Biography:
Brian Pengelly is the Youth Specialist and Staff Counselor for New Direction Ministries. Brian started being involved in youth ministry while still in high school himself, helping to found Club 628 a junior high ministries at Calvary Gospel Church in Welland. After hearing the call to full time ministry Brian moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute from which he graduated with honors in 1998 . Since then Brian has been a youth pastor in Illinois, Kitchener and Toronto and has received a Master of Divinity in Counseling at Tyndale College and Seminary. In 2007 Brian was named to the 35 Christian Leaders under 35 by the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. When not ministering at his home church Brian is in demand as a speaker at camps, youth retreats and youth groups. Working with New Direction Brian has extensive experience talking to and counseling teens in the area of sexuality. He is a regular contributor to www.freetobeme.com and www.reconnecting.ca and has had his story featured on 100 Huntley Street, the Hour, and the Drew Marshal show. He has lead seminars across Canada including at the Canadian Youth Workers Convention, Tyndale Seminary and the ACSI Teachers convention. Brian's blend of in depth research, personal testimony, and humourous, creative speaking style make him ideal for speaking to youth groups large or small. When he isn't neck deep in youth ministry with either his church or New Direction Brian resides with his wife Anna and cat Dandini in Etobicoke, Ontario and enjoys video games, reading, and racquetball.

Topics:
"The Youth Room has a Closet Too" A Youth Pastor's Guide to Ministering to Same Gender Attracted Teens. (Targeted at Youth Leaders) Homosexuality is a topic that youth ministries can't afford to ignore. Statistics show that even smaller youth groups are likely to have teens who are questioning their sexual identity, and most students in your ministry know at least one teen who identifies themselves as gay. This seminar is designed to give youth pastors and overview of the scientific data on the prevalence and causes of homosexuality, understand adolescent sexual identity formation, as well as guide youth pastors in how to respond to teens both inside and outside their youth groups who are Same Gender Attracted.

"You can't be a Christian! I don't hate you!" Ministry to Gays, Goths and Other Modern Samaritans (Targeted at Young People) Drawing on his experiences ministering in various youth subcultures, and examining the Story of Jesus' ministry in Samaria this seminar challenges young people to step outside their comfort zones to share God's love with all people, including those who are different, or who may be closed to the gospel. It focuses on learning skills in evangelism such as humility, selflessness, sacrificial love, authenticity and respect which can open dialogue and communicated God's love even to those strongly opposed to Christianity.

"Of Fire Trucks and Flamethrowers: Understanding God's Plan for Sexuality" (Targeted to Youth) Often times when speaking to youth about sex we paint a picture of it as something bad and dangerous, but at the same time desirable, which leaves young people confused. This talk takes young people on a whirlwind tour through the Bible to examine God's plan for sex and sexuality helping them understand that like fire, sex is something good and powerful, but because it is these things it is also important to respect it and keep boundaries around it.

"Of Ex-lax and Evangelism: Seeing your part in God's Plan" (Targeted to Youth) Drawing on humourous stories from his own teenage years and riffing on the parables of Jesus this talk encourages young people to believe that God has called them, and can use them to be part of bringing about His Kingdom.

"My Story" (Targeted to Youth or Leaders) The story of Brian's journey growing up with Same Gender Attraction and his relationship with God. Told with honesty, humour, and Brian's unique storytelling style it will make you laugh, and at times cry, and sometimes do both at once.

"If God is so Good, Why does my life Suck?" (Targeted to Youth) The problem of suffering in the world is one that many teens wrestle through as they face they develop their faith. This talk helps young people make sense of suffering in the larger story of God's plan, helps them avoid dangerous false teachings about suffering which they may have picked up, and points them back to God's goodness while helping them understand the role they play in God's Kingdom, and how they can be involved in seeking justice and comforting those who are hurting. Although this talk tackles deep issues of theology Brian brings his usual sense of humour, and personal vulnerability the topic in a way that engages and inspires teens.

Brian is also more than happy to customize a talk or series of talks on any topic for your event with suitable notice.

Travel: Brian is willing to travel anywhere in Canada