Our next interview for NAYC comes from James Maroney of Campbellsburg, Kentucky. So, students, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to one of your Friday general session speakers, James Maroney.

InsideOut: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you and why?
James Maroney: Bible – for obvious reasons; something to hunt with – because I enjoy eating; sunblock – because I am a ginger.

IO: Please tell us your favorite joke.
JM: Don’t really have a favorite. When you have this personality, pretty much everything is a joke. Ask anyone who knows me!

IO: What is the funniest moment you have had while preaching?
JM: I’ve had too many slips of the tongue to mention any one in particular. Florida HYC 2007. That is all. Thank you.

IO: Why do you feel North American Youth Congress is so important for students to attend?
JM: NAYC is an incredible time and gathering of students of like precious faith to assemble and be Apostolic—together. It’s a powerful statement to meet in an arena and worship. It’s an expression of our identity on perhaps one of the highest levels.

IO: How do you mentally prepare to preach to thousands at Youth Congress?
JM: Prayer, fasting, and reminding myself that there is a word, I have a voice, and this generation is hungry to hear His Word.

IO: What do you feel are your top two personal strengths and weaknesses and why?
JM: Strengths: 1) Communication. I love people. I enjoy relationships and keeping them alive. 2) Sense of humor. I have the ability to find humor in almost every situation.

Weaknesses: 1) Organization. I tend to play well with others, but I hate making lists. 2) I often think I am RIGHT in most situations—even when I’m WAY WRONG.

IO: When and where did you receive your calling, and how did you prepare to fulfill it?
JM: 1989 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. I prepared by fearfully praying, studying God’s Word, and never neglecting it as the source for every message I preach. I have allowed great men of God to speak into my life. My pastor, David H. Bayer; Jimmy Russell, who was present and prayed for me when I received my calling; and many other elders whom God placed into my life have spoken into my life. I became more active working in my local church as training and helping my pastor in whatever capacity I was needed. Availability and a willingness to work for the kingdom are key in leadership.

IO: What advice do you have for someone feeling a call to any aspect of ministry? What should their next steps be?
JM: Consult and submit to your pastor. Be fervent in prayer, fasting, and reading the Word. Stay open and available. Learn how to listen for the voice of God in your own life.

IO: What are your long term goals for ministry and life in general, and what steps do you plan to reach those goals?
JM: To continue to pastor and reach the lost until the Lord decides otherwise; to seek the will of God everyday for my life; to love and lead my beautiful family and serve the Lord until He returns.

IO: How can the students take the Youth Congress fire to their homes and home churches and keep it burning?
JM: Engage in what you experience at NAYC long past NAYC. Don’t hear it and forget it. Rehearse what you hear preached over and over again. Allow the Word to be engraved upon your hearts. Write it down and read it often.

James Maroney has pastored in Campbellsburg, KY for thirteen years. Previously he evangelized four years. He served on the General Youth Committee four years. He has ministered to students all across our fellowship at numerous camps and HYC events. Apart from ministry and study, he prides himself in his vast knowledge of 80’s trivia. He resides in the beautiful bluegrass state with his incredible wife of nineteen years, Gayla Jo and handsome five year old twin boys Collin and Connor. He is scheduled to speak Friday at 11:30am in the general session.