4. Mario Hristov
Has spent over 15 years in youth
ministry. Most of those at the
Bulgarian Evangelical Church of God in
the Chicago land area.
He has been an associate
pastor, worship leader, and
member of the regional
youth board.
He is originally from Bulgaria
and moved to America to
answer God’s call to start a
skate boarding ministry.
5. What Caused you to get involved in ministry
and leadership?
After I got saved I felt the call to ministry. I
started sharing about Christ with my skater
friends and from there grew into involvement
in youth ministry. Later I started preaching
as well, and I started working on a project to
reach the skaters in Bulgaria with the
Gospel. A pastor from Delaware heard about
me and invited me to come to the states to
help him start and lead the skate park
ministry he wanted to launch. After two
years in Delaware I relocated to Mount
Prospect, IL and became the youth pastor
for the Bulgarian Evangelical Church of God.
6. What is your background in terms of
education and experience?
I graduated from two YWAM Bible
Schools in Bulgaria. After moving
to the states I wanted to further
my education by attending
Christian Life College. I graduated
Magna Cum Laude with a
Bachelors Degree in Biblical
studies and a Minor in Youth
Ministry. I also went through the
MIP program and have been
licensed by the Church Of God.
7. What is your definition of Leadership?
My simple definition of leadership is to be a servant and lead by
example
8. In your opinion, what does a leader do
that distinguishes him or her from
others?
Seeing opportunities where others see
obstacles, ability to turn valleys into
victories, an amazingly contagious
passion that gets volunteers on
board, and a great lover of people!!!
9. What is your personal philosophy of Leadership?
Relational leadership is the
key
10. What skills have you acquired that have
been most helpful to you as a leader?
I believe that building relationships
has helped me as a leader to create a
team and include others.
What I do have are a very
Having good people skills. particular set of skills, skills I
have acquired over a very long
Also the ability to inspire by career.
trying to be a good role-
model and having good
communication skills that
enable the leader to clearly
communicate
expectations, goals and
vision
11. How did you learn Leadership?
Bible school
Trial and error
You can never stop learning
12. What do you think is the most difficult
aspect of being a leader?
Not getting discouraged!!!
13. What advice would you offer for leaders
of the future?
Do not expect gratitude or reward from
people.
Serve solely for the Glory of God!!!
14. What I learned from Mario Hristov
Mario Hristov is a great friend and
mentor. He is always there to encourage
you when you are down. He is always
willing to be a friend and watch a ball
game with you. He cares deeply for his
family and the youth. For him, building
relationships is one of the most important
parts of ministry. He spend a lot of his
time hanging out with and being apart of
important events in the lives of his youth.
15. Relational leadership
Mario believes strongly in including
everyone
No kid should feel left out
Be apart of the youth’s life
Make sure they know you care
Never stop having fun with them
16. Continuing Education
Mario has never stopped growing and
trying to learn.
He has gone to 3 different Bible schools
Has been trained and licensed in
two different denominations
17. Stay Encouraged
Mario feels that the live of a
leader, especially a youth minister can be
a difficult one. Because of his relational
approach he feels strongly about the
importance of staying connected with
other ministers. So that they can
encourage and be there for each other.
18. Thank you for viewing my presentation
on Leadership with Mario Hristov
