Advance Cohort: Brice Johnson

The Advance Initiative National Cohort exists to empower, equip, and encourage ministry-minded men who are exploring a calling to pastor or plant gospel-centered, multiethnic churches as or among Indian Americans. Our current Cohort has gathered five men from around the country who are exploring church planting together. We have been meeting together since September of 2016. Our hope is to give you the opportunity to meet these five men over the next several months and to hear their thoughts and prayers.

Introduce yourself.

My name is Brice Johnson and I’m a partner (member) at The Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, TX. I’m currently the ministry assistant to our Pastor of Preaching, Matt Carter.

Describe your desire for ministry. 

I’ve had a desire for ministry since at least high school, but it was in college that the desire really grew and intensified. It was in college, while studying Biology, that I knew that I wanted “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” I’ve since pursued theological training, served in various capacities in the local church, and surrounded myself with pastors/elders and godly community to discern this calling. And the Lord has been kind.

What lead you to participate in the Advance Cohort?

When I heard there were other like-minded Indian men and women who wanted to see Jesus lifted up and His Church advanced, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. My cultural heritage is Indian American by the sovereignty of God, and I wanted to explore how we (Indian Americans) could provide unique perspectives and skills in the endeavor to make disciples of all nations.

What is the most important thing that you’ve learned/been challenged by within Cohort so far?

The gospel assures me that my primary identity is rooted in being a child of God and co-heir with Christ. I’m part of a family and culture where it is the blood of Christ that unites us. But the gospel does not nullify my Indian-American-ness. I’ve always tended to downplay my cultural heritage, but since joining the cohort, I’ve been challenged to view being Indian-American as a gift, a tool and resource that God has given me to truly reach all peoples: Indian and non-Indian. God intentionally created me to be Indian American. It wasn’t chance, it wasn’t random; it’s the sovereignty of God.

What is one word of encouragement you would give to someone considering ministry? 

Surround yourself with gospel community and let them affirm your calling, instead of trekking out on your own as a lone ranger. Trust the godly men and women around you. And just be faithful. Even when it’s hard.

How can we pray for you? 

I put a ring on it! I just got engaged and so please pray for my fiancée and I. That we would enjoy it and honor God in the midst of this crazy season, and for our upcoming wedding. And that I would be faithful to what the Lord has called me to right now, in this season of ministry.