Bryan Austin aka Austin Bryant: Layspeaking Ministry

Cupples(Elementary) and Sumner(High)...O what a wonder! Keep working on your dreams.You have shown us that its not late, for this is Your time. Keep climbing old friend.

From: Heikki Suosalo
Subject: Were You There

I just watched a dvd of a play called "Moments in Time."
At almost the very end there was a truly beautiful ballad called "Were You There" by a gentleman by the name of Austin P. Bryant, Jr. I've known his work earlier, but this is one of the most wonderful renditions he's ever performed. I hope this comes commercially available, since it has a lot of potential.

Best regards
Heikki

You know me. I know you. We know each other. But when we were kids, I didn't know you had all this talent in you. I know it now and hopefully everyone else will too. keep on doing your thing. Eric

From: David Cole

Dear Brian,


I was indeed impressed by your performance and I can understand people being moved appropriately. I know from your cds just how crystal-clear your voice is and registered accordingly.

Feel free to post on your site.

Very best wishes

David

From: Reginald Hicks
Subject: Website


I can remember when Aus and I belted a few tunes in the men's room at Sumner High School(St. Louis). Musically, he's on his way. It took a hundred years, but his voice is as pure as angels in the choir. I'm impressed that "Ole School" is alive and well. It's been said that good music sounds good at any age. No matter what your age, follow the instructions and be amazed at how your homey has matured.
Long live the Gospel, R & B, Rockabilly, Hip Hop, etc-etc and Aus.
Aus, the word is out.
www.bryanakaaustin.com
Peace,

Reggie

Austin,
I listened to your Gospel cut. It was uplifting and very very tight.
Keep moving.
You're blessed. Robert

"His Eye Is On The Sparrow" critque
Eye on the Sparrow. Hm... The only person I could think of, to sing it with every bit of heart and soul of their person. Using his God-given talent to its fullest. Why that's easy!! Austin Bryant. His range and quality of voice. It makes the angels want to sing along. Once you hear him, you will not ever, and I mean EVER settle for second best again.



Michael W. Crowley
SonLight Players

Subject: Moments in Time


Good Morning Bryan,
It is true, you do get better with age. I have not seen you perform in awhile, so to have had the opportunity to see you again was a pleasure. Keep doing the things God directs you to do.
Tyrone Cain

I've had the privilege of experiencing Bryan's ministry live on two occasions. He clearly delivers a song from his soul to his hearer's hearts. One of my parishioners said she couldn't keep tears from her eyes as God's message poured from Bryan's voice. If you want to lift the spirits or your congregation or group, Bryan is your messenger. As for his CD, "Thankful for the Dream," "Center of My Joy" is worth the price alone. I never tire of hearing his voice, or experiencing the thankfulness for Christ's participation as the center of his life that comes from this song. And the range--just amazing, not since Johnny Mathis. Bryan Austin is thankful for the dream. I'm thankful, too.

Rick Matson,
Pastor, Smith Chapel United Methodist Church.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow" critique


Whenever my spirit is low and needs to be lifted and ordinary words fail, I love listening to Bryan Austin's rendition of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow". It surely is his signature song. When Bryan hits those beautiful, pure high notes, my soul soars with those sparrows and I get such a calming reassurance that God IS watching over me.

Kala Handley
CrossRoads the United Methodist Church in Belton

Austin,
I've been following your music ministry's progress, and am blown away.You are an inspiration to me as I begin to break out and build my gift. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 is always on my mind. It's a scary thing to trust God so completely that you think you must be half crazy to be going where He's leading. Your growth inspires me. Please continue to keep me posted. I appreciate the updates more than you know. And I loved your sermon about women knowing their place...awesome!

When can you come visit Midway Locust Grove??? We're small but on fire.

Blessings,
Cathy

Awareness Management Systems
An authorized franchise of the Sandler Sales Institute
Catherine Atkins

Email from DJ Fred
I am a DJ out in Bryan Texas. I would love to receive some of your
music. I am a new reporter for Boogie report and the soul and blues
report. It would be much appreciated. I would in return inform you of
how the audience I play for respond to your music. I would also pass
out any other promotional items you may have, like flyers of your
next release or where they can buy your music. Just mail all products
to the address below
Thank
You
DJ Fred!!!!
Homeboy Production and Entertainment
> Attn: DJ Fred > > Bryan Texas 77802

Hello,
> I want to tell everybody Japanese your new website.
> Please take care of yourself and continue to make great Music for
> your fans in Japan.
> Thank you.
> > -----------------------------------
> Souki Harada
> Osaka-City,Osaka 5500006
> Japan

HEY BRO, KEEP DOING YOUR THANG, YOU KNOW GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU , WHEN GOD IS IN THE PLAN THINGS ARE NOT THE SAME OR DONE ON A SMALL SCALE ALL THE TIME. WHEN WE'ER GREAT GOD GETS THE GLORY, SO BE AS BAD AS YOU WANT'A BE, DO YOUR THANG, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT YOUR GONN"A GIVE GOD ALL THE PRAISE & GLORY, AND YOUR DOING IT IN HIS NAME, AND BY THE WAY I STILL WANT MY BACK STAGE PASS, BECAUSE GOD GON'NA TAKE YOU THERE. MAY THE GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH & THE SEA & ALL THE THINGS THAT LIVE WITHIN THEM, BE WITH YOU ALWAYS .
GOD BLESS BRO SWINTON

ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES

We are called so many times and ways during the day by telephones, cell phones, and by other means that we have become deaf to The Call. This call is God’s call to us, for us, on us. It is the summons of God to respond to God’s call to serve, to minister, to celebrate, to sacrifice, and to answer. God’s call is a repeated and repeating summons. God never ceases to summon us to fulfill the ministry to which we are called. In Isaiah 43:1, God says to each of us, “I have called you by name, you are mine.” It is difficult to hear God among the distractions of other calls. What do you think the Lord is calling you to do right now? Could it be a call to explore the Lay Speaking Ministries in the United Methodist Church? You may be thinking: What is a Lay Speaker? How can that be a call from God? What is the content of that call?

God is calling all of us to tell others about God’s love and forgiveness. God is calling us into a life–giving and life sustaining relationship through Jesus Christ. John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.” The message is simple, but the ways that we proclaim the message are as varied as the people who hear the call. People are called To Proclaim the Gospel Through: Worship Leadership, Preaching, Witnessing, Teaching, Leadership, Service, Growing in Personal Faith, and a Personal Lifestyle. He has given each the Holy Spirit to enable completion of the assignments. You have heard the call and one way you may want to live it out is through Lay Speaking Ministries.

A Lay Speaker (local or certified) is a member of the local church and is ready and willing to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, the heritage, the organization, and the life of The United Methodist Church. He or she receives continued, specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through the spoken communication, church, community leadership, as well as care-giving ministries. A Lay Speaker leads meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion; conducts, or assist in conducting, services of worship, and presents sermons and addresses when requested by the pastors, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking. He or she also relates to appropriate committees and ministry areas in providing leadership for congregational and community life. A Lay Speaker continues to journey with the Holy Spirit.

What is Required ?
• Completed application in writing submitted to the appropriate committee and be recommended by the pastor and the church council, or charge conference.
• Complete the ten hours Basic Course for Lay Speaking (local)
• Complete the ten hours Advance Course for Lay Speaking (certified)
Respond to God’s call to proclaim His will; it may be through the Lay Speaking Ministries!

C. Rudy Workcuff Lay Leader ~ St. James UMC
(816) 861-4521

What is Lay Speaking Ministries?

Leading, Caring, Communicating: these words characterize what lay speakers do in ministry as The United Methodist Church engages the world of the twenty-first century!

LEADING: Lay speakers combine words and actions in leadership roles within their churches and communities.

CARING: As lay speakers combine words with deeds, they find ways to care for others. Some are involved in crisis ministries, such as visiting grieving families. Lay speakers share a ministry of caring one-on-one with people in times of need and in times of joy, and show their faith by responding to others with care--giving love and service.

COMMUNICATING: Both the Bible and Christian experience point to the importance of proclaiming God's transforming love for a broken world. Lay speakers often fill pulpits, lead Bible studies, or speak in youth and children's groups, healthcare centers, retirement centers, prison ministries, and more.

Lay Speaking Ministries is a program to provide training opportunities and experiences to equip disciples of Jesus Christ to realize and respond to their personal call to ministry. Since each disciple is ‘gifted’ with one or more spiritual gifts (skills given by the Holy Spirit for the express purpose of serving the body of believers and thereby God), Lay Speaking Ministries strives to help disciples become aware of their particular gift or gifts by offering educational events to enhance and develop the skill level necessary for the full fruition of these gifts. It is an excellent vehicle for servant ministry skill development and has aided thousands of church members to be better servants of Jesus Christ, to become stronger church family leaders, and to more capably assist their pastors.

What is a Lay Speaker?

A United Methodist Lay Speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communications, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. This person must be active in the support of the local church or charge.

A Lay Speaker is:
An active supportive member of the United Methodist Church;

Eager to serve through the church;
Well-informed on the Scripture and the doctrine, heritage, organization and the life of The United Methodist Church;
Committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care-giving ministries, and spoken communication; and
Willing to improve his or her skills for service.

Lay Speaking Ministries offers training opportunities for laity who would like to use their witness, leadership, and service to inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This may include the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church.

What is expected of a Lay Speaker?
Local Church Lay Speakers

Support and minister to the local church
Look for leadership opportunities in the local church
Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year
Take a refresher course every three years

Certified Lay Speakers

Support and minister to the local church and beyond
Can be utilized by other congregations
Look for leadership opportunities in the local church and beyond
Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year
Must take at least one Advanced Course every three years to maintain certification.

