[ dr. michael j. easley bio ] [ from the elders...

Dear Fellowship Family,

We are humbled, grateful and excited to present you with this introductory material on our new teaching

pastor, Michael Easley, and his wife, Cindy.

We believe God’s “good hand” has ordered our steps to bring us together. Michael says it well when he

describes the process we have been in as a “candid conversation.” In this material and in the coming

weeks, we want you to get a taste of that conversation.

Enclosed you will find a biography of Michael and Cindy, some questions we have asked to help you get to

know them and some websites where you can go to listen to Michael teach in a variety of settings.

We think you’ll find the Q & A section a great place to start. We brainstormed some categories and questions

and asked them to respond. You are getting their answers. A fun read.

Michael and Cindy will be introduced in our services the weekend of October 11th & 12th. We’ll host several

receptions on the campus for you to meet and greet them:

• Saturday evening (Oct. 11th) 6:30-8:00pm (after the service)

• Sunday afternoon (Oct. 12th) 3:00-5:00pm

• Sunday evening (Oct. 12th) 7:00-9:00pm

They plan to move to Tennessee sometime in December. Michael will make several visits throughout the fall

and is planning to officially begin January 1, 2009.

As you read through this material, we invite you to thank God for the process we have been in, pray for the

Easleys and their transition and continue to intercede for your church leadership. It’s our joy to serve this

community of faith.

Maturing in the faith and being equipped to give our lives away—with you.

All for His great glory,

Your Elders

Michael Easley comes to Fellowship Bible Church

from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois,

where he served as president (and currently

president emeritus) since March of 2005. Prior to

his time at Moody, Easley served as a pastor for

over 20 years. Most recently, he was the senior

pastor of Immanuel Bible Church, an influen-

tial church serving the Northern Virginia and

Washington, D.C. areas. For almost 12 years at

Immanuel, he oversaw a staff of more than 75

and served a congregation of approximately 5,000

members. His pastoral career began as a youth

minister intern at Trinity Fellowship in Dallas,

Texas, before becoming senior pastor of Grand

Prairie Bible Church in Texas, where he served for

nine years.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, he received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1980.

His ministry training, including a Master of Theology degree in 1985 and a Doctorate of Ministry degree

in 2003, was acquired at Dallas Theological Seminary. In recognition of his doctoral work, the seminary

awarded Michael the John G. Mitchell Award for outstanding scholarship and effectiveness in ministry.

Easley wrote “Interludes: Prayers

and Reflections of a Servant’s

Heart” and contributed to “The Da

Vinci Code Controversy” by Dillon

Burroughs. While at Moody, Easley

has hosted two radio teaching pro-

grams: the weekly “Moody Presents”

and the daily “inContext” (formerly

called “Proclaim!”).

Michael married his wife, Cindy, in

1980, and together they are raising

four children.

• inContext with Michael Easley:

A 24-minute daily radio program from Moody designed to help listeners take a fresh approach to grapple with truth through sound biblical exposition, tangible illustrations and real-life insights.

Listen: www.moodyradio.org/incontext.aspx

• Dallas Theological Seminary has a few messages from Michael:

Watch: www.dts.edu/media/people/?namekey=Michael_Easley

• Interludes: Prayers and Reflections of a Servant’s Heart by Michael Easley (available through Moody Press and Amazon.com)

[ Fun Facts ]welcome to Nashville. Do you like couNtry music? It depends.

iF you haD oNe superhero power, what woulD it be? To be able to fly.

aNy NickNames? The Bruin; Dr. E.

right-haNDeD or leFt-haNDeD? Right

Favorite books, authors? Chaim Potok, Paul Johnson and a bunch of boring stuff no one would care about except me.

Favorite movies aND why? O Brother Where Art Thou? – delightful nonsense. Jeremiah Johnson – challenges trying to create a perfect life; Spanish Prisoner – clever beyond explanation. Almost any John Wayne movie (best western of all time: The Searchers) because it’s John Wayne. Moonstruck – reminds me of my Italian heritage. Corina, Corina – a family fave and of course, The Princess Bride.

who’s your Favorite sports team? The Titans, of course.

[ DR. MIcHaEL J. EasLEY BIO ] [ FROM tHE ELDERs ] [ REsOuRcEs ]

Back Row: Tony Wood, Bill Wellons, Kevin Virden, Jeff Helton, Bob Benson, John Mays

Front Row: Neal Joseph, Hunter Murray, Maridus Kinder, Bob Elrod, Richard Scott, Barry McCall

1210 Franklin Rd. | Brentwood, TN 37027 | (615) 777-8500 | www.FellowshipNashville.org

Back Row: Hanna, Cindy, Sarah Front Row: Devin, Michael, Jessie

community of faith.

