In 1995, Mission Brenham (the precursor to Brenham Next) was formed through the collaboration of local Baptist churches, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Independence Baptist Association, and the Brenham Housing Authority. The goal was to bring the “church” outside the four walls of the buildings to minister to the low-income community. Marcus Lawhon was hired as the founding Executive Director, where he served for fifteen years. The ministry included Bibles studies in the housing projects, after-school programs, overnight and day camps, youth programs, etc.
The ministry rebranded in 2020 as Brenham Next and has continued to grow through 2 primary ministries, JAM and BLAST. JAM is a 6-week urban day camp located in Brenham, TX for kids in kindergarten through 6th grade. These students experience the Gospel, education, and fun through big group time (music, games, and bible lessons), small group time, step competitions, field trips, summer learning, and more! This is a diverse, community-supported, Christ-based program that has existed in Brenham for 25 years.
BLAST (Brenham Leadership and Spiritual Training) is an after-school biblical leadership program that emphasizes spiritual training and leadership. We collaborate with different groups and individuals in the community for providing enrichment activities and tutoring.