STAFF - Brian McCormack

Where were you born? Guelph, Ontario (Canada)

When were you born? November 18, 1981. Same day as Warren Moon and Mickey Mouse.

What about your family?

Mom is one of my favorite people on the planet. She is incredibly compassionate and thoughtful, which makes her the perfect Director of
Volunteers at her church in Atlanta where she lives with my Dad.
Speaking of Pops, he is my hero; the strongest and most patient man I have ever known or will ever know. He used to speak at our youth group retreats growing up, so maybe public speaking runs in the family. My brother, Ken, lives in San Diego where he just graduated from the firefighters academy. Samm is my older sister, and lives in Ontario with her husband and three kids. Emilie is the new addition to the McCormack clan. She doubles as my best friend and wife, is the most passionate person I know, and just so happens to have an angelic singing voice to boot.

What are some artists/bands you currently like?

I tend to go through intense "phases" for a few months, then move on to something else. Right now it's The Frames and Jon Foreman in heavy rotation. The Daylights are the best band you've probably never heard of, and I will be first in line when the new Zach Hendricks album drops this summer.

What television show can't you miss?

L-O-S-T. Fully addicted without any shame. As for favorites you may not have guessed, The Deadliest Catch, and anything Ultimate Fighting Championship. (sorry, Dad.)

If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be?

Fajitas from Papasito's must be at the top of the list. Chicken Parmesan from Palotta's is quite stellar. On a good day basically anything on The Cheesecake Factory menu could make this list.

What are your favorite movies?

Amistad. Transformers. Jerry Maguire. Elizabethtown. Hotel Rwanda.

What are you scared of?

Snakes coming out of the drain in the sink where I brush my teeth in the morning. It can happen. Ask my dad.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Wedding invitations that do not provide a stamped envelope. (This is
not entirely true. I was having difficultly thinking of a pet peeve.
I DO think it is proper and polite to include one though.)

If you could spend a day with anyone in history?

There are lots of preachers I'd love to have coffee with, but until further notice my answer to this question will always be Michael Jordan. If you can arrange this for me, that would be greatly appreciated.

3 places you've been

Most Recently: Kauai / The Bahamas / Seattle

All-Time Favorites: Hanalei Bay (Kauai) / Mateo, Brazil / Buenos Aires, Argentina

What books have influenced you the most?

This could be a lengthy list. I'm a total book junkie. The Radical Reformission (Driscoll) excites me to be an ambassador of the Gospel when I'm NOT holding a microphone or standing on a stage. Anything by John Piper makes me want to be an example of knowledge AND passion; very few balance the two. Chuck Klosterman makes me laugh while helping me keep my fingers on the pulse of the culture.

What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart?

My "life verse" has always been John 15:13, but this is the one that has been most on my mind these days:

"God made him who knew know sin to be sin for us so we might become the righteousness of God in Him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Who has had the most influence on your life?

Since 5/12/07 its been my wife. She is as encouraging as anyone I've ever met, but refuses to let me settle for anything less than constant growth in my effort to know Jesus and make him known.

What is one thing nobody knows about you?

I have an irrational hatred for tomatoes. I consider them the devil's fruit. Only a fruit of satan would pose as a vegetable.

What is one thing you hope to do in the near future?

Finish my first book...and maybe even have a few people read and enjoy it.