REFERENCES
Rev. Dr. Tim McConnell
Coenraad pushed toward needs or questions rather than running from them. This is a critical trait for effective ministry. He is deeply sensitive to the needs of others and eager to listen more than speak until he fully understands the position of the person with whom he is speaking.
From there, he never failed to bring the conversation into the light of Christ and point his conversation partner toward Jesus with hope and faith. He is courageous in pushing conversations into difficult areas of life that need healing and openness. Coenraad works effectively with groups and is careful to include every voice.
Rev. Craig Kingston
"Coenraad is a truly gifted person who has many talents. One of his most valuable gifts is his ability to connect with people in a personal way. He knows how to listen to people and feel with people in a way that makes them feel heard and validated.
He takes serious the gospel of Jesus Christ. By that I mean he not only embraces the message personally but shares it with others. He authentically strives to follow Christ's teachings while at the same time challenging others who claim to be followers to do the same."
"Coenraad has a very warm pastoral heart which exudes with spontaneous hospitality and genuine Christian affection for others. The warmth of Coenraad's personality is deeply rooted and immersed in his unflinching love and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior of the world.
His contributions in class and other discussion forums are indicative of a sharp mind constantly feeding on the Word of God. Coenraad treasures and passionately upholds foundational biblical truth claims which he believes should be shared in love. In a word, Coenraad is an embodiment of one who loves the Lord with all his heart, and with all his mind and with all his soul; and loves his neighbor as himself!”
"My experience in working on the church staff with Coenraad while he was engaged as a preaching intern. Coenraad was a loving a caring influence on our congregation. He has a special gift of communication. He has a way of presenting Biblical truth in a challenging yet non threatening way. He attracts people with his friendly personality. I believe he will be very successful in the ministry."
"Coenraad has been preaching at Presbyterian Village for over a year. He is by far one of the "favorites" of our residents and retired pastors in this ecumenical setting. He has an unusual gift of weaving the Biblical text with real life, of deep research into the exegetical [Hebrew or Greek] background of the text, of using metaphors that increase our understanding, of speaking clearly and with great enthusiasm, of making eye contact which enhances the whole worship experience, of conveying the excitement of God's word that always gives hope to whatever situation. He will be a light of that hope wherever he serves. "
Dr. Jeffery Tribble
"Coenraad Brand is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who is led by the Spirit to walk by faith. He excelled as a student in my seminary classes which focused on congregational studies and leadership. As a mentor, I have come to know his testimony of a changed life by the power of Jesus Christ, his heart for ministry, his convictions rooted in Scripture, his faithfulness as a husband and father, and his passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to persons of all cultures. In a Post-Christian world, the Church needs men and women who will do more than preach and pastor those who show up to shrinking and aging racially homogeneous congregations on Sunday mornings. In addition to solid pastoral and teaching gifts, evangelistic, entrepreneurial, and cross-cultural communication gifts are also needed to transform existing churches and to plant new ones. Because Coenraad has these blend of gifts and is committed to a philosophy of mission that is rooted in both the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40), I truly believe that he has extraordinary leadership potential to impact the World for Jesus Christ."
"Coenraad has a vibrant personality, which disarms people and invites them into a meaningful relationship. He has clearly been called by God to the work of ministry. Coenraad's passion for ministry and love for all people is an example of the Spirit's work in his life."
Judy Chastain
"I have known Coenraad Brand for close to seven years and find him to be a man of strong character and unquestionable integrity. He has many talents but his greatest passion is found in his relationship with the Lord. He is a devoted husband and father and a lover of God's people. I wholeheartedly recommend him to you."