Welcome! Well, the new class is here and are getting acclimated to life at McLean Bible Church. We’ll be doing a series of blogs to help you better get to know the Future Leader Class of 2010. Today we’re highlighting Brett Shaw, who works with Small Groups.

Like so many of the others in the program I truly would have never imagined serving God in Washington D.C. or here at McLean Bible Church, but here I am. Coming all the way from sunny Southern California to the east coast was not my plan, but God in his sovereignty has worked it out for his great pleasure.

I have had a desire for ministry since the time the Lord has saved me about seven years ago. The Lord used 2 Corinthians 5:15 to call me to himself and to come follow him. It says “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died and rose again.” I had been living for myself for too long. Now by the grace of God I am able to live for Christ whom belongs all the glory. The Lord called me to serve Him that day and has been cultivating that calling over years. Seeing all that the Lord has done in my life over these years only excites me to see what he does seven years from now.

I heard about the Future leaders Program two years ago through my cousins who live in the area. I had just started school at Talbot Seminary when they told me about McLean. At that time Virginia seemed like the last place I would want to go. A couple months before I finished school the Lord brought McLean to my mind and it seemed like he may be leading us here. I shared this thought with my wife Shelly and we prayed about this opportunity. It seemed like the best fit as the Lord continues to work our hearts to learn what it means to serve Him in the Church and to develop skills to use for his kingdom.

My wife and I have been so blessed by this program. Through It the Lord has given us greater desires for ministry. Working with the Small Groups Ministry has been great. I have had the opportunity to experience many different things in ministry that will be helpful in the future. I am so thankful for the grace of God that allows me to be a partaker in the ministry of the gospel and to serve Him here at McLean.