Your Elders

nine years.

four children.

community of faith.

Your Elders

nine years.

four children.

[ QuEstIOns aBOut FaMILY ]tell us about your wiFe. what Do we NeeD to kNow about ciNDy? Cindy is fun loving, flexible and a great mom. She has many interests including reading fiction, writing, teaching, running, playing with investments and a love for young couples.

how loNg have you beeN marrieD? 28 years (July 19, 1980)

how DiD you aND ciNDy meet? While in college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I was hosting a Bible study at my house during the summer and Cindy wandered in…

tell us about your kiDs. Hanna, 24, has finished college and her masters. Works full-time at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Loves the Lord, her job, singing and living in D.C. Jessie, 19, (aver-ages 200 text messages a day), athletic, also loves to sing, “life and noise of the party,” is going to Word of Life Bible Institute, Schroon Lake, NY this fall. Devin, 14, loves tennis, lacrosse, soccer and drawing anime (Japanese animation). Sarah, 13, loves talking on the phone and being taller than her brother.

what leD you guys to aDopt? Cindy has always wanted four kids, two years apart. After Hanna was born, we went through five years of infertility. Cindy, much more than I, longed to have four kids. So, one day she came home with stacks of adoption packets and books…about nine months later, we adopted Jessie at two-weeks old. Jessie was a handful and took a lot of energy to raise. The dream of four kids was fading. When Jessie started turning the corner, we discussed whether or not to have more kids. We prayed about adopting a sibling group (two kids) who tend to be harder to place. Long story short, we adopted Devin and Sarah (half-siblings) when they were three and 22 months. “Why we adopted?” The short answer—we wanted to have kids and infertility kept us from our “plan.”

[ QuEstIOns aBOut MIcHaEL ]who is michael easley? Youngest of three, husband of one, father of four, backpacker/climber/kayaker turned photographer turned mechanic turned college-graduate-postgraduate worn out student turned pastor turned president.

where DiD you grow up? Atlanta, GA and Houston, TX

DiD you grow up iN the church? In the Catholic church. My parents (married 60 years) still attend mass every day. I attended parochial schools through 9th grade.

how DiD you meet Jesus? After a couple of years of drugs and licentious living, I was confronted with a meaninglessness that scared me. I went on a “mission for truth” reading a strange assortment of “spiritual” books. I attended a CCD class in the Catholic church and the teacher wrote John 3:16 on the chalkboard and gave us a paperback copy of the Gospel of John. It was the first time I had heard the story of Nicodemus. I asked several questions along the lines of “all you have to do is believe?!” and it was at that moment I trusted Christ, knew my sins were forgiven and had a joy that was indescribable.

talk about your spiritual growth siNce. what are some oF the aspects iN which christ has really beeN FormeD iN you, i.e., how has he chaNgeD you? The most significant was exposure to the Bible. Being raised Catholic, we did not read the Bible. So, to read scripture, to study it, was an explosive experience. I remember the first time I ever heard an “expository” message. I was stunned. It was

[ QuEstIOns aBOut tHE cHuRcH ]why make the traNsitioN to the church? I feel I’m a “churchman” at heart. Perhaps simply because we’ve been a part of a local church for so many years or because of our gifting-skills-interests. We love being a part of God’s local church, and it seems to be a fit. We’re eager to be a part of what the Lord is doing at Fellowship.

what Do you thiNk is the biggest challeNge iN your traNsitioN From mooDy to leaDiNg a local church? Moody is a 122 year-old legacy ministry. Millions of people have been impacted through the footprint of Moody. It was an inestimable privilege to be a very small part of this extraordinary effort. As we looked long-term, the travel, demands and commitment required were simply too much. As we prayed and sought counsel, the Lord in His great kindness provided a way to leave well.

what about Fellowship was attractive to you? 1) the philosophy of ministry, kindred biblical-theology, it’s the “fit” factor. 2) the way the leadership handled the past three years. It speaks volumes that the elders and pastors have weathered huge challenges so well. Not that it has been easy or perfectly handled, but from my vantage, these leaders did an extremely good job in an unpopular time. I am attracted to men who will “do the right thing in the right way.” 3) the opportunity to co-labor with a team. 4) the opportunity to reach a community for Christ. Fellowship seems geared, poised, intent on reaching the community for the gospel. That is invigorating.

