Second in a family of five children and the oldest of four sons, Pastor Alan Brown came to a saving knowledge of Christ at an early age. Following an Easter Sunday service preached by his father, who was pastoring a country church in New York State, he responded to the gospel and placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. The spiritual guidance of his parents played a very influential role in molding his interests and goals in life. Pastor Brown soon developed a keen interest in the study of the Scriptures. This spiritual hunger led him through Bible college and into graduate, seminary training where he was called of God into the gospel ministry.

Pastor Brown received his bachelor's degree from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa. He completed his Master of Divinity work with honors at the San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary and his Master of Theology at the Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.

Soon after arriving in the Detroit area his interests took on a new aspect when he met a teacher from the Inter-City Christian School. They were married on June 30, 1978. Kathy Brown originally hails from the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, and is a graduate of Bob Jones University with graduate training from Eastern Michigan University as well. Her gracious spirit and enthusiasm and her genuine concern for people contribute much to Pastor Brown's ministry. All four of the Browns' children - Tabitha, Aaron, Matthew and Jessica - graduated from Parsippany Christian School in the last several years. Tabitha is a missionary in India, Aaron is working on his Master's degree, Matthew is working in the area while attending college. Jessica married Greg Whiddon and they are both serving in Parsippany Baptist Church.

Pastor Brown finished his residence requirements for the Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Bob Jones University. He currently is working on his Doctorate of Ministry from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He also served on the faculty at the Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to Parsippany Baptist Church he pastored a church in the state of New York for fifteen years. Pastor Brown brings to the ministry at Parsippany a heart for God and a zeal to preach and teach the Bible.

Pastor Jeff Briden came to Parsippany Baptist Church in 1988 after having served two years as the assistant pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton, Iowa.

He grew up in Toledo, Ohio and was very active in his church youth group there. Pastor Briden received the B.A. degree from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa and then attended Denver Baptist Theological Seminary. His M.Div. degree was completed back at his former college campus at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary.

In 1984, Pastor Briden and Rachel Zimmerman were married. Rachel is a 1984 graduate of Faith Baptist Bible College, receiving a B.S. degree in Christian education. She was a "missionary kid" and had the privilege of growing up in Japan. Rachel now works as a secretary at Parsippany Christian School. The Bridens have two children; Janelle is a sophmore at Bob Jones University and Jared is a 10th grader at Parsippany Christian School.

The responsibilities of the assistant pastor at Parsippany Baptist Church generally center around three areas.

Pastor Briden spends a portion of his time each week devoted to the youth ministry of the church. This involves some involvement with their Christian school such as chapels, retreats, teaching, and counseling. Other times include the weekly church youth group meeting known as TNT and a variety of activities. Some of the activities are designed for fun and fellowship (e.g. skating, shore trips, game night, etc.) while others are service oriented (nursing home services, tract distribution, Christmas caroling, etc.)

Pastor Briden also oversees the outreach ministries of the church. This includes our visitation program which goes out to the community on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Of course, the assistant pastor must perform most of the things that the senior pastor does, too (hospital visiting, counseling, teaching, preaching, etc.).