What People Are Saying

"About ten years ago, a former girlfriend insisted I try attending her church. I went begrudgingly to make her happy, only to find something very different from what I was expecting. Doug was open and honest about the issues in his life. He discussed his failings as a husband, a father, an employee and a friend. His checkered past in many ways mirrored my own. Week after week he took the struggles from his life, both past and present, and shined the light of God's truth on them. Rather than hurling mud at me, he was down in it with me. For the first time I heard how God's Word could be used to transform my life all week long. I must admit that it was at times a painful process; but I now know that God loves me, that He has a plan for my life, and that He will continue to lead me as long as I am willing to follow." Electrical engineer Scott Nixon, Phoenix, Arizona

"Clear, comprehensive, yet easily understood is how I would describe Doug Brendel's teaching style. As a Jesuit-educated Catholic, I find Doug's messages replace mystery with a relevance that correlates to my life in our times." Mortgage broker Shaun O'Neill, Cave Creek, Arizona

"I have used several of the New Thing DVD teachings in a Sunday night small group church setting. I have really enjoyed the creative approach to scripture that Pastor Doug uses. He is very talented in setting the stage for a thoughtful and meaningful discussion. Our group is mostly composed of mature Sunday night crowd Christians and the teachings work great for us. I believe that they would be even more effective in small group settings with new Christians or a mix of Christians and non-Christians. Administrative pastor Ron Bush, Gallatin, Tennessee

"Although I was brought up in a 'religious' home, I did not know who God is. Thanks to Doug Brendel's teaching, I came to know that Jesus cares about me and wants a committed relationship with me. Had it not been for Doug and his inimitable gifts for teaching and his writing, along with his passion to reach the lost and searching, I would not have the faith and belief in God that I do today." Small group leader Ellen S., Kansas City


"Though I'm often far from home, I'm never far from 'church' with Compass videos on my iPod." International airline pilot Gordon Beachy

"We love the practical yet unique insight these teachings present. Every single one hits you right in the heart - right where it counts. These DVDs are one of the best resources we've found for any age group - from teens in a Sunday school class to adults in a small group. The lesson plans are all prepared in advance! Discussion questions, hand-outs ... the whole bit. It's VERY user-friendly. And the creative way Doug teaches brings the Word of God alive in our hearts and makes it real in our minds. We look forward to each teaching we view and share with others!" Youth leaders Matt & Sarah Jones, Akron, Ohio

"Doug, you are the best teacher I can imagine. You present everything with a fresh twist to make it more relevant, and it also helps me understand the Bible a lot better. It doesn't hurt that you are very entertaining too." Software engineer Rogil Schroeter, frequent attendee of a Friday-lunch-hour Compass DVD group in an office conference room, Phoenix

"Practical but not trite! Doug Brendel brings a contemporary biblical focus to teaching that inspires. The truth of God's Word becomes real for today, in part because the teacher lives a working life among people who have problems and needs." Christian fundraising specialist E. Dale Berkey, Ph.D., Akron, Ohio

"Doug Brendel's teaching has truly been a blessing in my life. He brings clarity to Scripture and provides practical application that I can use." Actor & businessperson Ron Dailey, northern California

"I just wanted to say thanks and to let you know what an awesome help the DVD's are to me. I'm using 'Getting Through the Day' for Campus Life and I had already used 'Why Christianity Seems Silly' for the leaders over the summer. I just wanted you to know that these things are appreciated greatly. I looked at the DVD buy it page and it put into perspective even more the gift that you are sharing. Someday I hope to be able to plant seeds or give you a harvest from your help." Youth pastor Alex Bray, Lafayette, Tennessee

"Doug has a gift for expressing the Word in modern, accessible terms and displaying God's loving guidance as the ultimate daily answer to any human need. Using humor, real-life examples, and great personal honesty, his messages biblical lessons with refreshing, affable newness. New Thing messages are easy to share with 'unchurched' friends too, as they are specifically designed to cut through the perceived 'mystery.'" Veteran lay-leader Lorie M. Robison, Phoenix

"Dear Doug: We are so happy for all the success your ministry is having - praise God - and want it to flourish in every way possible. Bill and I have seen and heard you share the Word in different settings over recent years, and have read several of your written examples of living-in-the-Word, as well - all of which we treasure for the inspiration and dedication they reveal in your life. There is no doubt in our hearts that you are truly a man of God, devoted to the Word and to His service. Your congregations here and in Belarus are truly blessed." Retirees Nancy & Bill Hoke, Peoria, Arizona

"Doug, the way you teach, you're down to earth; there's no pretending with you, you tell it like it is. You relate the Bible to your life, which in turn sometimes sounds like mine. And you don't teach the way I was raised, which really put us all to sleep, not to be disrespectful - I loved my old church 40 years ago, I just didn't learn even one-fourth of what me and my girls learn from you. It's because of your teaching my girls got connected to God.... We all love the DVDs, too!" Deb Herman, mother of two, Phoenix

"I often refer to the teachings via the Web or DVDs. I also have a lot of books based on sermon series and routinely loan them out to introduce others to either a topic, Compass or you, Doug. The variety of resources is really helpful and non-threatening." Occupational therapist Sari A. Lewis, Scottsdale, Arizona

"Doug Brendel has a remarkable gift of communication. His written and spoken presentation of scriptural principles are always practical, creatively interesting, and consistently helpful in a Christian walk. I share his teachings with family and friends; all of us agree that his teaching speaks to us on many levels." Richard Small, Kensington, New Hampshire

"The subjects are biblically based & the teachings/illustrations follow the same theme. The dots are connected cohesively between today's events & the teachings/illustrations. To conclude, you use voice modulation very well which keeps the interest level high." Willis Warren, Jr., Phoenix

"Write something and I'll sign it." The inimitable Billy Rhoades, North Huntingdon Township, Pennsylvania