Brad Laurvick - Pastor and School Board Member
Leader to Learn From: March 2022
March 2, 2022
Thirlby Company founder, Margie Thirlby, first met Brad in August 2015, just weeks after moving to Denver to start her job at Reading Partners. The nonprofit’s office space was in a building of Highlands United Methodist Church, where Brad was the pastor (and still is today).
“Meeting Brad provided a huge wave of relief when I moved to Denver,” said Margie. “I had started a big new job and was in a brand new city, and Brad immediately invested in me as a leader and human. He always checked in with me to see how I was doing, connected me with members of the community, and gave me professional guidance as I navigated the education space in Denver.”
Today, Brad is an elected school board member for Denver Public Schools, a pastor at Highlands United Methodist Church, a parent of two, and a volunteer for several community organizations.
What we appreciate the most about Brad is his ability to speak candidly about issues that are important to him, while maintaining a safe space for feedback an a commitment to inclusion. Between his family, church, school district board, and volunteer commitments, Brad prioritizes what’s important to him, and brings his heart, humor, and wisdom into every engagement.
OUR INTERVIEW WITH BRAD
What is something people get wrong about pastors?
I don’t know if people get anything “wrong” about pastors, it’s more that people think all pastors are like the one they knew once. Clergy people are as all over the map – when it comes to theology, social stances, views on what church looks like – as everyone else in the world.
Why did you decide to run for the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education, and what has surprised you the most about your experience so far?
I actually said “no” to running for school board many times. It was after multiple community leaders, teachers, neighbors, and mentors asked me to seriously consider it that I recognized the opportunity was to be a community based candidate.
My time on the school board has been unlike anything I could have expected. Between the pandemic and political parties using schools and school boards as a wedge issue, there have been moments that were all consuming of my time and energy that weren't focused on students and their needs. I remain committed that my time and energy serving in this role are meant to serve our students and community.
For our readers who are passionate about education reform, what guidance would you have for getting involved with their local districts and schools?
Show up for every student, not just your student(s). Volunteer in classrooms that don’t get as many parent or community volunteers. Choose schools that don’t have as many event sponsors for your business advertising. And when advocating for any issue, particularly at the Board level, please remember that every decision impacts students and families you might never have considered.
As someone whose career has centered significantly around community service and care for others, what have you learned about taking care of yourself?
When I am overworking, I am never getting more done – let alone getting it done well. The time I invest in myself and my family makes everything else I do better. I have learned to schedule time for myself and family on my calendar months in advance. When work is scheduled three or four months out, I also need to hold time for self care five or six months out. Otherwise, I won’t find it on my calendar when those needs arise.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
It is my responsibility to do the things only I can do. If I am doing something someone else can do, no one is doing the things only I can. This has been a huge challenge to my desire to be a part of everything, to be hands on with details, and to expect everything done the way I would do it.
How would you define your mission or purpose in life?
I want to help people find deeper meaning in their everyday lives. To find and celebrate connection with themselves, those around them, and the world. I want everyone I work with – be they members of the church I serve, students in Denver Public Schools, or the 165,000+ people who follow my puppets on TikTok – to know that they after to me and in the world.
What is your greatest superpower as a leader?
Groundedness that allows me to respond and not react. The ability to take breath and be the one person in the room who is not freaking out, no matter what the circumstance.
What is a challenge you’ve overcome as a professional, and what did you learn from that experience?
I used to spend my early years as a pastor, particularly when I first started serving on my own, asking “how should/would a senior pastor handle this?” That question limited my ability to create change and express myself. Though I had wonderful role models, the world didn’t need another one of them. It was hard to accept that my presence, decisions, and leadership were good enough just as mine. It took me far too long to simply ask, “how do I want to handle this?”
What advice would you have for anyone who is trying to navigate their career path?
I like to keep the skills I have picked up along the way sharp, even if I don’t need them in my current work. The number of times a door has opened because I collected and maintained an eclectic set of skills is not only numerous, they have been some of the best opportunities in my life.
What advice would you have for someone who is struggling or feeling stuck right now in their life?
Sometimes we feel lost in life because we are using a map or a world view that doesn’t fit. Trying to be what others want, trying to be who we used to be, or hiding parts of ourselves – these are maps that won’t show us where we are or where we truly can go. Give yourself permission to explore new places and ways of being.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
I have received so much from the communities that nurtured and upheld me. To add my contribution to that gift and pass it on is part of our human calling. It is a feedback cycle, where what I have added will be added onto by others and we all become a part of an ever evolving relational inheritance.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’re curious to learn more about the puppets, visit @BradAndThePuppets TikTok account. The puppets are helping young adults navigate life. Life is a lot, and puppets have a way of offering the words we need to hear in a comfortable and inviting way. With 165,000 followers and growing, the account is drawing comparisons to Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood for a new generation.
About Brad Laurvick
Rev. Bradley Laurvick serves northwest Denver as pastor of Highlands United Methodist Church. His leadership, in the congregation and community, has built relationships, cared for families in need, and advocated for progressive changes in society.
Brad also works with the puppets of the “You Matter Zone” offering encouragement and support to hundreds of thousands of young adults on TikTok (@BradAndThePuppets). The puppets offer creative and engaging presentations of social-emotional learning.
Brad believes in strong community partnerships and has served as the president of the West Highland Merchants Association and Vice President of the board of directors for Denver Urban Matters (DenUM). Aside from serving on the Denver Public Schools’ Board of Education, He is an active supporter of Reading Partners, Family Promise of Greater Denver, and Education Through Music Colorado. He has brought a plethora of community events to his neighborhood, from Taste of Highlands to Día de los Niños (in partnership with Latino Pride). As a community leader he has brought Child Assault Prevention Training, Bias Awareness Training, and community listening sessions to the neighborhood.
Brad and his wife Meghan have two children. He and Meghan enjoy movie nights and reading with their kids. His previous work experience includes community health education (CU, Boulder) and technology (Apple, Inc). He received his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from the Univ. of Colorado, Boulder (BS, ‘03) and his masters degree from the Iliff School of Theology (MDiv, ‘07). Brad enjoys yoga, cycling, and swimming as ways to care for himself. Most of the year, you’ll find him biking all over Denver.
