“Whom can I serve and how can I do it better?” –Orrin Woodward
Sharing the Gospel message to a full auditorium of high school students and families is challenging enough, but what if the task meant sharing a biblical message to attendees that had opposing and diverse beliefs? With nearly 2,000 students, Middle Creek–a large public high school located in Apex, North Carolina–is one of the largest of the 17 public high schools in Wake County. In fact, the graduating senior class was bigger than the total amount of students in most private high schools. Needless to say, the place was packed from wall to wall.
On Sunday, June 7th, 2015, at the Colonial Baptist Church, Life Leadership co-founder and CEO, Chris Brady, delivered a powerful talk at the Middle Creek High School Baccalaureate Ceremony. Chris was hand-selected by a panel of administrators because he is widely respected as a speaker and leader in the local community. A baccalaureate is a faith-based ceremony that celebrates a graduating senior class and is traditionally done in private schools; however, Middle Creek chooses to be the exception. Despite being categorized as “public,” they also believe that it’s important that the students have a good foundation before they begin the next chapter of their lives.
In the way only Chris Brady can, he passionately shared a heartfelt message on what a truly successful life looks like. He explained the importance of developing humility (you don’t know what you don’t know), living a life of service, and striving for excellence. He also described how these concepts magnify God’s glory, and how living in this manner can create a ripple effect in time and contribute to one’s legacy.
One student commented:
“Mr. Brady’s stories really made me think deeper about my faith. Graduation is an exciting and scary time, and knowing that God is directing and protecting me makes this transition so much easier.” -Ashley (MCHS Graduate)
Here are three quotes that Chris Brady left for the attendees to ponder:
“The audience was superb. They were attentive and responsive and really seemed to be absorbing and thinking about the message.” -Chris Brady
The variety of beliefs that the participants represented at the ceremony made this event especially unique. Normally, at traditional public school functions, faith is a topic that receives little attention. The fact that the students and faculty designed a biblical service that beautifully deepened the gospel message is remarkable. From quoting scripture to singing solos–and even sharing personal testimonies of faith (all led by different graduates)–these students put God in the spotlight and inspired the audience to re-examine their own beliefs.
“The ceremony itself really struck me. It was so God honoring and moving, from the scripture readings to the excellent music provided by several very talented students – I know the Lord must have been pleased. It was truly an honor to represent Middle Creek High School for such a wonderful event.” -Chris Brady
Life Leadership is proud to have been represented by their CEO, as the guest speaker for this ceremony. Chris not only spends countless hours serving behind the scenes to make the company better for all of its members and customers, but he is also constantly out contributing to different communities and organizations. Furthermore, Chris Brady is the creative mind behind the new “LIFE on Life” initiative. He makes it a point to emphasize that we all have the responsibility to make a difference by giving of our time, talents, abilities and resources in order to strengthen our neighborhoods and the society as a whole.
Chris has made a difference in so many people’s lives throughout the years and is one of the most respected men in all of Life Leadership.
How has Chris Brady specifically made a difference in your life? Please share in the comments section below and show him how much he is appreciated.
Here is a short video clip from the end of his talk:
Chad Palmer says
I first met Chris in Ohio backstage at my first major leadership conference. He is so genuine and transparent I knew I had just made another new best friend. A few months later Chris came to Arizona to teach and train the leaders and he remembered my name and asked about my family. I was just one of thousands of people in his businesses and yet he makes me feel like we grew up together in Michigan. Chris is a true disciple of Jesus Christ, his life is a living testimony that God lives and loves us by sending Servant Leaders to show us how to live and lead. Godspeed Life Leadership.
Leslie Gebhart says
I literally have tears in my eyes imagining the impact Chris will make on those young people’s lives, what a blessing! I know the impact he and his words have had in not only my life, but my children’s lives too. He embodies all the principles he speaks about, as does Terri, and our culture would do well to learn from and follow their example of leadership.
Marc Militello says
Chris is one of the most gifted speakers and writers I have ever met. I have learned so much from his talks and books! Thanks Chris for always bringing your “A” game wherever you go. You have blessed my family and so many others in so many ways!
Danielle Robbins says
An amazing person. So down to earth. Our daughter loves to listen to all his talks, whether on finances, relationships, faith, and more. If a cd is missing, we usually can find it in her room. Thanks for being such an inspiration and influence on all our lives Chris, and to your lovely wife Terri.
Kevin Swedberg says
Phenomenal story. Thank you for sharing what the leadership of Life Leadership is doing to make an impact. I find it wonderful that Chris Brady is able to share an inspiring message for these graduates and their families while at the same time steering the ship for the company that is training up leaders all over the world. Simple statements that Chris makes like “To be happy you have to give happy.” are so simple which makes them memorable and therefore easy to recollect and apply on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing a great story.
Tim Jarvinen says
Chris Brady’s “ripple effect” will be felt in our family for generations. He is the most gifted deliverer of a message. He brings the message home in such a memorable fashion, that it would be nearly impossible to forget its meaning! Thank you Chris for giving us happy by teaching is “true” success!
Pat Tefel says
Middle Creek High School could not have had a better speaker for their graduation.
Chris Brady, as well as his wife Terri, live lives that are genuine examples of the life Christ teaches us to live. It has been an honor to know them for the last 8 years, and to call them mentors and friends.
Middle Creek, Life Leadership, and any other group that has the opportunity to have them around is going to be blessed long term by their teaching and example.
Ammon Nelson says
Chris Brady is one of the most entertaining, yet also inspirational speakers I have ever been blessed to listen to. His focus on not only encouraging others to succeed in temporal endeavors, but also his passion for sharing the message of Jesus Christ is an inspiration to me.
Robby Palmer says
Pretty amazing man mr. Chris Brady. I would have loved to hear the whole message!