Austin,
I was a real pleasure to have you at our church! You singing was and is wonderful and I particularly like it when you walked around greeting people while you sang. That really gave it a friendly feel and broke down any barriers that might have existed with the congregation.
Your message was also great. We need to be reminded of those who should have been named in the Bible, but weren't because they were women. It is one of the tragedies of the church that these people we not name. Your insight and challenging message really spoke to me and those in the congregation. Thank you for coming and sharing with us. I would recommend you both as a singer and a preacher to anyone with out reservation. Again thank you, and may God continue to use you! In Christ, Wally Proctor, Pastor of Stilwell United Methodist Church.

My dear Austin,

GOD morning. WOW what an outstanding song and word SUnday at our church.

After many prayers for a speaker for UMW Sunday, GOD led me to you. Having heard your CD, I was moved and GOD opened the door for me to ask you to lead our Sunday services.

My prayers were answered, you came to Stilwell United Methodist CHurch, February 19, 2006.

Your voice is a true blessing from GOD and your delivery of GOD's word was to the point and fun. You have a special manner to tell GOD's story. The church laughed, answered you out loud, which is atypical for our church, and we had chills when you sang.

I can not praise you enough for making our UMW SUnday a blessing to everyone who attended. As you greeted our church members as they left you heard their praises not only for your voice but also for your spoken word.

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Girls of the Bible", was thought stimulating for each of us. My circle just started our BIBLE study by Liz Higgs on "The Bad GIrls of the BIBLE".

You are a talented blessed person that GOD uses and will use for HIS glory.

THanks again for sharing your GOD given gifts from your heart with us.

Vada Mae Eder, President, Stilwell UMW

Turn to GOD and Go with GOD in peace

Vada Mae

Dear Bro Austin,

You were up pretty early this morning! Yes, I will stand in agreement with you that in 2006 that you are anointed to become a preacher who sings for the Lord. May you be so filled with the Holy Spirit that He over flows to others. Keep praying, keep singing, and keep serving in the kingdom of God. May you and Sharon have a blessed and wonderful New Year!

Love in Christ,
Sis. Helen

My Brother Austin,

Yes, the presence of the Lord within you cannot be denied. It is strong! Hallelujah! I am thankful to God to be able to minister with and to a man like you. You are a tremendous blessing beyond what words can express. I look forward to our mijnistering together with you in song. Let's take some more steps forward to make it happen. I believe it is the Lord' will. Keep me informed.

Rev. H

God has blessed you with His gift such that all His children rejoice at your ability to bring even diverse people together in the celebration of His holy word through your word and song. Congratulations, Austin and keep up the good work. It seems you have found your path. May your journey continue to be blessed.

Your old friend,

Stoney

Bro. Austin Bryant is bringing the Word Wednesday night 6-29-05. Is it possible to change the order of service a little for this week? We are having some more visitors that will be participating and would like to have them listed as part of the service also. Here is what I have in mind and you have the expertise to make things fit appropriately. Please let me know what can be done. Thanks very much.

Order of Worship

Musical Prelude ----- Martha Latini, Broadway UMC

Musical Selection ---- Bro. Austin Bryant

Call to Celebration

Opening Hymn

Opening Prayer ---- Written

Prayer --- (Spoken) Donald Meyer, Ottawa, Ks.

Prayer Response -- Hear Our Prayer

Affirmation of Faith

Scripture Reading --- Paslm 121: 1-3, & 7,8

Musical Selection --- Austin Bryant

The Message --- Austin Bryant (Keep Looking Up)

Response To the Message

Offering

Hymn

The Benediction.


May the Lord Keep You and Bless Your Life In A Special Way.
May the Lord Embrace You In His Loving Arms Everyday;
May the Holy Spirit Always Abide with You when You Pray.
For A Lifetime,
C. Rudy Workcuff

Working Theme: "Passionate Worship"
Scripture for Proclamation: Psalm 116
Crossroads United Methodist Church
700 Quick Trip Way
Belton, MO
April 10, 2005

Welcoming - P. Smith

Solo Call to Worship: His Eye is on the Sparrow - Austin Bryant, Soloist

Greeting: BoW #379 - Liturgist

Hymn of Praise: Just As I Am UMH #357

Opening Prayer: BoW #399, Week 3 - Liturgist

Words of Assurance - Liturgist

Praise Chorus: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, UMH #349

Prayer for Illumination - Liturgist

Psalm 116 - UMH #837 WITH Musical Response #1 - Liturgist

Children's Time - J. Kidwell

1 Peter 1:17-23 - Liturgist

Solo for Preparation: Old Rugged Cross- Austin Bryant, Soloist

Jesus' Christ's Good News: Luke 24:13-35 - P. Smith

Message: Joel Kidwell

Affirmation: #884

Prayers of the People: P. Smith

Offertory Prep - G. Posegate

Offertory Solo: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Austin Bryant, Soloist

Doxology: #94, UMH

Prayer Solo: The Lord's Prayer - Austin Bryant, Soloist

Announcements: G. Posegate

Closing Hymn: Christ is Alive, #318

Benediction: J. Kidwell

Solo Postlude: Center of My Joy - Austin Bryant, Soloist