what Do you believe about the local church? I believe it is the most important organization/organism on the planet.

what was your First impressioN oF Fellowship? Wounded, young, energetic, exciting and visionary.

wheN the elDers First calleD, what were you thiNkiNg? Our first discussion with a mutual friend was, “we’re not leaving Moody.” As we started thinking about the next phase of our lives, Cindy and I were unsure. We were praying about long-term and what might be next for us. The physical limitations of my back added a layer of complication. From a pragmatic view point, the travel and commute to Moody were big factors. So, as we thought more about the local church as a next step, Fellowship offered some unique benefits we’d never anticipated. For example, the idea of a bona fide “team” was very compelling.

tell us about the iNterview process From your perspective? It was a conversation. I don’t think either side was trying to impress the other. Fellowship was candid about the trials of the past three years; I wasn’t “looking” for a job so there was no “let’s impress each other with each other.” Additionally, we’ve had the benefit of a network of friends who know us all well. It was an easy conversation that helped us pray through to our next chapter.

speak to what scares you about this Job, i.e., where Do you Feel some vulNerability? No matter where you go in life, you are trading a set of known problems for a set of unknown problems.

[ QuEstIOns FOR cInDY ]what Do we NeeD to kNow about michael? What you see is what you get. As I read over his answers, he really does represent himself accurately. Michael is also very serious about the stewardship of the resources God has given us. This reflects itself in his management of time and money, especially related to his work ethic.

what’s the oNe thiNg that others woulD say about michael as a leaDer? Michael cares about others. Part of Michael’s leadership style is to walk around (i.e., visit the offices of the staff) and talk. He likes to ask how they’re doing, what they’re thinking, etc. Michael cares about people, no matter what their position.

Cindy and I are amazed at God’s great kindness in our lives. We are so humbled and excited to

become a part of Fellowship. We are eager to co-labor in this great work that Christ is doing. Know

that we are praying for the elders, pastors, staff and the church and we covet your prayers for us.

May He richly encourage you as you walk closely with Him.

like having never tasted sugar and someone gave me a milkshake. I was addicted. For the first three years of college, I studied the Scriptures constantly. They brought life. So, it was almost a ready-made process, and the spiritual disciplines became a joy. God has given me a craving to know Him through His Word. I hope there has been a lot of growth, but it seems to me the most remarkable changes have been in “thinking less of self” and more about others, being a person who loves to study (I never cared for “learning” before I came to Christ) and in recent years, an unquenchable passion to help people ground their lives on the Word of God, not the world’s systems.

what’s your Favorite passage? why? So many… pressed to choose one it’s John 9. The story of the unnamed congenitally blind man who Jesus heals. Jesus heals him—and as far as the text reveals, he didn’t even ask Jesus for help. It’s a rich textured story (suffering, election, creation, grace, disbelief, sovereignty) but the point is that the glory of God is going to be revealed in a poor nameless, throw-away man’s life. In the beginning he is merely an object lesson; as the story unfolds, he is a transformed disciple. Best line, when the Pharisees are grilling him about who this Jesus is, he replies: “I told you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” (John 9:27) I love the sarcasm and truth to a group who is only interested in discrediting the blind man and Jesus, but it’s impossible to argue with a changed life.

Favorite hymN? Favorite worship tuNe? Hymn - Day by Day; Worship - (sucker for Keith Getty’s writings) In Christ Alone or The Power of the Cross.

what has goD beeN teachiNg you lately? How to live with chronic back pain. To paraphrase Luther, “you don’t have to get better to be well.”

tell us about your back. Short version: degenerative disk disease. After 20 years of racquet ball, weight training, etc. it’s all taken its toll. I’ve had two surgeries in the lumbar area. I’ve tried chiropractic, acupuncture…Pain management has been a blessing. I am looking into some other treatments.

how is goD chaNgiNg you toDay? When I hit 50 (now 51) it was amazing how much my perspective has changed. Simply put, “I don’t have to prove anything anymore.” So much of my 20s & 30s I was running feverishly trying to find some elusive “thing” or “goal.” One day I was 50 and realized, “I’ve got 20 – maybe 30 years left at most!” As you watch your parents age (both Cindy’s folks are with the Lord), it clarifies a lot of things.

tell us about your writiNg? what leD you to write Interludes? I’ve always been struck with how poorly we pray. As a pastor, I saw it mercilessly. We are speaking to the God of the universe and we use worn out clichés, repetitious phrases and utter them stolid, stale, and in a hurry. I love the collection of Puritan prayers, The Valley of Vision. When I started writing the prayers that became “Interludes,” I never intended to have them published. They were just meaningful prayers that I wrote to the Lord. Others seemed to like them and Moody was kind enough to publish. I had assembled them over several years.

