H7 Story: Team Ball # 2

Team Code Maxim #2 – “We ‘praypare’ as if souls are at stake, the Word does the work, excellence matters, and feedback helps.”

Bryan and Sherry Englehardt were the recipients of a Team Ball at the Team Bash for exemplifying Team Code Maxim #2 as leaders of their 180 Small group. Team Code Maxim #2 states that: “We ‘praypare’ as if souls are at stake, the Word does the work, excellence matters, and feedback helps.”

Bryan and Sherry Englehardt began leading a Small Group at 180 around two years ago. They help guide the senior boys and freshman girls in a discussion group every Wednesday night. They also offer them support and community throughout the week. They have stood out in their intentionality to lead and care for their Small Group during the Wednesday meetings and outside of that time, and that care has created a trusted community and closeness within both groups.

“They have gone above and beyond what most Small Group Leaders do and are faithful!” Student Director Travis Chapman explained. “Their Small Groups loves them and they have created a strong, tight-knit group of young people who are excited about learning from God’s Word every week. They literally transformed their Student Small Groups. They prepare well and have consistently found ways to connect with their group outside of Wednesday nights.”

Bryan and Sherry may never know their full impact on these students' lives, but it is clear that God is using them to point these students to a stronger relationship with Jesus.

When asked why he stepped into this leadership role, Bryan answered, "Shortly after finishing re:gen, I felt more equipped to serve in God's kingdom than I ever had before. Travis approached me to be a leader at 180, and I felt this would be a good place for me to serve."

Twelfth grader Max Hinkle has benefited from Bryan's faithfulness and commented, "He likes to plan things with us, whether it's scheduling a hike to involve the other guys who are not super connected, to going to his house for the Super Bowl or a BBQ. He has even endured the pranks that some of us have played on him, and he still loves us.” Max went on to say that, “He keeps us involved with what's happening in his life and likes to be involved in ours. As an electrician helper, Bryan has hired me to do whatever electrical project he can dream of doing in his house to support me. We know he's a Leader we can trust and confide in and will be there when we need him."

Sherry explained her reason for choosing to lead when she said, "Raising seven children, I am well aware of the struggles that youth have to face. I felt compelled to share my story with them and lead them to be warriors for Christ. The girls in my group have brought so much joy to my life. I feel blessed to be part of 180 and the girls' lives. I love their kindness and faithfulness. We have enjoyed Christmas parties, carved pumpkins, and attended a ballet together."

Calleigh Ford shared how much her ninth grade Small Group Leader means to her. “Sherry not only is an awesome Small Group Leader at 180, but she ministers to us outside of our group, too. We meet up to chat and talk about life. My favorite time was when we met before school started and discussed our fears about entering high school. Having these times where I meet with my Small Group outside of 180 grows my relationship with them. Sherry is a great supporter. I am so beyond grateful she is our Small Group Leader.”

Souls are at stake. Bryan and Sherry prepare each week so that they can lead these teenagers as they prepare to become adults. Doing it well is super important. Excellence does matter. And Bryan and Sherry embody Maxim 2 in every way!