Born again in boyhood after a bad haircut and a Sunday school lesson, Jay Brady has devoted much of his life to children’s ministry. Meet the Colorado Rockies fan who manages the finances of Biblical Eldership Resources and finds joy in watching God work in kids’ lives.
How did you come to Christ?
One of my earliest memories is of learning that I was a sinner. The memory involved “Snippy Scissors,” giving myself a haircut—and trying to lie to my mother about it! (Because she couldn’t see the new hairdo?) Since my parents were believers and we were in church every Sunday, the concept of sin wasn’t really new—but God used that event to make it personal!
One Sunday when I was still pretty young, I had some questions about the Sunday school lesson. On the way home from church, I asked my dad about what I had learned in Sunday school. There in the car, my dad explained the good news to me again. God’s grace reached out to me and, with the faith of a child, I “confess[ed] with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in my heart that God raised him from the dead” (Romans 10:9).
Tell us about your family.
I’ve never been married and don’t have a family of my own. I do have 12 amazing nieces and nephews!
Tell us about your career and the ministries you’ve been most involved with.
During my college years, the Lord clearly directed me to spend my summers volunteering at Camp Elim, a Christian camp in Woodland Park, Colorado. The summers at Elim were life-changing for me, and after college the Lord provided a full-time position at camp, where I served for the next 18 years. God has chosen to use Christian camping in amazing ways, and it was a privilege to have a “front-row seat” for watching Him at work in the lives of children, volunteers, families, and others.
Shortly after my time at camp, the leadership of Lewis & Roth Publishers approached me about helping out part time. I didn’t know much about publishing, but the leadership was gracious and the position soon developed into a full-time ministry. I have been managing the day-to-day operations of Lewis & Roth for over 15 years.
What is your role in BER, and how did you come to be part of the team?
Initially, BER developed as an outgrowth of the ministry of Lewis & Roth Publishers—both ministries under the same corporate structure. As a result, my role with Lewis & Roth has transitioned to include managing BER’s finances.
Who had the biggest influence on you growing up?
Definitely my parents. And perhaps my grandmother—who was passionate about serving the Lord and introducing children to Jesus.
What do you love about your local church and your role in it?
I love that my local church values “welcoming” children (Mark 9:37). My primary role is coordinating the children’s ministries. As one who was born again as a child, who has seen friends and relatives come to Christ as children, and who has watched God at work in the children at Camp Elim, it gives me joy to work with a team of like-minded believers in loving children (and their families) in the name of Jesus.
Besides the Bible, what three books have most shaped you?
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer, and Leading with Love by Alexander Strauch.
If you have a free Saturday, where will you be found?
Enjoying a good book in the beauty of Colorado—or maybe at the ballpark cheering on the Colorado Rockies.