“Don’t take yourself too seriously, but take God seriously.”

Over the years, this verse from Micah has become my life verse. Speaking of “life,” I cannot believe the journey that my life has taken.

I grew up in New Cumberland, West Virginia and when I was 16 years old (1988), I decided to enter into full time ministry.  Following high school, I went to college and seminary to launch my call.

BA in Christian Education with a minor in Church and Family Life from Lincoln Christian College (where I met my wife).

MA In Ministry with an emphasis in Church Growth and Evangelism from Cincinnati Bible Seminary.

Following seminary, I did a “back step” and received a second BA in Organization Leadership Development. Following that degree, I entered into the ELCA in 1999, serving as a Children and Youth Director.

Over the next sixteen years, we served churches in the ELCA and UMC in Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, and Indiana. Then in 2015, I began the process to have my ordination recognized in the ELCA.

Prior to coming to First and the Northern Illinois Synod, I had calls in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod and the East Central Synod of Wisconsin.

I am looking forward to our journey together.

Family Bio Facts

Married: Stacey on March 5th, 1994

Children: Three Adult Children who live in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Pets: An 11-year-old dog: 1/2 Cattle Dog and 1/2 Basset Hound