Brian Marston, Student Pastor

Email: [email protected]

Family: Married to Brooke on February 13, 1999. Four Children: Micah, Matt, Mia, & Mae.

Personal History: I was born in Georgia and lived there my entire life, until I began serving at The Summit Church in November 2006. I placed my trust in Christ as a child at the age of seven, but I spent my high school and college years ignoring God’s will and pursuing my own agenda. In September 1996, God got my attention through a series of challenging life circumstances and I committed to pursuing Him and His direction for my life. In the following months, I got connected to a local church, I was mentored by the college minister and then began working with the students at the church. It was during that time that I discovered that God wanted me to serve Him in reaching the next generation. I met Brooke six months later and was captivated by her. After meeting her and spending some time with her, I knew that I did not want to live without her. We were married on February 13, 1999. I began serving as a full time student pastor in June of 1999 and have done that up to this point in my journey. Brooke and I have had moments of great joy and sadness since we began serving in full time vocational ministry in 1999, but we would not change any of the experiences we have had. God has used the hardest and most uncertain times to strengthen our faith in Him and His character. We have also had four children since January 2001 that have helped to make life much more exciting, give us a better picture of God’s heart toward us, and helped us become passionate about building adult leaders and equipping families to reach the next generation for Jesus Christ.

Educational & Ministry History: Bachelors in Business Administration: Kennesaw State University. I have been pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree in a very, very, very part time way on and off over the last seven years. It is my goal to complete this at Southeastern Seminary over the next few years. I have been serving as a student pastor in local churches since June 1999.

Key People: My wife, Brooke, is my most valuable person. She is my best friend and my favorite person. I am having the most fun in life when it is the two of us. She senses a calling to minister with me and does a tremendous job of being a mom to our four kids and a wife to me. She has frequently given me wise counsel and support that has helped me not to do something foolish. She is invaluable to me and our ministry. My kids, Micah, Matt, Mia, & Mae all give me a greater ability to relate to the love God has for me. God has used them to shape me more than any other person or life circumstance. My parents, Bill and Teresa Marston. They have been great examples of putting others first, not quitting and working diligently. My friend, Jonathan Lucenay has become a great friend to me since the summer of 2005. He has the unique ability to ask questions to challenge my personal and ministry processes. The student leadership team has made a HUGE impact in the time that I have been serving at The Summit. It is exciting to partner with them as they serve the students and their families in this ministry.

Fun Stuff: Going on dates with Brooke, coaching my kids in sports, telling stories to my boys before they go to bed, lifting weights, playing basketball when I am not hurt, watching football of any kind (especially college), March Madness, watching the tv shows, The Office and American Idol, & reading books.

Favorites: absolute quiet, time with God, sitting on the front porch with Brooke at night after the kids have gone to bed, the mountains, playing UNO with my boys, working in the yard, the smell of fall, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons (can you believe that I actually admit that?!?), Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, music by any of the Passion artists, having a family laugh, Coke, freshly brewed Starbucks coffee when I first wake up, On the Border, P.F. Changs, Zaxbys, Macaroni Grill, Chilis, Five Guys, and the Melting Pot.

Makes me laugh: The Office, Seinfeld reruns, My kids, particularly Matt & Mia

The Inside Scoop: I skipped second grade because I was a genius. I also rafted the Gauley River in the fall of 2007 with my men’s group.

Books you should read: “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge; “Visioneering” by Andy Stanley; “Communicating for a Change” by Andy Stanley; “The Tale of Three Kings” by Gene Edwards; “The Way of the Heart” by Henri Nouwen; “Searching For God Knows What” by Donald Miller; “Made to Stick” by Chip & Dan Heath; “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of a Winning Life” by Tony Dungy; “Now Discover Your Strengths” by Marcus Buckingham; “Sex God” by Rob Bell

Before I die: I want to take Brooke on vacation to Australia and Hawaii. I want to see my kids and their kids accept Jesus and live for him. I want to be remembered as a person who was a model of following after Christ.