Mike Breaux—A Simple Guy Trying to Love Jesus
Q. Do you look at Willow Creek any differently now that you’ve been here for one year?
A. Oh man. Willow Creek makes such an impact in the world, but I see that it’s just ordinary people trying to figure out how to do things in the best, God-honoring way possible. Willow Creek is one of the most teachable, humble places I’ve ever been. The people have bent over backwards to make us feel welcome.

The Water Pump
Q. You’ve shared your vision of the water pump in your messages. How have you seen that vision come to life so far?
A. The vision is not about me. It’s about being in a city full of thirsty people. I have no illusions that I’m filing people’s cups because I’m not. The living water is what’s filling people’s cups. All I have to do is be faithful to show up at the pump and do the best I can pumping it.

Q. And God calls everyone to participate?
A. Oh yeah. It’s not about the pastor lining up behind the pump. It’s about the church lining up. Revelation 22: 17 says, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!” God is saying, “Thirsty people, bring your cups and come.” As church we’ll try to introduce you to the same living water that we’ve been drinking. Everyone is a part of it. I feel so privileged to be a part of a team. My job is no more important than the people who park cars or hold babies.

Q. Different parts of the same body?
A. That’s the thing. We all have our gifts and our jobs. I have a role that makes me very nervous because of the awesome responsibility of what I’m handling. I don’t want to say something God didn’t mean for me to say. I want to make sure I’m handling God’s word correctly.

Youth Ministry for Big People
Q. You’ve often talked about youth ministry for big people. What does that look like?
A. The church that takes its eye off the student ministry is going to be a dinosaur in a short time. I was in youth ministry for a long time and felt like youth ministry was on the cutting edge of what was happening in the church. We equipped the core students so they could reach their friends, then we supported them. I kept wondering why the church didn’t do the same thing for big people. Student ministry isn’t the church of tomorrow—it’s a vital part of the church today. It’s relevant and meets people where they are. If I can wave that flag around here, I will.

Q. If you weren’t a preacher, what would you be doing?
A. I’d be a coach or a teacher. I love kids. Or else I’d be mowing greens at a golf course.

Q. Give us your theology—the short version.
A. It’s pretty simple. Love God. Love people. That’s it.

What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus?
Q. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
A. My life mission statement is to look, love and live like Jesus.

Q. Moving away from Kentucky was a big decision for you and your family. What would you say to those who may be struggling with big decisions in their lives?
A. When you have to make a decision, ask yourself, “What would I do if I weren’t afraid?” A lot of times God wants us to do the things that require us to trust Him.
Be sensitive to His leading. When you sense him saying follow me, have the courage to do it.

Q. Any advice for those who may be trying to figure out God’s will for their lives?
A. God’s will isn’t something you find as much as it’s something you follow. It’s not about where you go or what you do, but more about who you are and who you’re becoming. It’s becoming more like Jesus. If you look at Scripture almost every time it says, “for this is God’s will…,” it’s more about who we are and not about where we’re going.

Faith, Frisbees and the Kids
Q. How do you struggle with putting your faith into action?
A. It’s probably spending too much time at church. I have to get intentional about getting out of here and making sure I’m developing friendships with people who are far from God. That’s a struggle, especially in a church that’s so busy.

Q. What’s the one interview question you’ve never been asked, that you’d like to answer?
A. Very seldom does anyone ask me details about my kids. I’m so proud of them and of the friendship we’ve had through the years. We’re good friends and we love hanging out together.

Q. What is the one thing about Mike Breaux that you wish people at Willow Creek knew?
A. I love to throw the Frisbee. I could throw a Frisbee all day.
But mostly? It’s what you see is what you get. I’m just a simple guy trying to love Jesus.