Transition, Grief and Faith for the Future

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

Wedding Video!

We were so honored by the hundreds of people who celebrated with us on our wedding day.  The day was over in a blink of an eye but we will never forget this special day and what God did in our midst.  Our friends Timothy St. Clair (Editor) and Noah Tahrer (Cinematographer) absolutely captured the essence of this day.  Thank you so much for putting your heart and soul in this project.  For everyone who was not able to be there here is a quick glimpse of our special day.  For those who experienced it with us here is an amazing recap of what happened. 

Marathon Summer

This summer was truly a marathon summer full of constant action but we wouldn’t have it any other way. This summer we had the opportunity to (1) get married and get to take a vacation on our honeymoon, (2) travel to five 21 Project leadership training schools, (3) Nick got ordained, (4) had our annual media retreat and (5) experience new cultures and see first hand Jesus work through young people all across the globe. Here is a walkthrough of our summer:

1. Honeymoon

Emily and I went to a resort in Mexico for a few days together. Praise God for Costco Travel and good deals. It was one of our first opportunities to pull and away and rest since we help start Circuit Riders 8 years ago. I (Nick) forgot my phone in the car on the way to the airport so I actually completely disconnected. One of the best feelings ever. I still debate getting a flip phone to this day.

2. 21 Project Orlando

21 Project Orlando was a gritty school of 100 students. It was so special because our whole family led the school together carrying the morning teaching sessions and leading different breakout tracks. Although one moment was by far our favorite. When my Mom preached and shared her testimony of healing for the first time publicly in the very city she received her healing. It was such a powerful and emotional night of fulfillment for our whole family.

Teaching session on hearing God’s voice.

Emily leading the Brave Love track during 21 Project. The stories of these women were absolutely incredible. Watching them break the silence over their voice and find their missional calling was stunning.

Mom absolutely wrecking us with the testimony of healing and a profound message on Deborah’s life.

3. 21 Project Kona

Everytime we get to be in Kona we absolutely rejoice. Not only is it the homebase for YWAM globally but it’s the home to our heroes the founders of Youth With A Mission, Loren and Darlene Cunningham. Kona was our biggest school and Emily and I had the privilege of hosting the school. Walking away from the school two significant things became really evident. First, the movement of the Holy Spirit. We were absolutely undone by the mass outbreaks of power that broke out during this school. Secondly, I (Nick) got ordained through Messenger Fellowship by a mentors and heroes Steve Fry, Andy Byrd and my Dad. It was in no way formality but instead a powerful moment of validation over the work of the ministry in my life. I am so thankful and beyond honored to counted in the company of men like that.

During one of our nights of ministry in Ohana Court with 600 students from across America.

Nick teaching on the art of mass communication to inspire action and movement in the media track.

Steve Fry blessing Nick during the commissioning portion of the ordination ceremony.

Getting ordained was one thing but getting ordained with your best friends was another! Derek was the best student so he got the special robe.

4. 21 Project Oslo, Norway

Getting to spend time this Summer in Norway was amazing! We flew straight from Kona, Hawaii to Oslo, Norway and yes it was 24 hours! The Norway School pictured below was incredible! Each person entered 21 Project with a great measure of faith, dreaming of seeing all of Scandinavia transformed by the gospel. We had a blast with this group! Emily helped bring leadership to the Brave Love Women’s track and Nick was training the Messengers! We were blown away by the caliber of young people who came and invested! We are very excited to see what doors continue to open in Scandinavia.

21 Project Norway 2019 Family Picture

Nick setting context on opening night of 21 Project Norway: The Need For Leaders.

The Brave Love Women’s Track! Women came from 7 different countries to be activated in the message!

We didn’t make it to Italy on this trip but we did find a delicious fresh homemade Italian lunch.

Our incredible hosts showed us around beautiful Oslo! It was truly beautiful!

5.) 21 Project London and Polymath Media Retreat

Each day in the afternoons we have skillset tracks. Nick facilitates the Media Track. Here he is teaching on the power of storytelling!

Nick preaching in the main session at 21 Project London. We had students from several countries in attendance and it was powerful to be with so many young people dreaming of seeing their country impacted by the gospel.

6. 21 Project Nairobi, Kenya

The final 21 Project of the Summer: Nairobi. Nick and I had the privilege of heading to Kenya with a team of Circuit Riders for our very first 21 Project in Africa! This School was incredible on so many levels. It was our first time on the continent of Africa and it gripped our hearts. We met so many incredible students, some of whom are leading masses to Jesus, others who are a light on their campus and others who are living acts of bravery and courage everyday. We can’t wait to go back!

Derek, Nick and I got to travel together to Africa! Travel buddies are the best!

