Background Info
Even though I grew up in a Christian home in northern Indiana, it was not until my sophomore year at Purdue University I decided to commit my life and become a follower of Jesus. Shortly after, I was fortunate to find an excellent mentor who taught me to study and memorize scripture as well as share my faith.
After meeting my wife, Jen on a Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) summer mission project, I transferred to St. Cloud State University where I completed my undergraduate degree in Philosophy. Jen and I were married in 2003 and shortly after moved to Denton, Texas where I was accepted to do a discipleship program at Denton Bible Church under Tommy Nelson. Afterwards, we served in Puebla, Mexico with CCC where we started christian ministries on several different college campuses. In 2005, I began my Masters degree at Dallas Theological Seminary and worked full-time as a youth minister.
In 2008 Jen, Ben (son), and I decided to join two other couples and plant a missional church in Temecula, CA where I am currently on staff. Our focus is on the unchurched as well as unconnected Christians. I recently received my Masters of Divinty at Fuller Theological Seminary. Within the last year our family has felt called back to Minnesota where we can minister to Minnesotans (especially Vikings fans) as well as to our family.
Philosophy of Ministry
I believe I exist to challenge and equip the body of Christ to seek, serve, share, and savor Jesus Christ above all things. Everything I do in ministry filters through one of those lens. I strongly believe the gospel of Jesus Christ really is the power of God to transform lives. I have experienced it personally and I have seen it take root and change lives we have fostered here in California.
Experience
Assistant Pastor
(Church Plant) Ridgeline Community Church, Temecula, CA
Sept 2008 - current
-Assimilation and Discipleship Coordinator
-Developing discipleship curriculum and seminars
-Lead weekly small group and develop small group curriculum
-Occasional Sunday morning preaching responsibilities
-Meet with small group leaders for development and encouragement
-Daily community-wide relational evangelism
-Oversee various administrative operations for church
-Meet weekly with new believers for spiritual formation
Associate Youth Minister
First Baptist Church of Lewisville, Lewisville, Texas
April 2006-July 2008
-Taught and coordinated Wednesday night youth program
-Bible study teacher (7th-college)
-Developed curriculum for small groups
-Planned and scheduled youth events (summer camp, retreats, etc.)
-Discipled male student leaders in ministry (one-on-one, small groups)
Spiritual Formation Leader
Dallas Theological Seminary
Sept 2007-May 2008
-Facilitated discussions
-Challenged seminary students to thrive spiritually
-Provided a sense of community for students
Mexico STINT Team Leader
Campus Crusade for Christ
August 2004-August 2005
-Scheduled, planned, and led staff meetings for campus ministry
-Directed and gave vision for campus ministry
-Developed college students in multiple areas of life
Education
Fuller Theological Seminary
May 2011
Masters of Divinity (also studied at Dallas Theological Seminary)
St. Cloud State University
May 2003
B.A. in Philosophy Minor: Religious Studies
Volunteer Work
Discipleship Coach Denton Bible Church, Denton, Texas
-Challenged and equipped small group leaders for productive ministry
Huddle Group Leader Denton Bible Church, Denton, Texas
-Led a small group with 7th-8th grade boys
-Led a small group with 10th grade boys
-Developed Bible studies for use within own small group
Young Guns Program Denton Bible Church, Tommy Nelson
St. Cloud State Ultimate Frisbee Team
Campus Crusade for Christ
Temecula Food Pantry
