Chief Mission Officer,
Division of Calling & Spiritual Life
Here’s what Brian’s recommenders had to say:
As a leader, colleague, and friend, Brian exudes and lives by both compassion and integrity. In his missional work on Valpo’s campus, he has challenged us to do the same–whether practicing “faithful innovation,” encouraging clarity in project goals and purposes, or facilitating deep collaboration and community. I remain grateful for the many “mustard seeds” Brian has helped to cultivate here, urging us to attend to the work God is doing around us.
– anonymous
In the summer of 2024, Brian challenged us to think critically about how the Division of Calling & Spiritual Life can live out its mission to serve the campus community. As a result, together we came up with the Mustard Seed Moments initiative, and I’ve seen firsthand how it’s taken off, grown beyond the little newsletter slot, and created a stronger sense of community on campus thanks to Brian’s leadership.
– anonymous
I am so appreciative of the way that Brian encouraged us in the Division of Calling & Spiritual Life to discern where God is at work on campus by talking with people, highlighting the good work of others, and understanding our own role as noticing and amplifying God’s work. I’m also grateful for Brian’s emphasis on the importance of encountering difference as we discern our own vocations. Brian inspired us to value and connect with the diverse Lutheran community around the world.
– anonymous
As a leader, Brian fostered a community of inclusivity and support. Going beyond the Department of Calling & Spiritual Life, he believed that getting acquainted with the faculty, staff, students, and Valpo employees for Helge lunch time was necessary in order to create a more unified and nurturing campus environment. We have met more members of this community than we would have otherwise. This mystery was proven to have been stewarded with God’s love (1 Corinthians 4:1). I am grateful for his leadership and his heart for UNITY!
– anonymous
Brian is the OG campus mustard seed!
In all seriousness, I am so appreciative of Brian’s ability to see potential in others, nurture its growth, and allow it to flourish. Brian has the unique gift of seeing the big picture and translating it into tangible actions. There are countless ways that Brian pouring into others has developed the community and ministry of Valpo.
– anonymous
Brian has been a fantastic leader for Calling & Spiritual Life; from recognizing us as a coordinated team with complementary gifts rather than a set of siloed offices and projects, to leading us through seasons of discernment without a pre-rigged outcome in mind. Brian is never threatened by the talents and interests of others. We have all been enriched by his graciousness and kindness.
– anonymous
Brian leads in a way that welcomes everyone’s gifts and ideas, and often empowers others when they don’t fully see their own gifts that he has already identified. This leads to more energized and meaningful work together. He is always asking us to pause and notice what God is up to on campus (not just in the Chapel & Helge) and asking how we can support that work. Making sure we are doing what we can to water and fertilize the seeds that have been planted throughout our campus community. Brian knew that mustard seeds also need the light of transparency and clear communication to grow strong and build trust which is critical for a strong community. He modeled that and strengthened not only the Division of Calling & Spiritual Life but our campus community as a whole.
– anonymous
What is the Mustard Seed Moments Initiative?
In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed (the smallest seed) and when it is planted, it grows into one of the largest plants that can be a shelter for the birds.
At Valpo we live together in community, and all over campus people are not only surviving but thriving because of the mustard seed moments that create community and collaboration among us. Sometimes in the busyness of each day we can miss the chance to celebrate and acknowledge the gift that these seeds are for our community. Therefore, we wanted to create a space to lift these up and celebrate the joy it is to be in a place of community and collaboration and the small seeds that make it possible.
Please use the form below to lift up someone in the campus community who is creating these “mustard seed moments.” All those who are recommended will be acknowledged in the Calling & Spiritual Life newsletter and be featured in our Mustard Seed Moments stories.