tell us about your teachiNg style. I’m pretty much a verse-by-verse book of the Bible teacher. I’m not as tedious as I used to be. I try to exposit a passage, help us to understand it in context and then apply it to our lives.

tell us about your leaDership style. That has changed over the years. Early on I was all about consensus and relationships. Then I was placed in a position where I had essentially complete authority and responsibility. I think now it’s more of a combination of “relational and goal-oriented.” Meaning, you can lead better as the relationships are strong but you also must have goals you are working toward.

what aDJectives woulD you use to Describe yourselF? Disciplined, perfectionist, courageous, impatient, instinctive and grumpy.

what causes most oF your FrustratioN, teNsioN aND pressure? why? My children. Indolence, apathy, bad politics.

what briNgs you most oF your pleasure, Joy aND FuN? why? Great friends, food, fellowship. Time with Cindy (sans kids). Not having to “go” and “do.”

what is the key to uNDerstaNDiNg the “real you” that most people miss? What you see is what you get.

what really motivates you? why? People who have a passion to live for Christ wherever He has placed them. People who want to change. I love co-laboring with people who want to make a difference for others and to serve the Lord.

what is the most meaNiNgFul complimeNt you have ever beeN giveN? why was it importaNt to you? One time I spoke at a church’s anniversary event. The elder I’ve most respected in life introduced me and said, “I wish Michael had been my son.” Pretty well undid me.

tell us about some paiN or harDship iN your liFe. Two: the loss of my mentor of 15 years and living with chronic back pain.

iF goD tolD you to Do aNythiNg you waNteD, you haD all the time, staFF, eDucatioN, materials, etc. aND you kNew with 100% certaiNty that you woulD Not Fail, what woulD you Do? why? Go to medical school and be a surgeon. I’ve always had an allure for medicine, helping people between life and death.

what three people Do you most aDmire iN the worlD? Apostle Paul, Winston Churchill and George Washington.

what are the kiND oF “liNgeriNg questioNs” iN your miND—the kiND which keep comiNg back to you time aFter time aND have still Not beeN resolveD…about aNythiNg iN liFe? Why so much suffering, pain, loss? Why do some people never “get it”? Why do some people choose to be unhappy?

which oF these is the siNgle most pressiNg? why? The pain and suffering piece. It’s real because as a pastor, I’ve seen it countless times. As a patient, I am so poor at it. I know the theological answers: character formation, result of the fall, etc. but they don’t offer solace when you’re in excruciating agony.

talk about your primary a+ goD-giveN taleNts. iN what settiNg will people experieNce liFe as they experieNce you aND the expressioN oF your uNique giFtiNg? In God’s kindness, I think I’m a solid “C+” Bible teacher. (I won’t give myself an “A+” in anything.) I love working with other leaders (in this context, the elders, pastors and young leaders), and Cindy and I love working with young couples. If we can serve in those three ways, we are pretty fulfilled.

iN what areas oF your liFe aND experieNce Do you seNse a NeeD For more growth aND DevelopmeNt as a persoN aND as a leaDer? I am a “learner” by design. I never stop. The downside can be an endless looking for the next answer when sometimes you have to decide with given resources. Also noted, I’m impatient. I have a hard time with laziness, poor work habits, people who won’t help out—just ask my kids.

articulate goD’s calliNg oN your liFe; what is your liFe about…your missioN statemeNt. To be… • a man of God, walking in integrity (Ps. 101:1-5)• a perpetual student of God’s Word, habitually nourishing myself (1 Tim. 4:6-16)• a husband of intimacy, pursuing oneness with Cindy (1 Pet. 3:7)• a father of compassion, parenting in love (Ps. 144:12; Eph. 6:4)• a leader in His church, serving and challenging other men (2 Tim. 2:15)• a servant of the Word, faithfully teaching in wisdom (1 Tim. 4:6-16)• an equipper of men, training a few (Col. 1:28-29)• a close friend, answerable to rare men (Ps. 101:6-7)• a magnet to the lost, living a winsome life (Col. 1:28-29) • who Christ wants me to be, where He wants me to be

what is a maJor theme you Feel goD has writteN throughout your liFe? A builder.

what woulD you like your epitaph to say? “A man of the Word.”

community of faith.

Your Elders

nine years.

four children.

[ dr. michael j. easley bio ] [ from the elders...

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