Tammy B says
Chris Brady has touched my life in many ways. Thru cd’s, books, speeches, his use of humor to educate & inspire is beyond compare. This man & the company will leave a legacy for millenia..
Cody Kratzer says
Chris Brady is both brilliant and hilarious. His talks on success reading, genuine sales, and many other keys to success have reshaped my thinking forever. His heart pours so heavily into his words that I knew… I knew, I knew, I just knew I stumbled upon a truly remarkable man and organization of people as whole. I look forward to progressing LIFE forward with Chris Brady and the other founders at the helm.
Chris Schill says
From the very first time I heard Chris speak and ultimately met him, I knew that this was a leader who had lots of things right in his life that I wanted to emulate. His ability to deliver even a difficult topic in a talk with such humor, Grace, and kindness makes him SO easy to listen to. But most importantly, his focus on his purpose, his Lord, and making a difference in others lives makes him someone worthy to follow. The impact he has made on just my family will reach several generations. Thanks Chris for doing what you do, following your purpose, and changing our lives.
Matt Selph says
I will never forget some of the experiences I have had with Chris Brady.
How he remembered my name after meeting him for the first time a year before.
How he went out of his way to share his condolences right after my father passed away.
How he stayed up until 1 AM in the back of our minivan counseling with me and my wife.
How he always asked to give thanks before we eat, even at restaurants.
Thanks so much Chris for the man you are.
By the way, I would LOVE to hear the recording!!
Heidi says
Chris is probably the BEST speaker I have ever heard. In all respects, he does an amazing job communicating a memorable message.
Jeremy Pethke says
The very first time I heard Chris Brady, I heard him on an audio recording. He was talking about how the herd (the people) tends to all moooove in the same direction. But a leader steps out and blazes a new path. Since then I have been on a feeding frenzy of new information for the last 8 years. I have been inspired to blaze my own trail and impact many lives. God has BIG plans for Sammie’s and my future. I actually found a much stronger faith through Life Leadership as well. Thank you Chris for that first cd all those years ago! God bless!
Jennifer Nail says
Chris Brady along with his beautiful wife Terri, and the six other founding couples of Life Leadership have forever changed my life. With the many teachings and recordings that I have heard over the past 9 years, I have fallen in love with everything they stand for. Thank you for paving the way, and helping develop this system that with truely lead people to freedom in every area of their lives. I will always remember the day I came to their Michigan home with a group of ladies to spend some time packing up their home they had built before they were to move to North Carolina. It was awesome to see the children doing their homeschool work in the livingroom. Also, at this time Chris’ book Rascal had just come out…it was Soo cute to see his youngest son sitting on the couch reading it. Chris is always on a mission, and it was fun to see him a little behind the scenes. Thank you Brady family for your example. Because of your influence and guidance my family will never be the same.
Ken and Joan Hendon says
Chris always sets the bar high. His insights are always amazing and his delivery leaves me shaking my head. I’m fascinated with the way his mind works. Whenever I’m around Chris I know I don’t want to miss a word or a thought.
Gretchen Johnson says
There is not enough space to describe the countless ways Chris and Terri Brady have impacted my husband and I, and our family. But, we are so thankful to know who Chris Brady is, to know his story, and to have heard him speak. We will carry his words with us for the rest of our lives.
Larry Allswese says
Chris Brady, you are incredible, brotha! I’m so proud to be a part of a company that has you for the CEO! Thank you for pouring into those kids like that. I know our future as a country looks bright because of your example. If we have a generation out there that cares to matter more than they care to be successful, than the chances of securing freedom are so much greater! Thank you for making a difference in the Allswede family’s life, and so many others! God bless!
Anthony Nieto says
Chris definitely would be the best to relate to high schoolers to inspire them to make better life decisions and to think deeper thoughts all while laughing. I know if i were in high school again Chris would impact me despite my childish ways back then.
John Mossner says
It’s so great that more kids and adults are getting some Chris Brady in their lives. It has meant a world of difference listening to Chris over the years in our life.
Kirk Birtles says
Chris Brady has been an example of what a real man and real leader really looks like to me for over 10 years now. He personifies character, honor, courage and humility! I have seem him tried by fire in good times, bad times and UGLY times….and each time his character, courage and God given sense of honor has brightly shone through. It is not very often that you can know a person of Chris’s talent and leadership ability, and it is even more rare to see someone of his abilities be such a wonderful team player not needing to be the center of attention or a cult of personality. He plays his role behind the scenes with LIFE Leadership just as hard and passionately as he did in countless living rooms and stages across the world when all eyes were on him. Chris Brady is a leader worthy of following!
Michelle says
It’s hard to encapsulate the impact of one man on another yet Chris Brady deserves that effort! He is a man truly annointed by God to do Kingdom-work and to inspire so many of us to discover and develop our own talents to do the same. Chris Brady’s wisdom and humor (which I have been blessed to experience through countless audios, books, presentations at LIFE Leadership events, and face-to-face conversations) have helped to mold my thinking and my heart. His influence is immeasurable and I believe the souls that encounter Chris Brady in any capacity are being impacted for God’s glory. We are so fortunate to have him at the helm of LIFE Leadership!
Elaine Mallios says
Great job Chris. Wish I could hear the whole talk. So enjoy your stories. I will tell you of two graduation events that we attended as our two girls graduated from WVU, Morgantown and Virginia Tech, Blacksburg:
paraphrasing: You will not get jobs in your field right away. Take time to internship so you can get your foot in the door…..” I have never in my life heard this rhetoric at a graduation ceremony.
Ken Hendon says
Elaine, could it be the spirit of Jimmie Carter is still floating around?
Nathan Taylor says
What a great testament to the character of a man that is a servant to his community.