Providing training, encouragement, and coaching for the local church
Biographical Information
Brian Kelley Bauknight is a life-long native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.He grew up in the Methodist Church, and is an ordained an elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference. Academic background includes Lehigh University (B.A. in Mathematics), The Theological School of Drew University (M. Div.), and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (D. Min).
For almost 27 years--until July 1, 2007-- he served as Minister for Oversight and Preaching at Christ United Methodist Church, Bethel Park, PA, about ten miles south of Pittsburgh’s center city. At his retirement, the church had a staff of 32 full time and part time persons, a membership of about 3500, and four weekend worship services.During his ministry, Christ Church exhibited at least three core values: (1) developing leadership through Spiritual gifts (2) forming disciples and (3) a vital balance between Inreach and Outreach—a 21st century adaptation of John Wesley’s “works of piety” and “works of mercy.”
On January 1, 2008, he began part time work in Leadership Development for the Western PA Annual Conference under Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton. The position involves coaching and support for larger membership churches, new and emerging younger clergy leaders, and use of his spiritual gifts and training to strength the local communities of faith. He also currently serves on the steering committee for the Large Church Initiative of the GBOD and provides board leadership for several extension ministries in his home area. He is a guest preacher and speaker in many settings.
Biography details: Education B. S. in Mathematics, Lehigh University, 1961
Master of Divinity, Drew Theological School, 1964
Doctor of Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 1984
Current Denominational Responsibilities
Sixteen years as a planning team member of Large Membership Initiative (LCI, General Board of Discipleship) including the executive committee of that team.
Member of the Central Conference Pension Initiative general committee for the denomination.
Publications and Special Contributions
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Personal and Family Data
W. Pa. Conference full member and Elder since June 1964; Retired, 7/1/07; with wife, Elaine, have four grown children, and nine grandchildren. They live on a forty acre C.S.A. farm (www.sharedacres.com) just northwest of Pittsburgh (near the International Airport) with their youngest son and family.