My name is Lucas Brandon. My family and I live in Bellingham, WA, in the uppermost east corner of the US. In my younger years, I watched as my father attended seminary and received his MDiv and PhD in Hebrew studies. His love of teaching others bred a desire to do the same as I grew in my relationship with the Lord. After graduating college the Lord steered me away from engaging in more schooling and I entered a career in law enforcement. I regularly served in my local church as a worship music leader, small group leader, and occasional preacher.

In 2008 I had the opportunity to plant a church in Lacey, WA with a pastor from a nearby church. I assumed the role of associate pastor/elder and over the next 8 years was blessed to learn and serve in a multiplicity of roles. I experience how serving on the staff of a church can be an immense blessing while also being very dysfunctional at times.

In 2016 the Lord led us from the Olympia, WA area to Bellingham where I began serving in similar ways as before but in a volunteer capacity at a new church. As my teaching ministry grew, especially with young adults, I felt compelled to gain a more formal education in Biblical studies. After talking to a former student, I decided to go with RBS as it offered opportunity for learning abroad within a context of the local church body.

Ironically, COVID struck shortly thereafter giving me an unexpected opportunity. None of the local churches remained open for attendance including my own. My wife and I were convicted that this was not an appropriate response after the initial fear-factor was over and invited local believers into our home, so we could obey the command to gather. While not a perfect situation biblically, we made the best of it. I preached each week to about 30 people and we provided a temporary place for believers to gather in faith. About a year later the churches began opening again, and I encouraged our brothers and sisters to find local expression of the church to attend – which God provided faithfully. To this date it remains the richest and most fulfilling gathering of believers we’ve ever experienced.

I have now reached the end of my MATS degree and am looking forward to continuing my service to the local church until I retire in about 4 years from law enforcement. My prayer is that God will continue to use me as a pastor of an established church or future church-planter again following retirement. If not, I am confident that the studies I enjoyed at RBS will remain a blessing throughout the remainder of my life and ministry on earth. I am grateful to RBS for the opportunity to learn, grow, and be challenged in my knowledge throughout the program. I have and will continue to recommend RBS to others looking for a way to learn while remaining in their careers and local capacities.