What I do: It’s a great honour to serve as Pastor of Discipleship. Theological education summarizes my role, especially in directing our Intern program and Immerse program. Additionally, I help with Thursday Morning Theology, resourcing other Northview departments, and connecting with Columbia Bible College in both the classroom and on the Board of Directors. Why theology? We can’t love what we don’t know (marriage is a great picture of this!). Knowing God should fuel our love for God. Theology prompts doxology. And doxology empowers service. That’s discipleship. That honours God. That is pure joy!
Family: Rebekah and I have a son (Kaden, Middle School) and a daughter (Karis, Elementary School). Rebekah keeps me grounded and growing. Kaden and Karis keep us both on our toes and thankful to be their mom and dad. Family is a daily reminder of seeking God’s glory in all of life.
Education: My bachelor’s degree is from the University of Rochester (New York) where I studied world religions and met a cute young lady in the training room. Even though that first meeting was anything but the typical boy-meets-girl story, we eventually got married (ask Rebekah about the story sometime). My master’s degree is from Dallas Theological Seminary with an emphasis in New Testament and Systematic Theology. And, to see how long I could draw out my education, my doctoral degree is from Talbot School of Theology in Los Angeles, studying the connection (and often collision!) between of faith and culture. But life is one of the best teachers. We are all students of Jesus. And the world is His classroom.
How I got involved with Northview: Born in Southern California, raised in upstate New York, briefly moved to Mongolia after college, and lived in Texas for over a decade, I got to Northview because of the desire to plug into this community as we seek to love God, love one another other, and love the world.
A few of my favourite things: Hanging out with my family and friends. Pondering great mysteries like the Trinity, God’s intense love and deep justice, and why Reese’s Peanut Butter cups taste so good. Laughing at old-school comics (Calvin and Hobbes and The Far Side). Sampling exotic foods, including hot sauces of all varieties. Watching sports (especially basketball) and old Columbo episodes. Exegeting films. Avoiding household painting. And with two active kids, napping about twice a year.
Favourite authors: St. Augustine, Pascal, Ravi Zacharias, John Piper, Tim Keller, Dr. Seuss.
A Favourite Scripture: ‘I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God. For if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.’ – Galatians 2:20-21