One of the final commissioning moments we had as 21 Project. Saying “YES” to go anywhere Jesus would call us. Africa will be a place of sending missionaries and not just receiving missionaries. There is a missions movement coming from Africa that is going to touch the world!

Nick and I had the privilege to lead the Media Track at 21 in Nairobi! We got to collaborate with these incredible students an build a media campaign to activate Kenyan youth! We came up with a campaign called “Cross The Line” a message focused on activating Kenyans to step out of their comfort zones and take action for Jesus by loving others.

One of the nights we gathered the men and women separately and had a powerful time. Yasmin and I got to tag team a message with the Women, sharing the Brave Love message with them. They are catalysts, they can rise up and activate their voices in their community. This was one of my favorite nights of the whole Summer. I love every single woman so dearly! Their bravery and love inspires me! — Emily

Nick preaching in the main session at 21 in Kenya! He did awesome & he is my favorite speaker. — Emily

On our way home! Kenya was absolutely incredible! Derek, Nick and I got to fly home together! We are so grateful for a Summer that forever changed us, broadened us and where we had the opportunity to meet so many beautiful people who love Jesus!

Our Perspective: The Wedding Day

Nick:

Nothing could of prepared me for how incredible every part of marriage is. Others tried to tell me but of course being rookie status I couldn’t fully comprehend it. The whole day went so slow and so fast all at the same time and there were so many life changing and stunning moments in a row it’s tough to comment on each one but here are a few of my take-aways.

1. Emily is way out of my league: When I saw Emily in her dress at the first look I was so taken aback. I was moved into a heavenly state. Probably pretty easy to see it in the picture above.

2. Covenant was way more powerful than I considered: As soon as Emily began walking down the aisle the presence of God became such a powerful reality in the ceremony that it was undeniable and corporate. As we moved through worship, vows and prayer it increased. A level of peace fell on me during that ceremony that I still feel to this day. A level of safety and companionship that is hard to explain.

3. Blessing really blessed me: Both the prayer of blessing from close family and friends and the corporate endorsement of every friend and family present left an undeniable and tangible sense of endorsement. Knowing that you are not being married alone but with an army of friends and family behind you was beyond special.

4. Marry the right lady: Honestly, what was impressed on me was everything I was experiencing was because I had chosen my best friend, an incredible God-fearing, missionally hearted, wildly initiating, lovingly outward-focused woman. Through God’s grace I knew I had chosen God’s choice.

Emily: Our entire wedding day I could feel a tangible peace. It was a peace that I felt increase from the time I started dating Nick. Our wedding day was one of the most impactful and defining days of my life to date. Here are a few of my takeaways:

1. Our Vows to Forever: The privilege of walking with Nick through 7 incredible years of friendship, crescendoing into us making a beautiful lifelong commitment to each other was a deeply powerful part of our wedding. Our wedding day, from start to finish was deeply personal to me. Each part of the day felt so sacred between Nick and I. I found myself completely immersed in the emotion of the day and significance of saying “Yes” to Nick forever.

2. The Power of Agreement: One of the most impactful parts of our wedding day was the power of everyone who physically came to our ceremony as a witness and champion of our marriage. I hadn’t expected the power of that agreement. That endorsement was a feeling unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was so special to have so many people we cherish all together in one room!

3. Wedding Planning: This one is really practical. The relief that six months of thoughtful party planning paid off and the fact that everyone enjoyed both the wedding and reception was a huge compliment and relief. Every bride wants to create an experience that all of her friends and family enjoy and are blessed by but there are only so many factors you can control. I am so thankful for God’s grace and covering over every detail of the day and thankful for incredibly talented friends who helped pull of this special day.

The Send Was Unreal

Here is a quick snapshot from the day of at THE SEND. If you have not heard of THE SEND. It is a collaborative stadium gathering with the aim of activating every Christian to their missional and evangelistic calling. Our focus is on high schools, college campuses, neighborhoods and the nations.

Emily and I were beyond privileged to take part in this day and to be apart of the senior leadership that helped make the stadium gathering a reality . It was an honor they gave time for my friends Sammy Rodriguez, Yasmin Pierce, Brian Barcelona, Shannon Casteel and I to speak together about the great need on college and high schools today. Honestly, I’m still stunned. To be able to provoke and inspire my peers to live a missional life and to take steps to reach their campuses was a moment I will never forget. All and all we saw nearly 5,000 people commit to adopt their high school or college campus as a mission field. Next, we head to Brazil for THE SEND on February 8th, Argentina on April 25th and we culminate in Kansas City in October 2020. Follow @thesend on instagram to keep up with this growing sending movement.