Meet our leadership

MEREDITH

How long have you been at FBCL?
Since kindergarden.
Do you facebook or twitter? If not, why?
Facebook, yes. Twitter, I'm working on it- I know, I'm slacking
When I was 20, I was… finding myself while studying abroad. It changed my life!
If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be: I would blog about Philippians because I think Paul's writing's in this book are encouraging, challenging and inspirational, considering it is written while he was in jail for his beliefs. A message of hope and perseverance is always applicable to people's lives and we need to be reminded that Paul's hope came from the Lord and that we should live by the same convictions.
If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?
I'll probably have a completely different answer in a few years...but as for now, I wish I would have made more choices based off of what was best for me and my own convictions, instead of simply doing what people expected me to do. I tend to be too much a people pleaser.
The most played artist in my iTunes currently is: John Mayer and The Rocket Summer
I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is: Christians are boring and judgmental- especially the ones who are really involved in church.
The thing I disliked about on campus college living was: I felt like I never had my own space. And I could never find good parking!
The syllabus that most intimidated me: I was intimidated by my intro to psychology class- It was my first semester and the thought of my final grade being determined by 3 tests and a final alone terrified me.
The place where I got really plugged in while at college was: I love helping with the youth group at a local church- I interned and led a small group. It made my college experience fulfilling and worthwhile.
My average got to sleep time during college years was: 7 hours? or 6 hours and a nap!
I work with college students because…it is a time in life I can really relate to- I just graduated in May '10 and I know how important it is to have a church home while in college.

MICHELLE

How long at FBC? 

11 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?  

 facebook

When I was 25 I was…

finally about to graduate from college with my accounting degree

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be: 1Corinthians

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty-somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be? 

I would have been committed to regularly attending a church instead of being a slacker.

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is:  Hannah Montana (thanks to my girls)

HEATH

How long at FBC?

11 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?

No!  I think they’ve contributed to marginalizing the need for real human contact to the point where a “friend” is someone you may go months without speaking to.  I would rather have a small group of close friends than a large group of acquaintances.

When I was 25 I was…

sure I had everything figured out.

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  Proverbs

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty-somethings were a huge transformational time in my life 

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?

I would have proposed to my wife at a more romantic place than the Nolan Ryan statue at the Ballpark in Arlington.  

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is: Wilco         

I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is...that our faith is about following rules and judging those who don’t. 

JOANNA

What was your first “adult” job?

I worked for a company that sold telephone systems - I designed the software after we sold the system and then taught the employees how to use their new phones.

How long at FBC?

14 yrs

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why

Facebook - yes, Twitter - no.  On facebook I'm more of a "follower (some people would call that stalking) than one of the people who puts up posts all the time.  This goes along with the same reason I don't think I would ever twitter.  Who really wants to know the every day mundane things of my life?

When I was 25 I was…

working – my husband was in Seminary and working as well - we call those years our "single" years since we got married right out of college - we were married but we didn't have kids yet so we weren't tied down yet with kids (we love our kids though :) )

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  tough call - it would probably be either Philippians or James

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

When we were newly married we were lucky enough to be in a class that had a huge influence on our life and marriage.  We've said for years that it would be fun to "give back" like that to young couples on the other side now that we've ......aged a bit.  Besides, yes, I of course dress way too cool to be with peers my own age and think way too young and am so much fun to be with and like hanging out with people in their 20's because that's where my mind thinks I still am and the sad fact is that my bad back won't let me sit on the floor with the preschoolers any more and now I've told you way more than you wanted to know!

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is: first - I must say that I love my ipod (actually now an iphone - yes, I am that cool) I never even listen to the radio any more.  It is hard to nail down who my favorite artist would be.  I love Allison Krauss, The Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir ..... that's enough for starters

I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is... that they don't think deeply - they really do.

PETER

What was your first “adult” job? 

Courier for McKesson Drug Company…I delivered drugs to pharmacies in Memphis, TN.

How long at FBC?

13 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?   

Facebook, but I’m not too active.    No Twitter, I doubt anybody really cares to get a play by play of my day.

When I was 25 I was…

getting married

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  Revelation

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty-somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be? 

I would have chosen to go to college after high school and enjoying that experience versus waiting until my late twenties

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is: The Eagles

AMANDA

What was your first “adult” job?  

Walco International as Accounting Assistant (Grapevine, TX)

How long at FBC?  

Little over 2 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?

Facebook

When I was 25 I was… 

pregnant with my first child

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty-somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be? 

