Former NFL Player Follows Call to Bring About Church Renewal
It's not easy to miss Colin Brown in the hallways of Saint Paul School of Theology. With a stature of 6'7" and broad shoulders Brown is a former NFL player who has decided to follow the call to ministry. He felt that he actually received this calling at the age of 12. "It was a strong calling for me," said Brown, "I had a sense that I would one day lead a church."
He also had the dream of being a professional athlete. Colin was raised in Braymer, MO and went on to play football for the Missouri Tigers. He was drafted as an offensive tackle in 2009 for the Kansas City Chiefs. Later he played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills.
"I feel really lucky to have been able to play in the pros as long as I did," Brown said. Coming back to Missouri, he was unsure of his next steps. "I knew ministry was where I wanted to go, but wasn't sure how fast I wanted to get there," he said.
Colin began attending Woods Chapel UMC in Lees Summit his first year as a Kansas City Chief when he was dating his wife Amy.. It felt like home to him. After Colin enrolled at Saint Paul School of Theology on the campus of Church of the Resurrection, he began an internship at Woods Chapel UMC. Pastor Jeff Brinkman immediately began to give Colin some opportunities to help around the church. As an intern, Brown was invited to attend multiple meetings and groups in order to be immersed in the life of the church.
Colin was then asked to conduct the Heritage Service at St. Peters UMC. The church was set to close and be re-opened as a satellite of Woods Chapel in the Fall of 2016. On the fourth Sunday Colin was asked to preach. He was honored but at the same time frozen by his public speaking fear. "I played football in front of tens of thousands of people with no fear - but you put me in front of even a small crowd to speak - I was terrified," he explained.
The Sunday finally came and Colin completely relied on God. "As I was preaching I realized that it was not just me by myself up there - God was with me!" He has since gained confidence in this area. "It has been a complete joy to have Colin join our staff. He may tell you that he is nervous about preaching, but he has excelled at everything that we have asked him to do," said Wood Chapel pastor Jeff Brinkman. "His preaching, praying, and worship leading have been wonderful. I have complete confidence in him and he has a very bright future in the United Methodist Church." Colin will serve as Associate Pastor when Woods Chapel/Blue Springs launches August 21.
Saint Paul is preparing Colin to be an effective leader in his new role with Woods Chapel. Along with the practical experience he is gaining while at Saint Paul - Colin is being shaped and formed to connect with the community, lead the church in mission and transform the community he serves.
He recently went to Nicaragua to the Los Pino's Community - a community that the congregation at Woods Chapel UMC has adopted. There he got to spend time with the families in the community and make key connections that will help the people of Los Pino's in the future. "I am happy to be used to help transform communities both in Kansas City and wherever God leads me," Colin said.
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3. Give a gift of appreciated stock or securities. It may be more beneficial than giving cash.
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Thank you!
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1. With your help...Raising up Visionary Leaders!
Saint Paul educates leaders for local communities and the world. Saint Paul School of Theology continues to be a seminary without debt! Your gift directly supports our students' formation and education. As we approach our fiscal year end please prayerfully consider making a tax deductible gift. 1. Make an annual, quarterly, or monthly tax deductible gift. www.spst.edu/giving
2. Remember Saint Paul in your will or estate plan. The gift costs you nothing during your
lifetime.
3. Give a gift of appreciated stock or securities. It may be more beneficial than giving cash.
www.spst.edu/giving
4. Fund a Saint Paul Fellow. Follow up with David Sisney to learn more:
david.sisney@spst.edu or 913.253.5080.
Thank you!
4370 West 109th Street, Suite 300
Overland Park, Kansas 66211, United States
www.spst.edu
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