Mar 26, 2025 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

Invite a friend to church. What could be so hard about that right? But we all know it’s more challenging than it appears. Culture has shifted, and while it is true that there is a resurgence of interest in God and spiritual life, it is also true that popular culture does not see a need for regular church attendance. The invitation, however, is extraordinary. It’s about meaningful relationship and community. It’s an opportunity for a changed life and a better way to live.
Are You Making Your Leadership Role Even Harder?

Mar 20, 2025 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

All leaders have blind spots. We can’t see what we can’t see. That’s not an indictment; it’s a reality. It’s part of being human. I depend on close insiders to advise me, coach me, and tell me the truth. Without that, I’m nearly guaranteed to do most things the hard way. I’ll make and repeat avoidable mistakes, miss opportunities, and possibly – unknowingly hurt relationships. When I make myself accountable to a team, not only am I better the whole team is better.
God Created Us to Inspire Others

Feb 28, 2025 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

Do you think of yourself as an inspiring leader? Some leaders are not as inspiring as they could be, but that’s due more to a lack of intentionality rather than lack of talent or the right qualities. It’s easy to think of inspiration in a narrow and limited way. The most common is the example of a communicator who can inspire a large crowd from the stage. That’s a great ability, but when it comes to good leadership there is far more inspiration that happens off the stage than on it.
When a Leader Sticks Around

Jan 29, 2025 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

The vast majority of churches grow by layers not by leaps. Step by step, family by family, person by person rather than jumping by hundreds at a time. Because this is true, momentum is strengthened significantly by the longevity of the pastor. A longer pastoral tenure doesn’t guarantee greater spiritual results (growth and life change), but it sets the stage for it.
The Essential Purpose of the Church

Dec 13, 2024 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

When you think of church, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Is your thought of something good that you want to be part of or something complex, flawed and messy? Perhaps you think it’s a little of both. Is it a place of hope and healing? Is it about a problem and a solution? Is it an organization with a specific mission? Ultimately the church is about God and his people, good and evil and the story of redemption, and each of us are invited to find our place in that story.
'Leading Up': No One Said It Would Be Easy

Nov 7, 2024 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

A surprising number of people describe their work situation as difficult. How is yours? Perhaps your boss is demanding or unwilling to change. Maybe the culture is less than healthy. Or it seems like everyone is on their own, doing their own thing. Trying to make a difference in these circumstances is difficult and can at times seem impossible. I have encouraging news for you, it is possible, and learning to lead up will make a significant difference.
Traits of Effective Student Pastors: 7 Youth Ministry Essentials

Nov 6, 2024 | churchleaders.com | Dan Reiland

What are some traits of effective student pastors? And how can churches choose the right person for this important position? Read on for insights about qualities of top-notch youth ministry workers. These days I think about the next generation a lot. I think about my own young-adult kids. I think about teens who will graduate from high school soon, and those who aren’t far behind. What’s in store? What will their future be like?
No Leader Is an Island

Nov 5, 2024 | outreachmagazine.com | Dan Reiland

It can be lonely at the top. There is truth to that concept, but it’s more about decision-making, weight of leadership and responsibility. It’s not actually or literally about being alone. We were never designed to lead alone. It’s common for pastors and leaders in general, to attempt to lead from isolation. Candidly it’s easier to lead alone in the short term, but it’s never a good idea. The truth is, you can lead from isolation, just not long and not well.