Honoring a long-time leader

A recent issue of the Atlantic Conference newsletter highlighted Bishop John Byers upon his latest transition in ministry, this time from associate bishop with the Southeast Conference to pastor of congregational ministries at the Messiah Village BIC Church. The newsletter used the words “servant,” “team player,” and “administratively savvy” to describe John, to which we add the words “adaptive,” “dependable,” and “gift to the BIC Church.”

Over the past 30 years, John has served as bishop of the Atlantic Conference (1978-1990), director of bishops (1990-1994), bishop of the Great Lakes Conference (1994-2004), and associate bishop of the Southeast Conference (2004-2008).

A few years ago, John Byers suited up with the rest of Leadership Council in a metaphorical representation of the role of bishops within the Brethren in Christ Church.

To quote Bishop Craig Sider’s tribute to John: “While W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets were popular for a season, these letters have typified Bishop John’s leadership, year after year. He has been a true servant of the Church, responding time and time again to the invitation to leadership roles. . . . And while John can display great strength in his leadership, he is a consummate team player, . . . He has a gift for administrative leadership that is evident in whatever role he assumes.”

Similarly, Eduardo Llanes, John’s successor as bishop in the Southeast Conference, states: “It has been my privilege to be in ministry with John for over twenty years, and he was instrumental in my coming to Miami. John’s dedication, his availability, and his willingness to help beyond the call of duty have been an inspiration to me. I always felt that as my bishop, he was with me and for me.”

The Brethren in Christ Church is much the richer for John’s many years of service, and we praise God for his continuing enthusiasm for and effectiveness in ministry.

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