The Courage to Choose Grace: Brian Patterson’s Story as an Invitation to Freedom

Grace

Brian Patterson is Host of Gan Tv’s Choice Factor with Brian Patterson

Fundamentalism to Freedom

Have you ever felt like you were living someone else’s expectations, hiding your true self just to fit in? For Brian Patterson, this question defined much of his early life. Raised in the strict confines of fundamentalist holiness churches, he spent years striving for perfection—only to discover it was a mask concealing his true self and struggles. His journey from judgment to grace is more than a story of personal transformation—it’s an invitation for all of us to embrace authenticity and freedom.

Courage to choose Grace

Breaking the Cycle of Pretending

Brian describes his early experiences in the church as a relentless pursuit of perfection.

“Church was all about pretending to be perfect and hiding the real me,”

he recalls. Like many, he faced the pressure to appear flawless while wrestling with inner doubts and fears. For Brian, this cycle of pretense eventually led to what he calls his “crash-and-burn” moment—a breaking point that forced him to reevaluate everything he believed.

This pivotal moment brought him to Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll. The book offered a revolutionary perspective on faith, introducing a God who values authenticity over appearances. For Brian, it wasn’t just a change in belief; it was a lifeline. This awakening to grace marked the beginning of his journey to reclaim his identity and embrace a faith rooted in love.

Choosing Radical Acceptance

As Brian’s understanding of grace deepened, it inspired him to live it out in tangible ways. He founded a church based on inclusivity and acceptance, standing in stark contrast to the judgment he had experienced. His turning point came when he connected with a pastor of a gay evangelical church. “I felt that acceptance of everyone in grace was my next step,” Brian shares.

Taking this stand for inclusivity wasn’t without challenges.

When Brian announced his church would welcome everyone without judgment, most of his congregation walked out.

Yet the experience only strengthened his resolve. He recalls attending a conference where he and his wife spoke alongside Jay Bakker and Peggy Campolo. There, he found “more love and acceptance with about 100 gay Christians than I had ever known in a ‘holiness’ church.” This profound sense of community reaffirmed his belief that grace knows no boundaries.

Grace in Action

Today, Brian channels his experiences into Choice Factor: Breakthrough to Success, a program on the Grace Awakening Network. The show combines his spiritual journey with psychological insights, teaching what he calls “a psychology of freedom and personal responsibility.” His message is simple yet powerful: true freedom comes from understanding that we can only control our own behavior and that we are deeply loved just as we are. The show airs at 2:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday mornings and is also available on demand.

Brian also shares his wisdom through his book, Connect and Lead: Choice Theory Leadership at Work and on his website, brianpattersonleadership.com.

 

An Invitation to Freedom

Brian’s story is more than a narrative of personal growth—it’s a mirror for anyone longing to escape the pressures of perfectionism and embrace the freedom of being truly seen. His journey challenges us to ask:

Where am I hiding? What might I discover if I choose grace over judgment—for myself and for others?

The answers aren’t always easy, but they’re worth pursuing. Whether it’s taking the first step toward self-acceptance, reaching out for community, or exploring Brian’s teachings, the journey begins with a choice: the courage to let grace in.

Let grace be your invitation to a life of freedom and authenticity.

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