Brian serves as Associate Pastor at Kingsland Baptist church in Katy, Texas overseeing spiritual formation. After being profoundly impacted by many trips to Israel walking the ancient paths of the Bible, Brian committed to giving others the gift of learning the Bible on location as often as the Lord will allow. His attention in study to the Jewish roots of the Christian faith helps western Christians discover new connections with the culture and context of the Bible. Brian is the author of the book, Shift: What it Takes to Finally Reach Families today based on the Sh’ma (Dt. 6:4-9). Brian is married to his high school sweetheart Angela and they have three daughters, Hailey, Madelyn, and Eden. Brian is a graduate of Baylor University, Southwestern Seminary, and Liberty Theological Seminary where he earned a Doctor of Ministry for his work in discipleship and family ministry.
Brian's tours involve strenuous hiking and intense climbing. He strongly recommends physical training before the trip that includes cardio and strength training. Climbing stairs, riding a bike, long walks and running if you are able are all very good. The more you can prepare your body, the more you will be able to learn on site. You will also need good hiking shoes or boots. The ground is very rocky and uneven so it important that your shoes have excellent support and are well broken in. It is a shame to miss days because of sore feet.
A recent trip participant’s evaluation included this suggestion: EXERCISE! Climb those stairs but with your fanny pack on and two full bottles of water in it, plus have on your boots, and do it quickly!! And do it for a long time!!
I have led dozens of Biblical study tours to the lands of the Bible, and I have been with and followed Dr. Brian Haynes all over Israel. His understanding of the text in its Jewish context and insights are a gift to any who follow. Brian will lead and shepherd you through the land of the Bible like few can. Being one who leads... I can follow and have learned from Brian. Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity to see and hike the land of the Bible with teacher and author, Dr. Brian Haynes.
Marty O'Connor
Biblical Tour Guide
GTI Tours
I continue to hear God speaking to me and I listen so much more intently...leaning in. I love to stop and remember the sound of our group's feet against the rocky paths...it was a great sound. As I read the gospels and study more about Jesus, the Rabbi, I am undone at the privilege of having 'walked & hiked' Israel the way His followers did and was common for His day. The experience would never be richer had we not 'walked the path' to experience the text.
Mary Whittington
Israel is a gift. Not only a gift of God for the Jews, but also a gift to us who are Christ followers. To be in the places that our Scriptures talk about and take place, is something that I can't put into words. The places themselves aren't mystical or magical, but incredible because they point us to the only One who is: Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah. Through this trip, I was able to see the common threads that weave throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It strengthened my faith, brought greater depth of understanding to God's Word, revealed Christ to me even further, and inspired me to live my life in a way that the world may know that there is a God beyond what I currently live.
Some of the most insignificant places at first glance turned out to be some of the most significant places spiritually. I am happy to call Brian Haynes my friend, and believe that God used him mightily to teach us as we visited the places of Israel. I hope that others can learn from Brian's insight and experience, and I believe that everyone who is able to go on this journey will experience God in a fresh, new way that will leave them permanently changed from the he was before. Together, in community, you will walk the path of a common faith and learn to live in a greater way so that the world may know there is a God!
Erik Yates
It's hard to put in words what this trip meant to me. The text truly came alive and it was absolutely wonderful to be in places that are mentioned in the Bible and especially to "walk where Jesus walked". Brian did an excellent job in teaching and leading us throughout the trip. Israel touched our hearts in a way that no other trip has or ever will. We are ready to go back again.
Jan Moore
I never fully appreciated how little we really understand the cultural and physical context of the Bible. Getting a glimpse of the mastery of Jesus' use of language and timing makes you want to know more. At a personal level, I have a new confidence in the text and a desire to tell what I know. I am already teaching my wife, committed to teaching for the first time in an ABF, and I recognize God moments more often. I knew my “God box” was too small, but what we saw and what we read makes you stop trying to fit Him in any sized box. The trip allows you to shed denominational hang ups, "American Christianity", individual misconceptions, and really focus on the main point; God and His Word. God willing, I will take my wife and girls back to Israel when they are able to appreciate it as well.
Michael Evans
The trip to Israel was the most memorable experience in my adult life. Hiking through Israel transformed my relational experience with my Heavenly Father. My views, understanding, direction, and personal relationship with Christ were rocked in a way I would have never imagined. I came to know my Jesus in a powerful new way. I have been changed and challenged to continue studying God’s Word with new eyes. I read the Bible with clarity I never had before making the trip. The Israel experience has given me a confidence that pours into every area of my life as a Christian. It’s made me a better teacher and shepherd to my family as well as those I serve in the body of Christ. Most importantly, my faith has grown. I am thankful God tugged at my heart to go experience Israel. I am forever changed!
Daniel Salce
Israel was indeed a “Go Beyond” experience for me. There is no way to fully describe the insight into the Biblical text that I gleaned by being on-site! Brian did an outstanding job of guiding our study and challenging us to look deeply into the text and into our hearts. My experience in Israel has definitely enriched my personal walk with Jesus and my appreciation for the Scriptures. I encourage you to go to Israel and follow the Rabbi.
Omar Garcia
Missions Pastor
Kingsland Baptist Church
“It was amazing to see the physical beauty of this Promised Land of Milk and Honey! Now, when I read Scripture, I have more understanding of the context of Christ’s words, and the visual pictures He so often used in teaching. My faith is more “grounded” after this wonderful experience. Beautiful country and great teaching!”
Richard Whittington
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