We currently feel caught in between competing realities; the grief from the loss of my Dad, Brian Brennt, the rapid expansion and favor over Circuit Riders, and the practical demands of life. I think the best word I can use to describe this season is, transition. It’s more of a forced transition. Stepping into roles and living in situations, that I never expected.
My Dad
I have had three impulses I have been cycling through, as I have been processing the loss of my Dad. First, I have had an overwhelming desire to honor my Dad. A desire for others to see the greatness of His life and philosophy of living and be filled with awe. Second, I just have been missing him. Sometimes people talk about grief as something you get through but when you love someone so deeply you don’t want to get through missing them. Third, I am working to carry on the legacy that he imparted to Me, Emily, and the Circuit Riders. The amazing thing is that in some ways it is greater than I could have imagined. I’m not done talking about my Dad, I’m just starting to get to the point of having more pointed thoughts and having a desire to share those publicly. Thank you to all who have been praying for my family and me. It truly has made all the difference.
Expansion
Emily and I have been undone by God’s kindness and grace over Circuit Riders in this season. When my Dad passed I completely put Circuit Riders on the altar and told Him I was ready to be faithful even if the ministry went through a season of pruning. However, God had other plans in mind. Instead of letting the momentum slip, God blew on every area that my Dad had believed in and that we had worked together for. I can confidently say that every dream my Dad had has either grown in influence or has been birthed in this season. Here are a few examples of what I mean. Carry The Love just had its biggest tour ever with over 400 tour stops gathering over 20,000 young people in America and Europe. Brave Love Women exploded this year with over 500 women’s gatherings around the country. Circuit Rider Music has gained momentum with the launch of RIDERS (my brother’s band), Black Voices Movement, and Greenhouse House of Prayer. Dad and I dreamed of creating a space for young people in the marketplace to be activated in their faith and be excellent in their work. This year we officially launched Mavericks, a movement doing just that. If you knew my Dad then you knew he was an evangelist and longed to see the masses saved. This year we officially did our first Carry The Love Festival, a mass evangelism campaign, and gathering. Our first location was in Bujumbura, Burundi. In one week we are astonished to see 5,000 documented decisions to follow Christ, we trained 700 local young people as evangelists and were able to saturate the city with love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God has been faithful to more than Emily and I could ask, think or imagine.
Transition and Practical Life
On a practical level, Emily and I have entered the role of Senior Leadership alongside my Mom, Matt Nelson, and Holly Mosemann. For a long season, I have been my Dad’s right-hand building and executing the vision of my Dad. However, stepping into Senior Leadership is a whole different level of responsibility, requires an even greater level of faith, and carries its own unique pressures. We are humbled by the unity of our broader leadership team and of the Circuit Riders this season. There has been zero drama only meekness and the culture of the radical servant. I really believe we have all been able to honor the Lord in this way.
Current Needs
Emily and I have been working through our finances to be prepared for the next season and to adapt to our new responsibilities. In the past, we have used our media skills to supplement our income. However, as we look towards having a family in the future and continuing to lead out in Circuit Riders we are praying for the Lord to provide all we need so that we only have to engage media work as the Holy Spirit leads. If you feel called to be a part of that solution and support Emily and I financially, you can give at this link: CLICK ME (all donations are tax-deductible). Otherwise, our ask that you would shower us with prayer in this season as we continue to adjust to the new world that we have found ourselves in. We so appreciate you taking the time to stay updated.
From,
Nick & Emily Brennt