One Year In: A “Brenterview” With Brent Patrick, Director, FWB Foundation

What will people be most surprised to learn about you?

I am an only child. When most people learn that about me, they automatically look at me differently and place me in a category with all other only children, like we are on the Island of Misfit Toys. Thankfully, I married into a family of four children, with several nieces and nephews. They all keep me grounded about weird things like “sharing” and “thinking of others’ needs before mine.” Of course, I’m speaking a little tongue-in-cheek, but over the last 30 years, my wife has done her best to successfully humble my only-child tendencies.

Another thing: in addition to 23 years of pastoring and 30 years of total ministry experience, I also have degrees in business. Before answering the call to preach, I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Business Management along with an MBA from Morehead State University. Without a doubt, God has used those degrees in combination with my pastoral training to help me conduct ministry that has led to my role at the Foundation.

Tell me briefly about your wife Paula and your kids.

If my son (the younger of our two children) were answering, he would say, “Let me tell you about my favorite child and then my younger kid.” Obviously, our younger son, Blake, is the jokester. He’s 22 years old and married to Cailey Sexton, the youngest daughter of David and Charity Sexton. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a degree in church ministry and serves as the connections pastor at CrossPointe FWB Church in Suffolk, Virginia. He, like his mother and sister, is full of life, hardworking, and enjoys working with his hands.

Olivia is 26, a sixth-grade math teacher at Landstown Middle School in Virginia Beach. She also graduated from Liberty University with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She serves in the worship and children’s ministries at Gateway Church, and she is intelligent, conscientious, and loves to laugh.

My wife Paula is the rock of our family. She exudes love, joy, and laughter. She’s truly beautiful inside and out and is an encourager to everyone around her. We have been married 30 years, and she is my most trusted counselor. Throughout our ministry journeys, Paula has been faithful to the words she spoke at our wedding: “Wherever you go, I will go … your God shall be my God.” She holds a degree in middle school education from Morehead State University and is a fifth grade English teacher at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy.

Besides your parents, who most influenced your life?

Wow! It is hard to narrow that down. So many have influenced me through the years. But I would have to say that three men have greatly impacted my life. One is a lifelong family friend named Paul Daniel who is like a second father to me, and someone I’ve always looked up to. He’s taught me many practical things through the years and has been supportive to our family.

The others are my father-in-law Paul Wayne Browning and my cousin Dann Patrick. Both men have been my pastors and encouraged me spiritually; led me to a deeper understanding of ministry, preaching, and pastoring; and challenged me to trust the Lord with my life and be fully devoted to His calling and will.

You have been a pastor, businessman, educational administrator, and now find yourself a national denominational leader. How do you juggle all the responsibilities?

Not well at times! But I am very thankful for how the Lord has gifted me and allowed me to travel so many pathways. Each experience has built on one another to enable me to handle the next challenge. As the Psalmist said, “The Lord is the strength of my life.” He graciously provides the knowledge, wisdom, strength, and ability to accomplish His purposes. Likewise, my wife is the ultimate helpmate, supporter, encourager, counselor, and clutch assistant. She has been beside me each step of the way and continues to be a major player in every area of my life.

What is a hobby of yours that few people know about?

I love NASCAR racing. For 25+ years, I’ve been to multiple tracks and watched numerous races. The driving ability of the racers at such high speeds and proximity is exciting to me. I know most of the drivers, their stories, and their racing history. I must be careful; sometimes my “NASCAR-nature” wants to come out on the highway!

Besides church and family, what do you miss most about Virginia?

The beach! We are beach people as a family. The sand and the waves are both tranquil and relaxing. Likewise, the sunrises and sunsets on the East Coast are breathtaking.

What has been the biggest challenge during this transition to Tennessee?

Learning a new discipline continues to be the biggest challenge. After pastoring for 23 years and being settled in a ministry, uprooting at age 54 to follow the Lord’s leading to begin a new work almost feels like starting ministry all over again.

Plus, not being “the pastor” anymore is a bit disorienting. For so long, many simply called me “Pastor.” Not hearing that title is taking some getting used to. It feels strange to attend a church service without overseeing what is taking place. I still want to stay and talk to everyone I see and be the last one to leave.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I do my best to be a servant leader and be collaborative and strategic in my leadership, as well. I naturally see the big picture, which helps me keep mission and goals in mind while ensuring daily operations meet those objectives. I believe the best decisions come from listening to the people closest to the work. I intentionally seek input from others because I value diverse perspectives and recognize every team member brings unique experiences and strengths. Creating a culture where people feel heard and respected leads to better outcomes and stronger engagement.

At the same time, I recognize leadership requires accountability. While I strive to build consensus whenever possible, I’m also comfortable making difficult decisions when necessary. I believe servant leadership is not about avoiding hard conversations or decisions but making them with integrity and a genuine commitment to what is best for the team, the organization, and the people we serve.

You are coming up on your first full year as the director of the Foundation. Can you briefly answer some rapid-fire questions?

What has been accomplished? New culture, clear missional focus, new database, development of Legacy Partners

What has proven to be the biggest challenge? Learning the operations and functionality of the Foundation

How would you describe the condition of the Foundation in a word (or sentence). The Foundation has yet
to reach its fullest potential, which gives hope for exciting days ahead!

Briefly, what do you see as the future for the Free Will Baptist Foundation in both the short and long term?

As a denomination, we must start building financial strength that supports ministry both today and for generations to come. That mission operates through endowments. We must capitalize on this window of time to plant financial seeds, water them through consistent giving, and allow the Lord to give the increase for Kingdom growth. The establishment, building, and use of endowments is a primary focus for the Foundation. Therefore, the Foundation must position itself, strengthen operations, and be the purposeful agent that helps fund today and tomorrow’s ministry efforts.

Dream with me for a moment: what if the Free Will Baptist Endowment reached $100 million? With that amount and a 5% payout, $5 million would come annually — year after year after year until the Lord returns — to all Free Will Baptist national agencies and commissions. Over $400,000 of additional annual income. I think we can easily see how allowing our money to work for us adds massive benefit to ministry operations!

Why is the Foundation important for Free Will Baptists?

We partner with Free Will Baptist individuals, churches, and ministries to provide biblically-grounded financial stewardship. We manage their investments, endowments, and legacy gifts, allowing them to align their personal financial goals with eternal impact. Our goal is to help God’s people invest wisely, give faithfully, and leave a lasting legacy.

What is one thing would you like to say to the denomination about the Foundation?

Thank you for remaining supportive with your prayers, patience, and commitment during this leadership transition. The Foundation remains financially strong, missionally focused, and passionately committed to the financial future of Free Will Baptists.

I believe the biggest days for the Foundation and its impact are just ahead!