25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Barry Brenden's 25th anniversary as part of the staff at Highlands
Over the years, Barry has led in ways both seen and unseen—casting vision, guiding groups, caring for families, and faithfully pointing people to Christ. His life and ministry have been a steady witness of God’s faithfulness among us.
Barry, thank you for 25 years of dedicated service to the Lord and to your Highlands family. We are grateful for your example, your faithfulness, and the countless lives impacted by your ministry. We look forward with you to what God has in store in the years ahead!
How did you first join Highlands?
Ginny and I just moved from Moses Lake in 1985 and we looked for a Bible centered church. At the time, our children were 4 and 6 years old, and so we were also looking for a church with an active kids program. A family member recommended we try Highlands and we have remained here ever since.
What is an example of God’s faithfulness you have seen as a member of Highlands?
Highlands continues to build his church and Highlands continues to be (as founder Wally Wilson said) “the light on the hill.” God’s word has been faithfully preached. God has shown his kindness and faithfulness in raising up leaders and servants to care for and build up our church family. People continue to find and follow Jesus through Highlands as we have faithfully shared and lived out the gospel. Sure, we have had struggles from within and without, but we’re a family, and God continues to bless us as a gospel shaped community.
What do you enjoy about your role as a pastor in our church?
I truly believe I have the best ‘job’ in the world. Living out God’s purposes for my life at Highlands has been a blessing beyond what I could imagine. There is not one thing I enjoy really, more than another. I love to preach and teach. I love to create teams and help others do that very thing. I love to shepherd others in tender times during heartache and grief and lead others in community through community groups. If you were to ask me 30 years ago that I would be serving in this way, I wouldn’t have believed it. Now, I still wonder and marvel at the work of God and His leading in my life. What’s more, He continues to confirm my calling.
Which of our core values (Word-centered Ministry, Persistent Prayer, Gospel-shaped Community, Future Generations, Missionary Heart) is most meaningful to you and why?
I find that as I get older, God brings into balance these values in my life… The balanced Christian life one might say. At times, Word-Centered ministry has been the focus. At other times , prayer and community has been the priority. At other times, I’ve experienced passion for ministry through a missionary heart. Now, especially, I’m enjoying connecting with future generations and passing on these values.
Do you have a favorite Highlands memory you can share with us?
There are so many. One that comes to mind was when our adult ministries was grouped in life-stages (Congregations of people in their stage of life as a way to connect and grow our church family). Each life stage was encouraged to host events that would be opportunities for people to invite their friends and neighbors. The Lord laid it on my heart to host an event featuring Josh McDowell. So, I called him and he was available! In making plans we asked, “Why not invite other churches?” So we did. By the time of the event, we had 80 churches involved. The only venue that was big enough was the ShowWare Center. As our team visited the place and we surveyed the empty auditorium, I realized this would truly be a faith step. God blessed our efforts. Over 4500 people attended and over 200 responded to the gospel.
What is your favorite Scripture and why?
There have been many over the years, but these have served to guide my life and ministry.
Acts 20:24: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power”
1 Thess 2:8 “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
1 Thess 2:19-20 “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
This has been a year of transition for me and my family as my wife is now in heaven with Jesus and my daughter is adjusting to her new home with caregivers. It has been a time of finding a new balance in my life, as I’m drawn to serve and love my daughter. Moreover, I’m more committed than ever to my church family at Highlands. The calling of God on my life and the gifts He has given continue to find their place as I continue to minister here, and I’m excited to see what God has in store for us!