What a wonderful privilege to serve this congregation as pastor! This loving community is well into its second century in Aurora, and I am grateful to the good people of Christ Lutheran for the opportunity to be part of their story and a partner in ministry.
I am a native of the Pacific Northwest, born and raised in the Seattle area. As a high-schooler, I became active in my local Lutheran congregation and, through the support and encouragement of that community, gradually experienced a call to ministry.
I am a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., and have a master of divinity (M.Div.) from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
My wife Karen is a registered nurse and is passionate about hospice and palliative care.
We have two adult daughters. Kate works as a financial accountant. She is a mother to Charlie and Lucas. Karen and I love being grandparents! My youngest daughter Alex is a 2016 graduate of The University of Portland and is an R.N. at Providence St.Vincent Medical Center. She is engaged to Dan.
Karen and I are also the proud “pet parents” of Izzy, a 90 pound Great Pyrenees whom we adopted in August of 2016.
Some of my core beliefs:
- The Church is about the Holy Spirit working through people and relationships.
- Preaching should be approachable and relevant.
- There is no one “right” style of Christian worship or music, as long as Christ is at the center.
- Lutheran Christians have a rich heritage and bring unique gifts to the larger community of Christ.
- The Gospel of God’s love for all people through Jesus Christ should be communicated in everything we do as a congregation.
- Hospitality to our neighbor is at the core of evangelism and outreach.
- When in doubt about God’s will, try kindness.
- God has a marvelous sense of humor.
- Weak coffee is a waste of perfectly good water!
I welcome you to contact me with any questions or support you may need.