Hey I’m Pastor Brian and thanks for checking out this blog! If you’d like to email me, send it to thecrazypastor@yahoo.com.

I’ve been a pastor for about 12 years now, spending about 8 1/2 of those years as an associate pastor working with youth, children, music, etc… I’m in my fourth year now as the senior pastor, having just moved and begun working in the ministry with Mountain View Christian Church.

Before all of this, I grew up in a Christian home with a father who served as a part-time pastor (still does) and a full-time high school teacher and school administrator (now he’s retired). Going to a church camp or two every summer was normal, as was attending conferences, revivals and more throughout the year. I was teaching my first Wednesday night High School class when I was in High School, and listening to visiting missionaries stay up late at night telling my dad their stories.

Even so, I didn’t start out for the ministry. My plan was to make money in the business world, but God hasn’t let me go. Ever. In the university, I found myself arguing over the evidence supporting the Bible, or the reality of Bible prophecy, or the usual debates about evolution versus creation, and on and on… Afterwards as a newly married guy, with a new job and starting a new life, I found myself being asked to preach at the churches we would attend. My wife and I started programs for youth, or small Bible studies for adults, and eventually I found myself in the ministry full-time.

As much as I appreciate the foundation my family gave me in my faith, it is still MY faith now -not theirs. Eventually, we all make up our own minds and decide what we believe for ourselves, and I have. It just so happens I’ve come to believe my family was pretty close to right.

Of course, even they believe I’m still a bit crazy. You’d think someone with my background would grow up a little stodgy and legalistic, but… I like skiing through trees too much.

I’m not bound to a particular denomination of Churches, and I don’t mind trying new things, or braving new worlds. My background includes the independent Churches of Christ and the Christian Church, with a little bit of charismatic and baptist sprinkled in over the years. But basically, I only really care what the Bible says, not what a tradition tells us. I believe the Word of God, rightly divided and understood, trumps any of our man-made policies, traditions, and denominations.

And I believe people should step out in faith and follow God more instead sitting in those comfortable pews as much. That’s just me.

Anyway, here’s the five things I live by. Well… try. It’s sort of my philosophy of life, the universe, ministry and everything. I haven’t perfectly followed these principles in the past, but I’m getting better.

First, I believe in integrity. Practicing what you preach, following through on what you say you’ll do, and living the faith instead of merely talking about it.

Second, I believe the Bible is the authority. You can actually change my mind if you can show me where I’m wrong from the Bible. I believe in taking the Bible for what it says, literally, and I do believe it continues to stand up to the issues of our day and anything some of you scientific types want to throw at it.

Third, I believe in relying on the Holy Spirit because it’s not our talent, or our great organizational skills or personalities that make a difference, it’s God. So prayer is huge, and so is a careful dose of humility in your walk and standing with Jesus Christ. He’s in charge, not me.

Fourth, I believe in pursuing our purpose. The purpose Christ gave us when He said to go and make disciples, teach them everything He’s taught us, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In other words, no matter what, our churches and lives should be centered on proclaiming the message of this Jesus. Too many lives and churches are sidetracked on Me-Centered issues and promises. Just sayin’.

Finally, I believe in having fun. Living for God is an adventure that has taken me to some wild places, and given me the excuse to purchase pyro-technics or promote concerts or … well ski through trees at a conference in Colorado. Besides, it’s a blast to see God change lives and see people completely rescued from addictions, sin, hopelessness, and all the usual junk.

Am I a Republican or Democrat? Neither. I’m more concerned with right and wrong than left or right. Yes I did steal that line from Glenn Beck.

For me, my political views are a hobby. I have fun with them, but I’m not quitting my day job. Feel free to disagree with me anytime. As you’ll probably be able to tell, I’m conservative.

Usually.

I also listen to hard rock Christian music. Yeah, there IS such a thing and chances are you’ve heard a few of my favorites on regular radio stations and cable video channels because the Christian bands are just that good these days. My favorite is Thousand Foot Krutch. Those guys and another band called Disciple. And of course, my man Toby.

I also enjoy chasing tornadoes when I have the time (although I’ll get fewer opportunities now that I’ve moved to Missouri), and I REALLY enjoy rooting for my favorite football team.

Whether you believe like I do, or you’re simply curious about the point of view you find here, stick around and share your opinion! I think Jesus is worth the look. I’ve staked my life on Him and what the Bible says because it is my true and sincere hope that the claims are true, the story is true, and Jesus is for real. I haven’t got everything figured out, but I know what I believe.

I believe in Jesus.

And truthfully, I don’t think He’s finished with YOU either.