Brian L. Olson, D.Min., M.Div.

Vernon Hills, Illinois

email: brianlolson@msn.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlolson

Website: http://www.brianlolson.com

PASTOR | DISCIPLESHIP LEADER | ADMINISTRATIVE LEADER

Ministry Objective

To glorify God by equipping believers to know Christ and make Him known through biblical teaching, intentional discipleship, servant leadership, and wise administration. I desire to help the local church cultivate mature disciples, develop ministry leaders, strengthen organizational health, and faithfully advance the gospel in the community and throughout the world.

Ministry Profile

Doctor of Ministry–trained pastor and Christian leader with more than 30 years of experience serving churches, Christian higher education, and community ministries. Brings a unique combination of pastoral ministry, leadership development, and organizational administration. Desire to help the church develop disciples, equip leaders, strengthen ministry systems, and cultivate an environment where people grow spiritually while serving Christ together.

Committed to the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel, and equipping believers to know Christ and make Him known through the ministry of the local church.

Core Ministry & Leadership Competencies

  • Adult Discipleship
  • Biblical Teaching & Preaching
  • Leadership Development
  • Staff Leadership
  • Volunteer Development
  • Organizational Administration
  • Strategic Planning
  • Evangelism & Assimilation
  • Team Leadership
  • Organizational Development
  • Community Outreach
  • Missions Support

Ministry Leadership Highlights

  • More than 30 years of Christian leadership serving churches, Christian higher education, healthcare, and community ministries.
  • Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Ministries and Master of Divinity.
  • Experienced in preaching, teaching, discipling, mentoring, and equipping believers in diverse ministry settings.
  • Led teams of paid staff, student employees, and volunteers while fostering servant leadership and spiritual growth.
  • Extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, operations, and ministry administration.
  • Passionate about helping churches build healthy discipleship pathways, develop leaders, and strengthen ministry effectiveness.

Leadership Experience

Grounds Manager

Trinity International University | Deerfield, Illinois
November 2011 – Present

Promoted from part-time Maintenance Technician to Grounds Manager through increasing leadership responsibilities.

  • Lead campus grounds operations while supervising full-time and part-time employees.
  • Coach staff through intentional leadership, encouragement, and spiritual conversations.
  • Direct the Trinity food pantry ministry, coordinating volunteers to provide food assistance and build meaningful community.
  • Serve on the Facility Services Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational effectiveness.
  • Manage vendor relationships, contracts, budgets, projects, and seasonal operations.
  • Foster collaboration while developing a positive, mission-focused team culture.

Director of Campus Safety and Security Services

Trinity International University | Deerfield, Illinois
December 1999 – March 2009

Promoted from Security Officer to Lead Officer before being appointed Director.

  • Directed campus safety operations while supervising more than twenty employees.
  • Served on the Institutional and Auxiliary Services Leadership Team, collaborating in strategic planning and organizational leadership.
  • Chaired the University Safety Committee, developing institutional policies and emergency preparedness initiatives.
  • Built strong relationships with local police, fire, and emergency response agencies.
  • Mentored student employees, many preparing for ministry and Christian leadership.
  • Developed organizational procedures that strengthened operational effectiveness.

Church Leadership & Ministry Service

Hospital Chapel Leader (Volunteer)

Advocate Condell Medical Center | 2011–2020

  • Planned and led weekly worship services for patients, visitors, and staff.
  • Preached 30–35 Sundays annually, proclaiming biblical, Christ-centered messages.
  • Coordinated volunteer worship teams.

Adult Bible Fellowship Teacher

CrossLife Evangelical Free Church | 2001–2009

  • Taught adults through systematic exposition and practical application of Scripture.
  • Encouraged discipleship through discussion, prayer, and biblical application.
  • Shepherded class members through personal relationships and spiritual encouragement.

Small Group Leader

Trinity International University | 2008–2009

  • Led Bible studies and fostered authentic Christian community.
  • Mentored students through prayer, accountability, and discipleship.

 Assistant to the Youth Pastor

Living Grace Community Church | 1995–2000

  • Assisted with youth teaching, discipleship, retreats, outreach, and ministry events.
  • Built relationships with students and families while supporting the pastoral staff.

Trail Guide

Trail Life USA | 2014–2020

  • Mentored boys and young men through biblical discipleship and servant leadership.

Chaplain / Assistant Scoutmaster

Boy Scouts of America – Troop 273 | 2008–2017

  • Provided devotional teaching, spiritual encouragement, and leadership development for youth.

Education

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Pastoral Ministries | 2022

Dissertation: Examination of the Use of First-Person Narrative Preaching in the Public Worship Service

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Christian Education | 1996

Trinity College

Bachelor of Arts, Youth Ministry | 1992

Minors: Bible • Music

Ministry Philosophy

I believe healthy churches are strengthened when pastors faithfully teach God’s Word, equip believers for ministry, develop servant leaders, and create pathways for people to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. My passion is to help churches cultivate biblical community, encourage spiritual maturity, strengthen organizational health, and faithfully carry out the Great Commission through the ministry of the local church.

 

 

Download :  Resume – Brian Olson

Leave a comment