Tucker Briley, 45, of Elberta did not imagine that her Christian life journey would include being an interim children’s minister, yet that is what happened after she had served for a time as the preschool assistant to the children’s minister at her church. Her focus is on creating an environment in which children learn God’s Word and know that church is a place where they will be accepted and loved unconditionally. Briley holds a degree in early childhood education from Spring Hill College in Mobile and taught school for 18 years (4-year-olds up to third graders). She and her husband, Ron, have three sons.
Ministry title: Interim children’s minister
Church name: First Baptist Church Gulf Shores in Baldwin Baptist Association
Life verse: “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!” (1 Chron. 16:11)
Describe where you focus your greatest ministry efforts. Serving preschool and school-age children and their parents.
Q: Who was or is one of the most influential people in your faith life? Why?
A: Tom and Cindy Russell. They were our Sunday School teachers after we were married. Tom was a teacher. He knew how to apply the Bible to everyday life. He would never sugarcoat things. He explained that life would not be easy all the time, but God … . (In) one of the most influential lessons he taught, he brought wood, a hammer and nails into class. We talked about what it could be for and then he began building. We were thinking small (but) he built a huge frame. He said, “God sees the big picture.” Since then when things happen, good or bad, I think back to that and I am comforted. Cindy always supported him. Together, they showed the love of Christ through all that they did. They loved you where you were. Tom has since passed away. Cindy is continuing to love on my family, though we are miles away. We may not talk every day but when we do, it is like we have always talked.
Q: Tell about a turning point in your life and how God was involved.
A: I lost my dad to a heart attack in 2011. He lived next door to me and I found him. Days after are a blur. However, I prayed. Sometimes, my prayers were just the name “Jesus.” Sometimes, it was just, “Help.” But He already knew what I needed. He saw my heart. He carried me. There is no way I could have made it through that situation without God.
Q: What has God been teaching you lately?
A: To step out of my comfort zone. Never did I think that I would be a children’s minister for the interim period. I love working with children. I like organization, but I like to be behind the scenes.
Q: Have you ever read a book or heard a song that changed the way you think about God and faith? What was it and what did you learn from it?
A: Yes. There are so many. Because it is close to Christmas, I will use a Christmas song. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” is one. Wow! I can only imagine shouting the wonderful news, running through the streets and telling everyone. It reminds me that Jesus was born to die for our sins. He is our risen Savior. Tell everyone.
Q: Does your church have any special traditions that mean a lot to you? What are they?
A: We have a Christmas Eve candlelight service. We sing Christmas songs, read the Christmas story from the Bible and take Communion. I grew up doing this, so it reminds me of my childhood. However, this is a special tradition because it helps us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
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