 Brian KileySmall Group Trader Contributor
College pastor, New Song Community Church (CA)
I grew up outside of Sacramento, California, and became a Christian at the age of 15. I attended a wonderful church in high school that afforded me numerous student leadership opportunities while also helping me grow in my understanding of Christ. I attended college at UCLA and studied Communications and Political Science, and initially sought to become a journalist. Midway through college I began to sense that God might be calling me into ministry.
I spent two summers working in full-time ministry, one at Forest Home Christian Camp, and the other with the youth ministry at New Song. Both experiences confirmed this call. I intended to enter seminary on the east coast in the fall of 2006, but I then was asked to move to Oceanside full time to start a college and young adult ministry at New Song.
After several months of prayer, I accepted the position, and moved to Oceanside in June of 2006. The college ministry consisted of a small midweek Bible study until February of 2007, when we launched Seven24, a Sunday night worship service geared towards 18-30 year olds. I have been the primary teaching pastor at Seven24 since its inception. I also am working on my Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, and I blog at livegenerously.wordpress.com. I have been married for seven months to Christie, who coaches gymnastics and works at an occupational therapy clinic in Carlsbad.
Brian Kiley Interview with Small Group Trader:
Small Group Trader: When did you decide to serve in Small Group Ministry?
Brian Kiley: While I serve in college ministry, I fully believe that true life change happens in the context of relationships, and relationships are best fostered in the context of small groups where mutual encouragement and accountability can take place.
Small Group Trader: What encouragement would you offer to small group leaders out there?
Brian Kiley: There is no such thing as a perfect small group. Every small group has their struggles, and ultimately (pardon the cliche) the development of an effective small group is a marathon, not a sprint. Caring for souls is a messy, but rewarding business. Small groups are unique in their capacity to connect hurting people in meaningful relationships with both God and other people.
Small Group Trader: In what ways have you and your spouse/family grown spiritually since you have been involved in this ministry?
Brian Kiley: My wife and I have both been able to lead small groups, and we participate together in a group for married people. The groups have deepened our connection to others in our church community, and provided a forum for discussion of spiritual issues that matter to us and to others.
Small Group Trader: Why does small group ministry play such a critical role in the church today?
Brian Kiley: As relationships go, so goes the church. People are going to love God more if they have people to love God with. People are going to serve God more faithfully if they have people to serve God with. People are going to diligently walk the journey of transformation inherent in a relationship with Jesus if they have people to walk beside them. People are going to adopt the values of the kingdom of God if they have people adopting those values with them.
Website: www.livegenerously.wordpress.com
Favorite Link 1: www.newsongchurch.com
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