Category Home and Ministry

Join Us!

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

The next couple days are going to be a lot of fun. On top of putting the finishing touches on our Spring Tour,  ‘Together,” I will be speaking at the NW Ministry Conference alongside some great people!

If you are in ministry in the Northwest, I hope you’ll join this VERY AFFORDABLE conference. In fact, if you’re in Youth Ministry, you really should consider the “Speaking To Teens” additional seminar put on by Doug Fields and Duffy Robbins.

I’m excited to have Greg Stier here this year for the NW Ministry Conference as well, but most excited to have Jeramy and Jerusha Clark up here this weekend as speakers as well. Jer and I have been best buds since college and I can’t wait to have this extended time with them (they’re crashing at our place).

Here is the info for the conference, are you coming?

I’d love prayer for Friday afternoon, I’ll be training Youth Leaders for “Mission51!” Hoping they catch the vision for the 51 weeks beyond a mission trip/camp/retreat!

A little surprise feature, I’ll be on the big-screen on Friday morning as well… stay tuned!

Grace,
Brian

 

Consistency? Nah!

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

The last few weeks have been swamped. No doubt about it. A number of times I have wanted to sit down to blog, but not once did the inspiration or amount of time needed to blog strike. For most of the nearly three years I have blogged I have been consistent; that all went away the last couple weeks. Well, I guess I did become consistent — consistently not posting!

I finally am making the time on my way home from Houston, via Denver from our “pseudo” First Spring Retreat. We didn’t market to Texas this year, therefore we weren’t offering a retreat in the area, however, our friends at NorthWest Bible Church of Spring, TX still wanted the Youthmark training for Mission51 and their trip so they volunteered be the “test” team. It was fantastic. I will be sure to post about it sometime this week!

On top of the craziness of preparing for the Youthmark “Together” Spring Tour, I have taken on a consulting role with an organization that has taken up some time as well. In time, I’ll be posting about this as well.

Then, factor in a couple weeks ago when I had the privilege of playing “Full-Time-Single-Parent” for serveral days, the busyness stacked up. I now know how Elisabeth feels when I am away for Youthmark and/or speaking opportunities. We had some airline miles available and decided it was a good time for Elisabeth to get away and have some down time with her parents. She enjoyed about 4 days down in SoCal and especially enjoyed the rest (sleeping in!). I’m glad she had this opportunity, she’s a great Mommy and Wife, I’m thankful she got to play the role of “full-time-for-a-few-days-daughter” in Southern California.

I’ll look to get back into the groove of some regular blogging; I think I once titled a post “consistency breeds consistency,” well, I’ll try to live by that when it comes to some blogging again!

Grace,

Brian

 

Wowzers!

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

Much on my plate.

Shall return for a couple posts at some point this week.  But for today, please pray.

Off to Young Life where I have the honor of sharing the Great News of Jesus tonight!

Grace,
Brian

So To Speak…

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, The United States and India of all places.

Summer 2010, Speaking with former Laker Mike Penberthy and worship led by Everfound

I know it’s not a lot, but it’s fun to reflect upon the places the Lord has given me the opportunity to speak. In addition to these countries, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to preach and teach in some pretty scenic settings; I think of the chapel viewpoint in Port Alsworth, AK. How about the scenic camp on the top of the ridge in Maui? Colorado is pretty much beautiful everywhere and I’ve done numerous camps and retreats there.

When I think back to ANY of these camps, conferences or retreats it’s never the scenery that stands out to me.

I sat here for 10-15 minutes struggling to remember the places.  But in each place I remember the faces.

The stories these faces told:

  • The boy in Oregon who by the age of 14 had been in and out of too many foster homes to remember. He trusted in Christ when he finally understood the pursuit and passion of a loving Father who doesn’t abuse.
  • I remember the look on the Mother’s face two years ago while speaking at Exposed, I said, “I think that our teens addiction to texting may end up being a worse epidemic than driving under the influence of alcohol.”  She later came to me crying telling me her husband was killed two weeks prior by a teen-texting driver.
  • The teary eyed girl on Vancouver Island who admitted to years of an eating disorder and knew Jesus wanted her to surrender all of herself.
  • The vibrant young man just this last summer who said, “I’m all in!”- I’ve followed him on FB ever since; by all indications, he’s lived all in since! He’s leading others to Christ!

  • Live and Love Loudly tour

    I remember hundreds of the faces of students with arms outstretched toward God or one another singing “How He Loves Us” at the top of their lungs just this last spring at each of the “Live and Love Loudly” spring retreats.

There are scores of other stories I could post. And I hope many, more faces to know.

Over the next few months I have several speaking opportunities I am really excited about, but I am willing and ready to take on a few more. A few weeks ago I added a “speaking page” to this blog. I’ll keep an updated list for each month; if you’d like to add your group or organization to this please do contact me (Youthmark has a toll free line: 800.455.1450, or email info@youthmark.com). Whether it’s a one-evening event, a retreat, a church service, parent gathering or Youth Rally, I’m intrigued by all of these and more!  Let’s chat!

