Discovering Our Strengths

Nate Burns • Lead Pastor
August 24, 2026

3 Minute Read
Leadership isn't just about having a title or being in charge.

It's about becoming the person God created you to be and using who you are to help someone else become who God created them to be. That's really the heart behind Mustang Naz Leads. We want to create an environment where leaders can better understand themselves, grow alongside others, receive encouragement and coaching, and intentionally invest in the next generation of leaders.

Recently, I was talking with Robert D. Brown (he leads our Young Adult Group and is pictured above if you haven’t met him yet) about Mac Lake's Leading Yourself, and he asked a great question: “How do I discover my strengths?”

One helpful resource that I’ve used is CliftonStrengths, which is an assessment developed by Gallup that helps you identify your natural talents and better understand how they influence the way you lead, relate to people, solve problems, and get things done. I learned that my top 5 strengths are: Competition, Empathy, Achiever, Belief, and Significance.

This knowledge has helped me reframe the way I view myself in a lot of ways. Things I used to think may have been weak points were actually now celebrated. Things I thought I needed to be less of, I could now live into. To prove this point, here are a couple confessions of how I try to lay my skills down at the feet of Jesus.

  • I sometimes worry about being overly competetive (just ask my family on board game night) but I’ve resolved to use my drive to be excellent as a springboard to becoming the best pastor that I know how to be. Not because I want to be competing against other pastors or churches, but because growing my skill in this area is one of the best offerings I can give to the Lord!
  • Some days are hard and I wonder if things I do or say carry any significance in a world that is challenging. These days are hard, but it is comforting to know that my significance is not something I have been able to fabricate on my own. My significance is firmly rooted in the fact that Jesus loves me deeply and that God has called me to share His love with the world.
  • My empathy tells me that I’m not the only one who needs to not just hear, but feel this good news.
Seeing leadership through the lens of our strengths has freed me to focus on being who God has created me to be instead of just trying to measure up to who I think I should be. This way of thinking has also helped me see others for who God designed them to be instead of how I might see them on the surface.

After being transformed in the way I think about things, (Romans 12), I’ve begun to consciously (and maybe even unconsciously) start seeing the things my friends were great at, and I began asking myself the question:

“How can I help create more of what (insert name) is great at in their lives, our church, our community, and the world?”

So let’s look deeper into what brings us joy today and analyze our strengths in this season of life. Discovering our strengths isn't about putting ourselves in boxes; it's about gaining a better understanding of how God has uniquely wired us.

May we all become more intentional in how we serve, lead, and invest in others!

-Pastor Nate

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August 24, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Discovering Our Strengths
Leadership isn't just about having a title or being in charge. It's about becoming the person God created you to be and using who you are to help someone else become who God created them to be. That's really the heart behind Mustang Naz Leads. We want to create an environment where leaders can better understand themselves, grow alongside others, receive encouragement and coaching, and intentionally invest in the next generation of leaders. Recently, I was talking with Robert D. Brown (he leads our Young Adult Group and is pictured above if you haven’t met him yet) about Mac Lake's Leading Yourself, and he asked a great question: “How do I discover my strengths?” One helpful resource that I’ve used is CliftonStrengths, which is an assessment developed by Gallup that helps you identify your natural talents and better understand how they influence the way you lead, relate to people, solve problems, and get things done. I learned that my top 5 strengths are: Competition, Empathy, Achiever, Belief, and Significance. This knowledge has helped me reframe the way I view myself in a lot of ways. Things I used to think may have been weak points were actually now celebrated. Things I thought I needed to be less of, I could now live into. To prove this point, here are a couple confessions of how I try to lay my skills down at the feet of Jesus. I sometimes worry about being overly competetive (just ask my family on board game night) but I’ve resolved to use my drive to be excellent as a springboard to becoming the best pastor that I know how to be. Not because I want to be competing against other pastors or churches, but because growing my skill in this area is one of the best offerings I can give to the Lord! Some days are hard and I wonder if things I do or say carry any significance in a world that is challenging. These days are hard, but it is comforting to know that my significance is not something I have been able to fabricate on my own. My significance is firmly rooted in the fact that Jesus loves me deeply and that God has called me to share His love with the world. My empathy tells me that I’m not the only one who needs to not just hear, but feel this good news. Seeing leadership through the lens of our strengths has freed me to focus on being who God has created me to be instead of just trying to measure up to who I think I should be. This way of thinking has also helped me see others for who God designed them to be instead of how I might see them on the surface. After being transformed in the way I think about things, (Romans 12), I’ve begun to consciously (and maybe even unconsciously) start seeing the things my friends were great at, and I began asking myself the question: “How can I help create more of what (insert name) is great at in their lives, our church, our community, and the world?” So let’s look deeper into what brings us joy today and analyze our strengths in this season of life. Discovering our strengths isn't about putting ourselves in boxes; it's about gaining a better understanding of how God has uniquely wired us. May we all become more intentional in how we serve, lead, and invest in others! -Pastor Nate

