About Me

Fast Facts

States Lived in
(IL, MO, TX)

Degrees Earned
(PhD, MA, BA, & Cert)

Years in Pastoral Ministry

Years of Ministry Experience

of Leaders Equipped & Encouraged

Family Man

My Family

My wife Braghan and I both grew up as pastors’ kids (PKs) in central Illinois. We met while working at a camp for people with special needs, which became our first ministry together as a couple. We were married in 2009 and have been serving together in various ministry capacities since then.

We have four kids (three boys and one girl). We love spending time together playing games, watching movies, making pizzas, and taking road trips!

We believe that ministry is something we do together. We serve together in kids’ ministry, encouraging other ministry families, and opening our home to others.

Pastor

My Ministry Experience

I’ve served in ministry since 2006 in a variety of roles and titles: kids, students, families, special needs, media/technology, and music. I’ve also served in various church sizes, ranging from 20 to 5,000+.

At every step of this ministry journey, God has given me a passion to shepherd families, disciple the next generation, and equip leaders who minister to all generations.

Over the years, through my research and experience, I’ve come to learn that the title “pastor” carries distinct theological identities. Pastors should be Shepherd-Equippers, Entrusting Endurers, Intergenerational Unifiers, and Mentored Disciple-Makers. These convictions shape how I lead, teach, and encourage ministry teams.

Encourager

My Vision & Values

First, God has called me to encourage my family by sacrificially loving my wife, as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). He has called both my wife and me to lead and disciple our children (Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4).

Second, I feel compelled to encourage and equip those who lead families in the local church. Pastors and ministry families are often stretched to the limit and, in many cases, feel alone. My heart is to come alongside them, to provide support, clarity, encouragement, and practical theological insights.

I believe that spiritually healthy pastors lead spiritually healthy families, which in turn result in spiritually healthy churches. These healthy churches, in fulfilling the Great Commission, make disciples of all nations and generations (Matt. 28:18-20).

Whether I’m speaking at an event, coaching a leader, consulting with a church, or writing, my vision remains the same:

To Encourage & Equip the Next Generation of Pastors and Family Ministry Leaders.

Professional portrait of Ryan Mulvaney smiling outdoors, emphasizing personal branding and approachable demeanor.

My Education & Presentations

Education

Ph.D. in Practical Theology (Columbia Biblical Seminary, 2025)
Dissertation: “What Do Family Pastors Do? Understanding the Role and Praxis of Family Pastors within Southern Baptist Churches”
Focus: Pastoral theology and its application to church-based family ministry leadership in the SBC
M.A. in Discipleship (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2020)
Focus(es): Family discipleship, spiritual formation, small-group ministry strategies
B.A. in Humanities (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014)
Emphasis: History of Christianity and Western thought
Thesis: “The Evolution of Marriage: The Influence of Old Testament Polygamy on Faith and Society”
Certificate of Radio Broadcasting (Lake Land College, 2008)

Presentations

“What Do Family Pastors Do?”
Dissertation Defense, Columbia Biblical Seminary of Columbia International University, 2025.
“Building a Future-Ready Kids Ministry”
Presentation, Illinois Leadership Summit, 2025.
“Best Practices in KidMin”
Presentation, IBSA Kids’ Ministry Conference, 2023.
“The Way Forward: Family Ministry in a Post-Christian & Post-Pandemic Culture”
Presentation, IBSA Kids’ Ministry Conference, 2021.
“Parenting in a Post-Christian Culture”
Presentation, Immanuel Baptist Church, 2021.
“Technology in Kids’ Ministry”
Presentation, IBSA, 2020.
“Mentoring Disciple Makers: Making Disciples in Small Groups through Mentoring Relationships”
Presentation, NOBTS, 2019
“Evangelism in Kids’ Ministry”
Presentation, IBSA Kids’ Ministry Conference, 2019.

Want to Work with Me?

If you’re interested in having me speak at your event, be a guest on your podcast, or offer advice for your church or organization, simply click below to learn how I can assist.

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