Pressuring husband to have kids when we first got married      

I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is... that we believe we are better than others

ANNE

What was your first “adult” job?

A tax accountant at Arthur Andersen in Dallas

How long at FBC?

14 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why? 

No.  I’m afraid of how much time I would spend on it.

When I was 25 I was… 

Happily married with no kids and a great job.  Today I’m still happily married, have kids, and have a greater job. 

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  Proverbs

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in 
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty-somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be? 

I can’t think of anything.  God has been so good!!!

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is: mine is on random play so from 80’s to current hits, country to Christian worship      

I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is...  We, as Christians, all have the same issues or no issues.  On the contrary, we struggle day to day to walk with Christ and be an example to those around us.

WALT

What was your first “adult” job? 

I worked for Consulting Division of Arthur Anderson & Co. as a computer programmer.

How long at FBC?

Almost 15 years.

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?

No, not yet.  I don't want the nerdy guy who sat behind me in 7th Grade Algebra to send me a friend request.

When I was 25 I was…

Thinking that life was really busy.  HA!  That seems really funny now.

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  Normally I would say Romans because of all the great theology in there.  But, lately I have been teaching a series from Proverbs.  I had never realized how truly practical the Proverbs can be.  There are so many applications for our day-to-day lives.

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?

I would work as a ski instructor in a mountain resort for two years before joining the real world.

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is:  I hate to admit it ... but right now it would be Michael Jackson. I'm going through my tribute phase. I think it's almost over.

I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is...A lot of twenty-somethings seem to have a preconceived notion of what a church is like.  Many of them are pleasantly surprised when they see what it's really like.

MARV

What was your first “adult” job?

Staff writer for the Abilene Reporter-News

How long at FBC?

Almost 14 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?

Facebook—yes; Twitter—not yet, but soon (it's inevitable)

When I was 25 I was…

A student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. And I had hair, lots of hair.

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  The Gospel of Luke, which focuses on Jesus' concerns for justice, the poor and "others"—teaching we need in our world today.

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty somethings were a huge transformational time in my life—a class like ours made a huge difference in our marriage.

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?

I would've gone to med school and become a pediatrician.

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is:  Tie—Lyle Lovett and Dave Barnes

I think the biggest misconception from twenty-somethings about Christians and their beliefs is...That Christians think they're perfect or at least superior to everyone else. Truth is, the longer I'm a Christian, the more I realize how much I need God's grace and forgiveness, as well as the encouragement from and accountability to other Christians.

CINDY

What was your first “adult” job?

Teaching 7th grade

How long at FBC? 

13 years

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?   

No

When I was 25 I was… 

Single and teaching school

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be…Psalms.

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty-somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?

I would have had 1 more kid.

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is: Casting Crowns

BRAD

What was your first “adult” job?

My first adult job was working at my parent’s photography studio at the age of 13. 

How long at FBC?

About two years now.

Do you face book or twitter?  If not, why?

I set up a facebook account about a year ago. I am not the best to keep it updated or to check it, but it is nice to pop on and see what my friends and family are up to in fast/compact way.

When I was 25 I was…

4 years into my marriage, purchasing my first home, etching out a career, and needing to find a true church home.

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  Revelation

I have a leadership role in young adults because:

1. I don’t like hanging out with people my own age
2. I dress way to cool to be with my peers
3. Just love serving
4. Enjoy conversations and life stage young adults are in
5. They wouldn’t let me work in the children’s department
6. My twenty somethings were a huge transformational time in my life

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?

I don’t know if this is “one” thing, but I would try to be a better living testimony for Christ in my words/actions.

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is:  probably something from John Williams. I love listening to movie scores, and John Williams in my opinion has mastered the art of storytelling through music. He’s awesome.

BRIAN – STAFF GUY FOR YOUNG ADULTS

What was your first “adult” job?

Associate student minister at a church in Phoenix

How long at FBC?

Ten years

Do you facebook or twitter?  If not, why?

Twitter—like once a week. But I do enjoy reading facebook on my wife’s account—entertaining without the obligation of posting myself

When I was 25 I was…

Married, new to Texas and taking a new job at FBC

If you had to blog about one book of the Bible for the next year, it would be:  James

If you could have one do-over during your young adult years what would it be?

Take an international mission trip without the worries of leaving wife and kids

The most played artist in my iTunes (or eight track player) currently is:  Josh Ritter

I think the biggest misconception from twenty- somethings about Christians and their beliefs is... it’s all about rules...you can't have a brain and be a Christ-follower