Honoring My Pastor ... With a Caricature?

Me, Marina (she put the book together) Brad & Vicki

I love political and editorial cartoons. Out of all the varieties of cartooning, this powerful form of cartoon communication has to be my favorite. One of the tools often used in these cartoons is caricature, and sadly because of the negative nature of political and editorial cartoons that poke at political and popular figures in society, caricature is often seen as negative and insulting. When I do caricatures, I try to do the opposite ... most of the time!

My Pastor, Brad Bigney, just celebrated his 50th birthday and earlier this month I was made aware of a very secret birthday photo album project that was being put together for him. Being that this was his 50th birthday, I figured a caricature (lovingly and encouragingly done of course) might fit the project.  I really do appreciate Brad for his ministry that has blessed me and my family many, many times more than we could ever begin to thank him for and felt strongly that I should add at least a little token of appreciation to a page in this book. So my wife and I put our heads together and listed out all the things about Pastor Brad that we could think of, and then I asked a few other people including Brad's wife Vicki. With all this input, I went to work and the caricature you see below is the end result. Thankfully, Brad's family said, "That sure is Brad!"

The book with the caricature was presented to Brad this past Sunday, March 24 and he was completely taken by surprise! The whole congregation sang happy birthday and then loudly applauded their dear shepherd. What a fun time it was to see this short but very moving burst of appreciation for this wonderful godly man. He is truly a trophy of Grace!

Here are a few links to help you get to know Brad and explain a few things in the caricature too:

NANC - Brad Bigney video clips

Brad's new book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel With Hidden Idols
Video about the book Gospel Treason

 Messages by Brad Bigney
IBCD.org
Sermons from Grace Fellowship Church

Brad Bigney DVD "Counterfit Counseling"