Name: Michael McCrystal
 
But please call me: Michael or Mike or Mr Mike... whatever works for you

Position: Director of Student Ministries

How I became a Christian: I grew up Catholic and went to church every Sunday. In middle school some people from church invited me to go to a concert (David and the Giants) with them. I went because it was better than sitting at home with my parents. The end of the concert was really powerful and grabbed my attention in a way that church never had. I felt really convicted and knew something had to change. I went forward and accepted Christ that night and nothing has ever been the same since.

 
How I ended up at FUMC Brandon: Jennifer and I came to visit and find a new church. We fell in love with it on the first Sunday and never went anywhere else.  It wasn't a month after coming that Jennifer was in the choir and I was teaching 11th and 12th grade Sunday School. I guess we jumped in with both feet.

 
The most important thing I do around here is: I do an awful lot of listening. Parents, students, kids, pastors, leaders... Most people really need to be heard and I learn more from listening than talking. I've already heard all my ideas...

Education: I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography from USF in 1995
 
Family facts: I have an amazing wife and two equally amazing children. They get there amazingness from their mom.
 
How I spend my free time: What's free time? Along with Student Ministry, I am a full time dad (my favorite job description), do a little diving (not nearly enough) and have my own photography business. Yes, I do sleep. Just not that much. I do the things I love and feel passionately about.

Where I’ve lived besides Brandon: Born in Rhode Island,  grew up in Naples, college at USF.

Something else that’s interesting about me: I once had breakfast with Frank Borkowski (The President of USF) and the Governor (Chiles) when I was in college. They just sat down with me. It was a bit unnerving, but cool at the same time.