Nate Burns

Lead Pastor

August 13, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
What's A Cohort?!?
Believe it or not, I’ve been in full time pastoral ministry for 26 years. That’s a strange revelation. Not only have I been a Pastor for over a quarter-century, I’ve also lived my entire life in either a parsonage or dorm of some type since I took up the family trade. (Thanks Dad!) When I left Southern Nazarene University in May of 2000, I’d hoped my education and life experience had prepared me for everything a pastorate could bring. SPOILER ALERT: It did not! Fortunately many churches and laypeople poured into me and helped shape me over the years, but in 2009 I discovered the power of a small group called a cohort. I had no idea what a cohort was, but it sounded important. What I learned is that a cohort is simply a small group of three or four leaders who connect regularly to grow together on purpose. My first cohort was a group of pastors from different denominations who opened my eyes to several forms of encouragement, accountability, and a new pathway of collaborative learning. It was a place to talk about what I was learning, and even more importantly, I wasn’t expected to be an expert or some spiritual guru...I was just allowed to grow. Pastors need that more than you may know. Our goal is to provide a similar learning pathway to the leaders of our church through studying Leading Yourself. We’re creating the same cohort model that shaped me as a safe place to share what we're experiencing in leadership, ask questions, pray for one another, and encourage each other to keep growing. We believe deeply that no one leads alone. Every leader needs people who know them, encourage them, challenge them, and walk alongside them. As we’ve been in the early stages of launching Mustang Naz Leads, several leaders have asked us, “How do I get into a cohort?” That question helped our staff realize that, while we've talked a lot about Mustang Naz Leads, we needed to make the next steps clearer and easier to follow. With that in mind, we've created a Mustang Naz Leads Interest Form. If you're interested in growing as a leader, joining a cohort, developing an apprentice, or simply figuring out where you fit, complete the form below. It will give our staff the information we need to help connect you with the right people and opportunities.Mustang Naz Leads Interest Form We also know there are times when you need a more personal conversation, which is why participants of the Mustang Naz Leads have the opportunity for one-on-one coaching with one of our staff pastors. Each month participants can schedule a 30-minute coaching conversation or grab coffee with a pastor of your choice. Bring a leadership challenge you're facing, talk about your strengths, work through a goal, discuss how to develop an apprentice, or simply talk about where God may be leading you next. Coaching isn't about having someone give you all the answers; it's about having someone come alongside you and help you keep moving forward.Schedule a 30-Minute Coaching Conversation Why are we investing in all of this? Because at Mustang Naz, we believe every leader is a Disciple Maker. We're not simply trying to fill positions or find more volunteers. We want to develop people who develop people. We want leaders who are learning to lead themselves well, who are growing alongside others, and who are intentionally investing what God has given them into someone else. That's what Mustang Naz Leads is all about: leading yourself, growing with others, investing in an apprentice, and multiplying what God has placed in you. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. You simply need to be willing to take your next step. Continuing to Lead and to Serve, -Pastor Nate