Elisabeth speaking at women's event

In addition; any ladies group, women’s ministries, MOP’s etc. I would HIGHLY recommend you contact us to get in touch with my wife; I’m biased, but I think she’s just about the best I’ve heard; but I know the groups that she’s spoken to are not nearly as biased but many would share that same view!  Elisabeth speaks with such grace, Biblical wisdom mixed in with great story-telling and appropriate humor!

Speaking of speaking, just checked out the website of an upcoming opportunity I have this summer; I love the video near the bottom of the homepage, Summit is going to put on a great camp; check out their site here.

Grace,

Brian

 

You Know What I’m Thinking?

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Jerry Seinfeld had a great line in one of his stand-up acts, he was talking about the difference between men and women and our thought processes.  It was something like:

“Women, you want to know what men are thinking?” (sounds of applause from women).

“Nothing!” Seinfeld answers his own question, “we’re just walking around, looking around.”

Well, there are times when that is me; but lately, I’ve been thinking a lot! I’ll give you a few of those snapshot thoughts.

  • I’m thinking: We have a great family at Faith.  We’re truly blessed by our church.  Though I love the worship services, teaching and other programs, it’s not at all what I think of when I think of our church, I think of the people.
  • I am really thinking: I’ve allowed doubt and discouragement play too major of a role in my life the last couple weeks.  Spiritual attack is evident, but that does not mean the enemy can defeat me/us.  Praise God for His grace!
  • I’ve thought: I am not as disciplined as I’d like to be. My biggest “time” enemy is balancing out what needs to get done for me/Youthmark and meeting the needs/wants of others.  I am social and really enjoy relational ministry, but I can only be free to minister best when I’m done with what needs to be done.  I’d like to create better balance by being more disciplined with the number of meetings and even better, the length of time I spend in these settings.
  • Another thought: Of all the things I get to do with Youthmark, the Spring Retreat may be the thing that excites me the most. Creative thinking, time with teens and youth leaders and inspiring us all for Mission51 gets me pretty pumped. April and May are going to be awesome! (Here is a highlight video from last year if you want to see in two minutes what one of our retreats is like.)
  • I’m thinking: My wife is truly a gifted woman of God!  I really dig her. I love dating her and I really appreciate learning from her (she’s a wonderful Mommy and by her example spurs me to be a better Daddy).
  • Another something that I’ve been thinking: Spending money can be easy and not spending money can actually be fun.  Weird thing to think, but it took us not spending money for me to discover this. We’re excited about some of the cost-saving measures we’ve made and I’m actually pretty pumped about some of the time, family and financial ramifications these measures will have.  However one more thought about this; medical bills stink.
  • Something else I’ve thought: I still love Youth Ministry!  Seriously, it’s so much fun to teach college students each week.  I love some of the discussions we get into.  But I’m just as jazzed about my work with Young Life.  A couple weeks ago we had one of the most fun discussions with a group of 12-15 high school students, most of whom would admittedly say they aren’t Christians.  We gave the group the opportunity to bring up any subject they’d like to discuss.  “Creation,” “Porn,” “Relationships,” and several other questions about Christianity topped their list.  These students WANT to talk about spiritual matters and have a lot to say.  I wish Pastors and Youth Pastors had a little more time freed up to be with these wonderful wanderers!
  • I’m sitting here with this thought: I don’t think the Mariners will be very good this year. I’m hoping for .500, but honestly, I’m thinking 75 wins and 87 losses.
  • I’m also thinking about my 4Runner.  It needs work, but I can’t afford it and even worse, don’t know how (or have the confidence to do it myself); secretly I’m hoping that someone reads this blog and says, “Brian, I know how to replace brakes and do some other general maintenance things on cars, I’d be happy to do that for you.”  Like I said, I’m just secretly thinking that.

Sorry Mr. Seinfeld, this time you are wrong, I’m a man and I’m thinking a lot of stuff.

Grace,
Brian

New Year, New Look, New Stuff

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

Happy 2011!

Welcome to the new look brianaaby.com!  Those that know me have come to expect change; change is a good thing and I felt ready for something new.  Over the next couple weeks I will be adding a few new things to the blog as well.

Already I’ve changed some things up, the “about Brian” page has changed and I’ve added a “speaking” page as well.

If you know of groups that are looking for someone to come speak, I’d love for you to pass on my name as a possibility.  We’re (namely I am) looking to take on a few extra opportunities this year and would love to come speak for your group.  Check out the “Speaking Opps” page and get in touch with me!

Hope you had a blessed New Year celebration, may 2011 be a great year!

Grace,
Brian

Christmas Gift from Youthmark

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Merry Christmas from the Aaby family and Youthmark!

Since you found yourself perusing the web and came across my blog, go ahead, sit back, relax and take in a couple minutes of highlights from the Live and Love Loudly Spring Tour 2010.

A big thank you to Francisco Santana for the edit work on the video (he composed and performed the music as well).

