I believe the hope of the world is the church.

I am passionate to strengthen leaders, particularly those in the church, to become theologically centered, imaginative, and godly.

This post represents reflections coming out of my readings, as well as my experiences as a pastor and seminary professor. I have served as a lead pastor for thirty-six years, both in Europe and the Pacific Northwest. Each role has informed the other.

Several years ago, I began writing as a response to what I was reading, what I have experienced in ministry, and what God has been teaching me in the quiet of the wilderness and the coast. The aim is to strengthen other Christ followers who are equally as passionate about challenging and deepening their faith.

I never imagined I would be in these roles. At 16 years of age I came to Christ through the ministry of Youth for Christ. I set my sights on being a career officer in the Air Force, but as I prepared, I began to sense a call to ministry instead. I changed course hours before I was to board a plane for the Academy in Colorado Springs.

I attended San Diego University and pursued a degree in International Relations, which served as a good foundation for my Master’s level work at Western Seminary. In seminary God brought significant men into my life who prepared me for pastoral ministry. I eventually went on to Dallas Seminary, where I earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology.

My first book, Under an Open Heaven, was released in February 2017 (Kregel). It is a call to live the life an open heaven has enabled us to live. My second book, Missing Voices was released in 2019 (Langham). It is a book on global leadership, reflecting my teaching both at home and abroad. My third book. Rooted Leadership, was published by Zondervan in April of 2022. I am presently at work on a fourth, exploring the defining moments pastors face in ministry.

My wife Heather and I share time between our home on the west side of Portland and our beach house in Arch Cape.

Reading, kayaking, and biking are my passions. My favorite writers include N. T. Wright, Jonah Goldberg, Scot McKnight, Walter Brueggemann, David Brooks, Ross Douthat, Candace Millard, and Erik Larson.