I am confident and convinced that though many of our dreams have endless points of commonality, there are no two alike. They come in many forms and fashions, and for those whose dreams come to fruition, enthusiasm and fulfillment run hand in hand. I’ve witnessed this not only in a corporate setting, but in my own life as I’ve watched my husband, Michael F. Brown, Sr., strive to fulfill his dream to dedicate his life to service and ministry.
First introduced to the Christian faith as a young boy in East Texas, Michael experienced the tenets of church through his membership at Iron Wheel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. James Irvin. From nurturing his love for music in the choir to building lifelong friendships through the youth ministry, the impressions made on him in adolescence would have a far reaching impact that he didn’t anticipate. In his 20s, Michael’s faith deepened as did his commitment to Christ, and he found himself changing his path from a degree in political science to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Theology and Leadership from the College of Biblical Studies and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Michael’s understanding and his passion grew tremendously for nearly two decades under the ministry of Pastor Frederick Tibbs at Living Word Tabernacle, who served as an incomparable mentor. Gleaning from his knowledge and countless opportunities for service, he clearly defined his desire to be a blessing to others in pursuit of sharing the message of Christ. This pursuit was further cemented through his internship with Dr. D. Z. Cofield at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Since then, he has followed his heart to fulfill that commitment. His dream is to see lives changed by God’s love, which has allowed him to impact families from Houston, Texas to Centennial, Colorado where he recently joined the leadership team as the Executive Pastor of Crosspoint Community Church with Senior Pastor, Dr. Dix Winston.
Watching Michael’s heart soar as he shares the gift of God’s love with others is a reminder to me that catching dreams isn’t limited to Corporate America. I am reminded of a Scripture that compels believers: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” I am privileged and proud to see that what he’s found, he does with his whole heart – and it happens to be through ministry that can change lives forever. Please join me in celebrating Dreamcatcher Michael F. Brown, Sr. and hearing from him personally in the Q&A below.
What do you feel are your personal and professional callings? How did you know?
My personal and professional callings have always involved me working with people. Every job I’ve ever had has involved me helping people in ways that required being a good listener, demonstrating empathy, discovering how I could help solve problems and exploring opportunities to share life changing messages. This was especially true when I worked at Ben Taub General Hospital for nearly 20 years (a Level I Trauma Center) in Houston, Texas and later at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Now that God has called me to pastor, people are my full time business.
What was the defining moment that compelled you to choose this direction? What cemented your passion?
It was 22 years ago when I was compelled me to choose this direction. I was in church, and Pastor Frederick Tibbs preached a message on being called by God. He said in that message, “If you don’t know what God has called you to do, then seek Him diligently in prayer about it.” I followed his directions earnestly and sensed that I needed to go to Bible college. I later read a book by Charles Swindoll called “Improving Your Serve.” Shortly thereafter, I knew that serving full time in the Body of Christ was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am seldom excited about watching movies!
If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?
It would be one of my favorites from my grandfather and the one I most often use with my sons: “You ain’t said nothing slick to a can of oil.”
When people see what you’re striving for, what would you want them to keep in mind? What can they do to help support this cause?
I would like people to keep in mind that I am a work in progress, too. I may be helping others spiritually, but God is helping me at the same time. The best thing they can do to support my efforts is to keep me and the Body of Christ in prayer.
Dr. Carla Michelle Brown * Speaker * author * Educator 