Remembering Brett DeYoung
By Bill Search
My introduction to Brett DeYoung came when I was considering coming to work at Southeast. I sought advice about the position from a trusted friend in
Chicago. His response was, “I really don’t know much about the job, but I would walk from here to Kentucky to be able to work with Brett DeYoung.”
So strong was his reputation!
But I soon learned that this reputation had less to do with his abilities as a leader and more to do with who he was as a servant of God.
Brett moved from West Michigan with his wife, Sandie, and three boys, Jesse, Casey, and Micah to serve Southeast in November, 1999.
As the congregation continued to grow, so did the variety of roles and responsibilities that Brett undertook. He worked hard to develop the groups ministry
because he knew that people develop best and experience God best in community.
He and Sandie have a home group that has met for years. He also taught two weekend groups. Over the years, he directly influenced the lives of hundreds of
adults at Southeast, and indirectly, through his staff, he influenced thousands.
But in spite of his broad impact, Brett was not proud or arrogant.
It wasn’t important for him to be in front of others or occupy a visible role. Quite the opposite, he was quick to give others the platform and cheer them on from
the sidelines.
While he loved to teach the Bible, he was just as eager to encourage others to grow as teachers.
His leadership style was what I call “confident humility.”
Although these traits may seem mutually exclusive, in Brett both of these qualities flowed from the same source of belief in the character of God.
Brett knew his Savior and was confident that he had been both called and equipped to be a minister.
Brett considered this calling to be more than just a job, but a sacred appointment.
He didn’t simply put on his “minister’s hat” when he was at church, but rather this role was part of his DNA.
One thing I greatly appreciated about his leadership was his acceptance of “good enough.”
Because Brett knew his place—and our place—as servants of the mighty God, he was able to let go of human success and allow God to work, not just through
our strengths, but also through our weaknesses.
He was convinced that ultimately God who works to change lives and draw people to Himself, so when results weren’t as we wanted, Brett had a “let’s go back
to the drawing board” approach. He loved to tweak, modify and change things—not simply for the sake of change—but for the good of the church. This isn’t to
say that he didn’t have high expectations. Rather, Brett knew that we serve a perfect God who is worthy of our best efforts, and that sometimes we need to try
different approaches to find what works best.
He was intentional that all our efforts should build God’s church and draw people into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Brett loved all of God’s creation, and he connected with God best when he was in the midst of it.
Whether it was a walk across the campus, a long bike ride or a camping trip, when Brett was outside, he felt closer to God. Breathing fresh air and appreciating
the beauty of trees, animals, and rivers was his “sacred pathway” to connecting with his Creator. Even his home demonstrated this with decorations and a
beautiful fish pond that reminded him of God’s workmanship.
However, as much as Brett loved God’s design in nature, he loved God’s design in people even more. He thrived in community and appreciated friendships
deeply.
For me, he quickly became a great friend and like a second father. He always listened first to my ideas before giving advice. He loved brainstorming new ideas
for ministry and problem-solving various complexities. Our wives occasionally teased us for the hours we spent on the phone or chatting via e-mail at night! But
he was always careful to not call until the kids were in bed because he knew a man’s first ministry is to his family.
Brett was very proud of his family. His office was dominated by photos that reminded him of his sons and the times they shared together. He was equally proud
of Sandie and shared ministry responsibilities with her, encouraging her to lead Bible studies and to build up the lives of other wives of the church staff. My wife,
like many others, has been extraordinarily blessed by Sandie’s faithful example, especially through the adversity and pain brought by the brain cancer.
In leadership and in life Brett modeled the words of the apostle Paul in the first part of Philippians 1:21, “For me, to live is Christ.” Brett poured himself out for
the Gospel, and when the brain cancer reasserted itself, his desire for healing was so that he could continue to serve God.
Many times I prayed selfishly that he would be healed so I could learn more from him, and simply because I loved him and wanted his encouragement,
teaching and leadership.
But more often I prayed as Sandie desired that God would be glorified in every aspect of Brett’s life. And I learned even more from my friend by the way he
handled the cancer.
In spite of the grim outlook Brett received when the cancer was first discovered, I never saw him afraid or angry about what it would do to him. Brett was only 54
when he died. Personally, I can’t help but feel cheated.
I know Brett would love this season at Southeast.
Just a few weeks ago, nearly 700 people were baptized! As the church becomes more intentional with prayer, discipleship, evangelism and preparing the next
generation to lead, I know that Brett would roll up his sleeves and get to work.
He would be so excited to be a part of what God is doing in our church! So it hurts me to know that he won’t be here.
I have sometimes thought it was unfair in the Old Testament story of Moses that God didn’t allow him to take the Israelites that he had led for so long into the
Promised Land. After meandering the desert for decades and putting up with their whining and complaining, it seems a little harsh that Moses didn’t get to
enjoy the fruits of his labor. He died after surveying the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo. From a human perspective, it seems unjust. However, if we take a
second look at the story, we realize that Moses actually got the better end of the deal. Instead of having to go through more battles and motivate his aged
muscles to walk further to gain a home on earth, Moses was brought into the presence of the God he loved and served and received a home in heaven, which
is far better than any Promised Land on earth.
On Monday, Oct. 31, Brett left his beloved family and went into the very presence of the God he loved and served. Although we rejoice for Brett, we grieve for
ourselves. Brett is a man worth mourning over. In his shortened life, he did more to advance God’s work than many Christians ever attempt. His wisdom,
knowledge, humor and friendship will be missed; his memory will continue to challenge and inspire us to pour out our own lives for the sake of God’s
Kingdom. Brett’s confidence will direct us to remember that our God is worthy of our best efforts, and his humility will remind us that God who deserves all the glory.
I love you, my friend. Thank you for your example of faithful service.