2011 is going to be a big year for us! This year’s Spring Retreat, Together! is going to be quite the event… I’ll be leaking some of the info as the dates approach, but you won’t know what you’re going to get until you’re there!

Merry Christmas!

Grace,

Brian

Three-For-Thursday: Interns & Apprentices

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

As a Youth Pastor I had the privilege of working with some fantastic volunteer leaders.  The “staff,” as I called them, often felt more like our small group and/or family.  In addition to these great folk, after several years of being a YP, I took on the role of “boss” to paid employees as well.  I can only laugh now as I think of how pitiful I must have been in my first few years of leading those whom I was supposed to be grooming as these folk served as “interns.”  However, through the years (and many mistakes) I think I learned something about serving with interns (and eventually Apprentices, laughter has turned so joyous smiles.

As my Three-For-Thursday today, I’d like to highlight three (actually 4) of my former employees in the Youth Ministry Church-world.

Nathan Schlaud: Nathan served as my second “Apprentice” at Boulevard Park Church.  He moved across the country from Michigan to take this one-year risk of being an Apprentice.  It really was a perfect storm, we were working out the kinks of the now second-year Apprenticeship program we had developed (think: “Student Teacher” but for Youth Pastors-to-be) and Nathan had just recently graduated from College with a Youth Min degree but most of the churches he was interviewing with were not giving him the time-of-day because all other candidates were married, more experienced or older.  Our church and his personal circumstance, made for a great year. Nathan was a fantastic Apprentice, has become a very good friend and has grown tremendously.  He and his wife Megan are doing a great job at Grace Church leading the Jr. High through college-age students as well as handling many “associate” duties at his church.  Hard to believe he is now a “seasoned veteran” (28) in Youth Ministry and is really becoming a mentor to younger Youth Pastors now!  Proud of you brother!

Brad Hostak: Brad was my first intern at Boulevard Park.  Immediately when I arrived (in April) I was told that we would have an intern for the summer.  I was then told I would get to choose between two different college-age students who had applied.  It just so happened these two were good friends as well.  Thanks a lot church! Make me choose between friends!?!  I did the smart thing–I made a committee decide instead!  Anyway, they chose Brad; honestly, the most “raw” Youth Intern I had worked with yet.  Brad loved (still does) people! This foundation, love for God and others, proved to be a wonderful thing to build upon.  I don’t say this as a slam at all, but I honestly just didn’t think Brad had what it took to be a Youth Pastor; he was semi-shy, stuttered when speaking in front of groups, was extremely nervous up in front of groups, etc. etc. But, one could never deny is his passion for Christ and students. God did and is doing AMAZING things in Brad’s life.  He has shaped him into a great Youth Pastor.  Shyness, stuttering and nervousness all gone (okay, maybe some nerves with big crowds still?).  He and Sarah serve the Lord and the students so well at River Ridge!  I’m honored to have had Brad as an intern!

Wescott and Heather Robinson: Wes was a former student, turned college-age leader, turned intern, turned second year intern.  After we had hired him as a second-year intern at First EPC, I asked him if he’d have any issues with us hiring a female intern to work alongside him for the summer.  He was semi-hesitant and semi-excited.  When asked “how would you handle it if you felt any attraction toward said female intern?”  His immediate (emphatic) response: “I’d do nothing about it, I’m here for the students.” Well, he and Heather are now married and have two children.  Just so you know, his response “do nothing” was followed by me saying “why not?  If you had feelings, I would just want to know about so we could handle the situation appropriately.”  It was a great summer with Wescott and Heather; they served so well together  (and still do).  Wes and Heather are very good friends to the Aabys, we love them and their two daughters a ton!  I love seeing Wes grow as a man-of-God, a Pastor and as a Daddy.  His passion for the Word is so evident and he loves seeing students (and leaders) transformed by the Spirit!  Westwood is blessed to have Wes and Heather!

These four people are just a sampling of those that God has blessed me with as partners in ministry.  I’m thankful that I’ve been able to play a small role in their lives as they developed as great leaders of Youth (as well as great leaders to staff, parents and others in their sphere of influence).  I am thankful for all the interns and apprentices and the influence they have had on our lives!

Grace,
Brian

Just About Right.

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

This Sunday.

A little extra sleep.

Back to my home church after two weeks away scouting and speaking.

A total celebration in church today, the way that church should be.  Worship through fellowship, song, testimonies, prayer,  the Word and baptisms.

Family time eating lunch, watching the Hawks and a 15 minute halftime nap.

Hawks win.  No, Hawks dominate.

Coffee shop, studying the Word and writing in the hopes that God will use the written words to equip and motivate the reader to share about Him!

This Sunday is just about right!

Grace,
Brian

600 Club!

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

Blog post #600!

A lot has happened in the last 2 and half years, I am happy to say that a lot of my life (and Youthmark’s life) has been recorded in this online journal format.

Just a fun little survey to find out what you like best about the blog… So, if there is anything you’re particularly fond of, pick it (multiple selections are possible).

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you continue to stop by! Here’s to the next 600 posts.

Grace,
Brian