The journey of football and faith for Brett Turner began at an early age. Like nearly all young men in Pickens, Turner had a great passion for football, particularly the color and pageantry of Pickens High School football on Friday nights in the fall. Turner was able to parlay this passion into becoming a key contributor to successful Blue Flame campaigns in the late 1980s. Turner is still regarded as one of the best players to ever suit up for the Blue Flame and the impact of his time as a player is felt to this day. He went on to play college football at Presbyterian College prior to returning to Pickens as an assistant football coach and teacher. Before the 2004 season, Turner was given the opportunity to direct the program he had grown to know and love as head football coach in what Turner describes as a “dream job.”

To suggest Turner was anything other than successful throughout his tenure at the helm of the Blue Flame would be incorrect. Turner led his Flame to winning seasons and playoff berths, essentially living out a dream. The former star was serving in the role of head coach, celebrated by the Pickens community, and experiencing remarkable success on the field.

This success continued through the 2007 season as Turner guided the Blue Flame to yet another winning season; however, Turner felt that perhaps there was a different direction in life that he needed to take. In his words, “God was dealing with me about the ministry. I told my wife and we prayed about it.” As the 2008 season approached, Turner knew that it would be his last as head coach of the Blue Flame “in order to do what God called me to do.”

Brett Turner was brought up in a family that went to church, prayed, and read the Bible on a regular basis. Turner maintained a strong relationship with God and used his position as football coach to touch people’s lives through organizations such as FCA, where many Friday mornings have seen Turner lead the group of students assembled in prayer, Bible teaching, or song. “I thought that football and coaching was my ministry,” said Turner.

That changed dramatically as Turner felt the call of God to pursue full time ministry in December of 2007. He answered the call and began making preparations for his final season directing the Blue Flame football program. “You build so many relationships, it was definitely hard to realize that was it, but you want to make sure you’re doing what God has called you to do,” Turner said.

The Blue Flame once again saw the success that marked Turner’s tenure as the 2008 season unfolded. The Blue Flame missed the playoffs but posted yet another winning season. With the season complete, Turner made the news of his departure from the coaching post official. He informed Pickens High School administration of his intentions and broke the news to the team he had directed on the gridiron. Even though Turner is leaving the coveted post of head football coach, he will continue to be a great supporter of Pickens High School and the football team. Turner knew that it was what he needed to do to answer God’s call to ministry.

The next step in Brett Turner’s journey is still developing. Turner will be enrolling at Liberty University in February to pursue a Masters of Theological Studies. He says that numerous opportunities exist related to football and the ministry that could present themselves such as serving in the role of team Chaplin. Turner explains, “The coaching ministry is a burden but I’m definitely not going to restrict God.” A key component in Turner’s next step revolves around prayer. Prayer led to the ultimate decision to leave Pickens High School as football coach and an unwavering faith will light the way for this Flame as Turner searches for God’s purpose for his ministry.

As Turner’s story of football and faith continues its winding journey, he will lean on the conviction in God that has directed him through life thus far, along with the support of family, friends, and the people of Pickens, as he follows God’s call to ministry. A reflective Turner is quick to acknowledge the support of those closest to him, “I would like to thank my family. I would like to thank my wife Stacey and my children Jordan, Elijah, and Reagan for their help throughout. I would like to thank my mother, father, and brothers Jeff and Bart for their lifelong support. I would also like to thank the people of Pickens, Mr. Lawson, Coach Corn, and the coaching staff for their support and hard work. Most of all I want to thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. All that I will do is to honor Him.”