Pastor's Bio

Don is a graduate of Old Dominion University, receiving a B.A. in History. Following graduation he spent 4 years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a Christian college campus ministry, at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. His next step took him to Philadelphia where he studied at Westminster Theological Seminary and was awarded the Master of Divinity degree. Since then he has been in local ministry in the Midwest and here in the Boston area. In addition to pastoring, Don is an adjunct faculty member of Eastern Nazarene College, Adult Studies Division, teaching Philosophy, Bible, Speech, Professional Business Communications, Christian Traditions and Living Issues. He is married to Sharon, a first grade teacher at The Master's Academy, and they have two sons, one in graduate school and one a senior in college.

MEET DON BRYANT

Some things aren't taught. They're caught. At an early age I caught the lesson that changed my life: God is big! I felt in my bones that knowing Him and following Him would make my life an adventure. And nothing would make up for His absence in my life.

I grew up in Norfolk, VA. My home was a loving one, but my parents were uninterested in spiritual things and unlikely to be. That is, until an elderly man knocked on the door to invite them to church. It was a new one, just starting in the area. On the third visit to my house (some guys just can't understand what people mean by "no"), my parents let him in. And then they let Christ into their lives. And then they went to church. And then everything changed. My parents never looked back. One thing I learned was that Christ-following was not a hobby or a short-cut. It was everything. And those who follow Him lose out on nothing.

The greatest spiritual crisis of my life came when I was a freshman at Old Dominion University. It was the 60’s. Enough said? I had lost my way. I was not outwardly or inwardly rebellious, but the life of Christ-following was not in any way clear way touching the innermost parts of my being where God is to be enjoyed. I have never been satisfied with just going through motions, and without clear direction and reasons I was ready to just drift--drop out of college, get away, whatever. I can still feel those moments of desperation in my bones. God in mercy led across my path an upperclassman who took my situation on as a personal rescue mission. He asked me to not drop out immediately but give some time to meeting with him. I agreed, and he taught me how to have a daily time with God through Bible study and prayer that would refresh and direct my life in a personal way. My life changed!! Even though I was a Christian before that moment, it seemed as if I had never known Christ before. Since that week in 1967 my life has been immersed in experiencing and teaching the Message.

After graduation I married Sharon and spent 4 years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a ministry to university students. My assignment was the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. (Go Tar Heels, and we miss you, Coach Dean Smith). It was my privilege to be a first hand witness first hand a spiritual awakening. Our IVCF chapter grew from 5 students to over 500 and eventually went on to grow to over 1000 students. Hundreds of students came to new birth through Jesus Christ. It became clear to me that God was directing me to full-time and life-long ministry, so in 1975 I enrolled in intensive Bible education at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. This was my first introduction to life outside the South. After graduation we moved to Kansas where I had the privilege of pastoring a church in a university town. Both my sons were born there. One is now in graduate school at the University of Chicago, the other a senior at the University of Pittsburgh. (I have a special tuition fund set up if you want to contribute).

I have been pastoring Coastal since its founding in 1995. It has been 32 years since that moment of spiritual crisis as a freshman. I can honestly say that Christ has never been more attractive, spiritual energy been greater, and sense of privilege deeper.

Here are some things that will let you know a bit about me.
(You can stop here if you want to imagine pastors as gilded saints).

Things I don't like spending money on: Vacations and Furniture. I don't know why, but for some reason I think these should be free.
My favorite way to relax: It used to be riding my 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650. It got old and someday it'll be time to get another bike. Working out at the gymn will have to do in the meantime.
Things I don't understand: Why some churches love to fight. I don't get it!!
The best things I like about church: Personal stories of God's power to change hearts, stopping by the nursery on the way to the auditorium for Celebration and hearing the laughter and fun.
The worst thing about church: The boring sermons I have to sit through (well, I guess I mean stand through, since I'm the one preaching)
My favorite books: Knowing God, by JI Packer. Almost anything by CS Lewis. Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott. Desiring God by John Piper. Prairy Erth by William Least Heat Moon.

My favorite music artists: Warren Zevon, Alison Kraus and the Union Station, Delbert McClinton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, Norah Jones, Tom Petty, Toby Keith, anbd Lyle Lovett ain't bad. Just getting to know Howard Levy, wonderful blues on the harmonica. Simply unbelievable.

Books I Am Reading: Death by Suburb, by David Goetz; From Good to Great by Jim Collins; Next Generation Leader, by Andy Stanley; State of Fear, by Michael Crichton; and The Day I Died, by Steve Sjogren. And there are more. I am guilty of bibliogamy; I am married to more than one book at a time.
My greatest achievement: Getting my high school sweetheart to marry me and being a part of my two sons' lives.
If I have an extra buck I will spend it on: A book. If I have more than a buck, I will spend it on Starbuck's coffee.
When I can't sleep I will: Get up and listen to The Diane Rehm Show on the internet.
The best gadget I ever bought: My Palm Pilot. If you ever hear a really loud scream it's because I think I have lost it-or did.
The last cd I bought: All The Roadrunning by Emmy Lou Harris and Mark Knoplfer. Wow! Buy it!
To have some fun I will: Do a rental movie marathon.
Weirdest coincidence: Breaking my arm twice as a sophomore in high school, my oldest son breaking his arm twice as a sophomore, and my youngest son breaking his arm twice-once as a freshman and once as a sophomore. In all three cases at least one of the breaks was from football. There are some things the Bryants don’t learn quickly!
The one thing about God that most blows my mind: His joy.