Nate Burns

Lead Pastor

August 5, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
No One Leads Alone
Last Wednesday was an exciting time! As our church staff board are initiating our new Mustang Naz Leads emphasis, I had the opportunity to meet in the community room with over 20 leaders who serve in different areas of our church. We had people from every scope of consistent ministry represented in our conversations. Some have been attending and serving our community for decades, others were people who have recently adopted Mustang Naz as their home church. It was truly a beautiful cross section of our people and I can’t wait to see how we grow. While there was overwhelming enthusiasm for this mission, there was one consistent question: “How are we going to accomplish the goal of making disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples?” Admittedly this is a big question, and likely an ever shifting answer. It can be a challenge to get people, even people who want the same things, on the same page! What I believe our team is actually needing more than excited intentions is a repeatable process. After doing some studying on my own, these are the first steps I believe we can take to implement growth in the area of Leadership Development. Choosing A Top Notch Roadmap I’m excited to read the book Leading Yourself by Mac Lake with everyone who participates in Mustang Naz Leads. We have additional copies available and if you haven’t picked up a copy we’d love to get one of the books in your hands. Scheduled Leadership Gatherings One reason new efforts struggle to maintain momentum is because sometimes we struggle to maintain consistency in those things. This is why we have to stick to a schedule. After we have had a few weeks of open invitation, we will be closing this session of Mustang Naz Leads so that this group of leaders can progress and we will begin the waiting list for the next session of the group for anyone who might be ready by that time. Every other month, all leaders will gather together to discuss the book, learn leadership principles, encourage one another, and grow together. Our next gathering is Wednesday, September 30th, and we will be discussing Module 1: Leading On Mission of the book. Leadership Cohorts Between gatherings, you will meet with a cohort of three or four leaders. Cohorts will meet monthly or every other month, depending on what works best for your group. You are welcome to choose your own cohort, or we will be happy to connect you with one. Monthly Coaching Once each month, you will have the opportunity to meet with a staff pastor for a coaching conversation. This can be done in person or online and is designed to encourage you, answer questions, help you navigate challenges, and support your continued growth. We’re still working out our scheduling process to help our pastors facilitate this in a structured way, but we will have this completed soon and will create a new post when it is accomplished. Why are we doing this? We believe leadership is not built through information alone. It is developed through knowledge, ministry experience, coaching, and relationships. Healthy leaders develop healthy ministries, and healthy leaders invest in future leaders. Our prayer is that every leader at Mustang Naz is growing personally, leading effectively, and intentionally developing an apprentice who will be ready to lead in the future. We are excited to take this journey together as we become leaders who make disciples and disciples who make more disciples. If you missed our first session and want to step into leadership, tap the button below and get connected with us now!More Information Leading with you! -Pastor Nate

Nate Burns

Lead Pastor

July 31, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Mustang Naz Leads
This week reminded me why leadership matters. While I was away on vacation, our church family walked through multiple funerals. I’ll be honest, I wrestled with being gone. Part of me wondered if I could really afford to be away during such an important time. But then I watched our leaders step in. Pastor BJ, Pastor Kym, Michelle, Amy, and so many others organized meals, communicated with families, coordinated details, and most importantly, loved people well. They became the hands and feet of Jesus to families who were hurting. Ministry didn’t stop because one pastor was out of town. It continued because faithful leaders answered the call. It reminded me of something I deeply believe: I couldn’t afford not to have great leaders ready to step in. That’s exactly why we’re launching Mustang Naz Leads. We often lean into the idea that “No One Prays Alone at Mustang Naz” as one of our core cultural values. In this season I believe God is calling us to also adopt the idea that “No One Leads Alone at Mustang Naz.” Matthew 9:35-38 tells us: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Leadership isn’t about building a bigger staff, it’s about building more disciples who are equipped to lead. Every ministry needs apprentices. Every leader needs to be developing another leader. That’s how the Church multiplies, cares for people, and fulfills God’s mission together. The future of Mustang Naz isn’t built on one leader. It’s built on leaders who develop leaders. And that’s exactly where we’re headed together. As I ponder and pray about this new emphasis for our future, I’ll be writing a series of updates on how we’re going to accomplish our goal to replicate the great leaders that God has already entrusted to us. To guide us through our first season of Mustang Naz Leads we’re going to be studying a book by Mac Lake called Leading Yourself. We have copies of the book available, and a great next step for you if you feel God nudging you toward greater service is to just tap the learn more button at the bottom of this note. There you can send us an email letting us know that you’re interested in getting more connected in serving. Thank you to every one of you who stepped up this week. You didn’t just fill a role, you represented Jesus. I’m grateful to serve alongside a team that leads with both competence and compassion! See You Sunday! -Pastor NateLearn More

