Livestreamed at 10:30

Brian Rush McDonald grew up in Alabama, gave up his dream of becoming a musician to become a Jesus freak, and graduated from Bob Jones University. He spent nearly 30 years as an evangelical preacher, missionary, and pastor, including seven years in Taiwan where he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese. He earned a master’s degree from Liberty University and completed his Ph.D. at the College of William & Mary. In 2004 he left his position as a Baptist pastor and began a new career. Today is a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia. He has taught at Johns Hopkins University and George Mason University as an adjunct professor of counseling.  He is the author of a book about his journey, The Long Surrender: A Memoir About Losing My Religion.  Brian, along with Kathy, his wife of 44 years, are members of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  He loves playing trombone in several local bands, both classical and jazz. Brian and Kathy enjoy sailing together on the Chesapeake Bay. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. 

Comments from Rev. Dr. Kate Walker about Brian’s book, The Long Surrender:   “Honest and vulnerable with his struggles, [Brian] shows from the inside a different worldview and has the courage to shift his lens so dramatically…an extraordinary journey.”  

Brian’s book will be available for purchase following today’s service.