BiblicalLeadership.com writer profile: Roy Yanke

Roy Yanke Dec. 2, 2020

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Tell us a little about yourself.

My wife, Deb, and I have been married for 46 years, having met in our church youth group. We have one married daughter and two amazing grandchildren. We belong to Grace Chapel EPC Church in the metro Detroit area; I am an ordained ruling elder as well as a regular Bible teacher.

Having a creative bent, I do calligraphy, enjoy photography, play bass in the worship band at church and really enjoy jazz music. I am an avid Detroit Red Wings hockey fan and have a soft spot in my heart for my dog, Keillor.

Describe what kind of work you do, and what you've done in the past.

I am currently the executive director of PIR Ministries. I've worked in the area of pastoral renewal and restoration for over 25 years. I get to lead a great team who have all experienced that amazing grace of God for renewal in their own lives—a team that represents several denominations and geographical areas.

I interact daily with pastors who need a fresh dose of that message of restoration and renewal in Christ. We build relationships that can help these pastors and their families find new hope in the midst of the challenges of ministry life.

I pastored for 17 years in an evangelical denomination before I experienced my own major "crash and burn." After years of going through a process of restoration and before joining PIR Ministries, I worked in a variety of manufacturing environments, including a stint as quality manager for a growing medical equipment company.

What was your first-ever leadership role?

During my Bible college days, I became the "president" of one of the men's fraternal groups. It was a great time to learn to work with others as a team. We were responsible for putting on several college-wide events each year, as well as focusing on encouraging each other in our pursuit of Jesus.

How has God grown you as a leader over the years?

It has been a slow process of moving from a very top-down approach to seeing leadership as influence within the sphere that God has assigned to me.

I have learned how important my own self-awareness is to good leadership, and that collaboration—listening well to God and others—is the surest way to set a meaningful path forward. I have also seen the importance of distinguishing between the types of leadership and when it is important to lean into the type that makes the most sense, whether tactical, strategic or transformational.

I believe I've grown because certain people have consistently spoken into my life about areas that could sabotage my leadership.

What's the hardest leadership lesson you've ever learned?

Learning to say "no." Over and over again I have to face the fact that I have more ideas and see more opportunities than could ever be brought to fruition. Being able to say no to others and their expectations is a part of that as well. The performance mentality we learn so early is a relentless and wicked taskmaster. Unfortunately for many of us, this mindset translates into our relationship with God.

What advice would you give to Christian leaders?

The most important thing to pursue throughout our lives and in our leadership is self-awareness. It is a life-long process that pays dividends beyond the effort it requires. There is no growth without it. Unhealthy leadership is the fruit of the lack of self-awareness. Do all you can to understand your own heart and mind.

Most meaningful Scripture:

Luke 22:31-34 (NIV)— ³¹ "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. ³²But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

³³But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."

³⁴Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

Jesus basically tells Peter the wheels will fall off, but He already knows Peter will be restored. Jesus already advocated on his behalf before the Father.

This was an astounding revelation to me in my own restoration, and is a constant theme I come back to for myself and for the ministry leaders I interact with.

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Roy Yanke is the Executive Director of PIR Ministries, a national ministry of renewal and restoration for pastors and their families. Roy has been a workshop presenter for a variety of ministry seminars around the country on the topic of pastoral self-care. He has been the principle speaker for pastor's retreats, and is also a regular guest lecturer at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Roy pastored for 17 years before experiencing his own crash and burn; Roy and Deb live in the metro Detroit area. Learn More »

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