Nate Burns

Lead Pastor

July 17, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
I'm Game
What if this is the month you stop watching from the sidelines and step into all God has for you? I don’t know about you, but I love baseball. In fact, going to baseball games has been a very meaningful tradition in our family. Our goal is to visit as many Major League Baseball Parks as we can and we’re currently gearing up for a road trip with them to go visit three different cities in the next couple weeks. We’re going to start at Comiskey Park (yes, I know the name changed...but nostalgia means something right?), we’ll continue up the coast of Lake Michigan to Milwaukee to catch a Brewers game, and will venture through dairy country to see the Twins. We’d greatly appreciate your prayers as we travel, make memories, and enjoy being together over these next couple weeks! As we get ready to hit the road, I just can’t help but sing John Fogerty’s classic song Centerfield. Put Me In Coach... I’m ready to play... Today. Look at me... I can be... Centerfield. As our staff has been praying about what God would have us do this fall, the song is staying in my head because I love the real message of the song. The singer sees that there’s more joy in being on the field than in the dugout. He’s desperate to get his chance to show that he can contribute to the team, not just in the future, but today. Not just in any position, but in Centerfield. Right in the thick of the action! Throughout August, our I'm Game series is an invitation to do the same in our Faith Lives. Whether your next step is to grow, serve, give, lead, or be baptized, we believe God has something just for you. Our Kids and Teens Are Game To Level Up We step up to the plate on August 2 with Promotion Sunday, as our children and students move into their new classes and begin a new ministry year. Are you game to grow in your personal spiritual formation this year? August 5 at 6:30 PM, we celebrate our Midweek Kickoff! Join us for First Wednesday Worship that night and each First Wednesday service through the end of the year. Are you game to see your families lock into the year by centering their weeks on learning more about Jesus? Get your students plugged in with NazKids and NazStudents and join one of our groups!. Bring the whole family as we launch a new season of Wednesday night ministries. Midweek is a great place to build relationships, grow in your faith, and stay encouraged by others throughout the week.Find A Group Are You Game To Go Deeper? If you’re new to Mustang Naz join us August 9th 9:00 AM for Breakfast with the Pastors. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our church and meet our pastoral Team. Following worship, our group leaders are hosting a Ministry Fair will help you discover small groups and serving opportunities where you can use your gifts to make a difference. We’ll follow that morning up on Wednesday August 12 with Discover Mustang Naz at 6:30 PM. learn more about who we are, what we believe, and how you can become part of our church family.Next Steps Are You Game For Joining A Global Movement? To hear some of our latest mission work, join us August 16 for Breakfast at 9:30 AM in our Gym. We’ll be welcoming Missionaries Chris and Courtney Troutman and Pastors Chase and Hannah Matson. The Troutmans are overseas missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene with extensive work and experience in Mongolia, and the Matsons are planting The Commons Church of the Nazarene right here in Oklahoma City. It’ll be a great morning to see all of the places and all of the ways God is changing lives through the Church of the Nazarene!Mustang Naz On Mission Are You Game To Go Public With Your Faith? We're celebrating Family Sunday a week early on August 23, and one of the highlights will be baptisms. If you've placed your faith in Jesus but have never been baptized, this is your opportunity to go public with your faith. Baptism is a beautiful declaration that your life belongs to Christ. Have you decided it's time to take that step?I'm Interested In Baptism Are You Game To Join The Team? Finally, on August 30, we'll conclude the series with a challenge to join something new in the life of our church. Every follower of Jesus has a purpose, and every person has a place to serve. God hasn't called us to sit on the sidelines. He's called us into the Game. We pray that everyone will find a place to belong, serve, and grow this fall.Email Serve@MustangNaz.org We believe there's a place for you at Mustang Naz. I'm Game. Are you? -Pastor Nate

Nate Burns

Lead Pastor

June 29, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Mustang Naz Lead
Dear Mustang Naz Leaders, We are launching a new leadership development process Mustang Naz Leads beginning on Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 pm, in the Community Room for all those at Mustang Naz who find themselves in leadership positions. At Mustang Naz, we value connection and community. Our mission is to show the Love of Jesus to Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day. The mission of the Church in the world is to continue to share in the redemptive and reconciling ministry work of Christ in the power of the Spirit [through holy living, evangelism, discipleship, and service. The Church fulfills its mission by making disciples through evangelism, education, showing compassion, working for justice, and bearing witness to the kingdom of God. The Church is a historical reality, which organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms; exists both as local congregations and as a universal body; sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries. (Church of the Nazarene, Article of Faith XI) Recently, our pastors, board members, and leadership committees have prayerfully been sensing God’s call to press into intentionally participating in this missional emphasis of the Church. We have been hearing you ask: “So, how do we do it?”, “Help us make this practical”, “Is there a process?”. You are offering time, talents, and resources. As such, you want to feel like your efforts and faithfulness are aligned with purpose. One of Mustang Naz’s core values is that we will dream big, take risks, work hard, and not settle for mediocre living. So now, we are inviting you along with this big dream we have- equipping disciples to become disciple makers! As a result, every leader is asked to identify and invest in an apprentice leader. Who do you want to invite along in the journey? As a year-long process, we will read and discuss Lead Yourself by Mac Lake. Leaders will be asked to read one chapter each month before the coaching conversation and the cohort discussion. To further develop character, habits, and leadership capacity needed to faithfully serve Christ and His Church, we will implement: 1. Bi-Monthly Large Group Gathering 2. Bi-Monthly Cohort Meetings 3. Monthly Coaching (virtual options available) Thank you for all the ways you are serving diligently. Thank you for your willingness to dream with us about new and deeper ways to lead, serve, and disciple others. We are excited to see what God will do as we intentionally grow ourselves and develop the next generation of leaders at Mustang Naz. We’ll see you Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 pm, in the Community Room! Serving together, Pastor NateInterested? Let us know!

Nate Burns

Lead Pastor