Remembering our Mission

Since 2001, Mark Young has served at Stonebriar in numerous ways, including as an elder and as the pastor of missions. During this time, many lives have been blessed by both Mark and Priscilla. It is with heavy hearts that we watch them go, but we know their Christ-like example will continue to impact lives in new and exciting ways. This month's feature article is his parting words for Stonebriar.

"I remember the first worship service we attended at SCC like it was yesterday. Commissioned into missionary service almost twenty years earlier, yet disillusioned by our experiences at a previous church, we came to SCC seeking a place to heal and to serve. Frankly, we simply wanted to leave a worship service rejoicing, something that we hadn’t experienced for several months. And we did just that on Sunday, November 7, 1999.

White plastic chairs, basketball goals, and a metal roof that snaps, crackles, and pops as it heats up aren’t necessarily conducive to a worshipful environment. But, to be honest, those early services in the Collin County Community College gymnasium were critical for us as a church. They helped forge the interpersonal bonds that can only be found by those committed to a common mission. We came because we sensed God was at work in the inconveniences we faced each Sunday. We came because we believed that church could matter again in our own lives, and even more, in the lives of thousands of new families moving into Frisco. Today, we worship in beauty and comfort. I pray that we never lose our passion for the mission of touching lives with God’s Word.

Has it really been almost ten years since that first worship service? I still love seeing many who joined together that first Sunday. Missionaries have to be careful not to think of themselves as ministry mercenaries. I can easily fall into the trap of seeing church as simply another place to do ministry. Meaningful relationships, however, are like the bit and bridle of God’s direction. They calm us and direct us to a better end than those we would naturally rush toward pell-mell without his loving hand. God has used you in my life; you have taught, encouraged, and admonished me; you have loved enough to speak the truth, and you’ve been patient with me. I can not possibly thank you enough.

So what’s next for us? I will become the president of Denver Seminary on Monday, July 1. Priscilla and I have devoted our lives to the development of men and women who will live with a passion for Jesus for the sake of His gospel throughout all the earth. That calling hasn’t changed. The Lord has simply provided us a new place, a new set of challenges, and a new set of relationships.

God has shaped us through you; God will use you through us in the lives of hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and friends at Denver Seminary. We will continue to pray for you and the ministry of Stonebriar Community Church, in Frisco, the greater Dallas metroplex, and around the world. Please remember us as you pray. We will miss you. " -- Mark and Priscilla Young

Read more about Mark Young's new opportunity at Denver Seminary

Additional June/July Connection Stories

Reach Up, Reach Out
Stonebriar is ministering to job seekers each week, when, where and how.

Serving Together
One family's account of their first mission trip together.

Memorial Prayer Garden
See plans for a new garden area that will span the west side of the education building.

Summer: A Time for Rest
Chuck Swindoll shares advice on having a better summer.

Habitat for Humanity: Build Update
Construction continues on the Frisco Habitat home as this project becomes closer to completion.

Children's Education Building Update
Crews are now "working in the dry" on Stonebriar Children's Building find out what will be inside this 60,000-square-foot structure.

Stonebriar Children's Ministries

His Kids FunZone
Stonebriar's special needs ministry help provided a much need outlet for families in our church.

His Kids: A Looks Back at Awana
This year, 400 children memories more than 120 Bible verses. How's that for a challenge? Find out how you could help be part of their learning this fall.

Online Only Features:

Summer Reading List

Pastors Retreat Recap, by Joe Harms (coming soon)

Junction 56, Father/Son and Mother/Daughter Retreat  (coming soon)