My Journey
When I was 5 years old a traveling preacher named Monty came to our church in Sitka, Alaska. Listening to him from the back row is when I first sensed God’s call to be a speaker whose words would deeply impact people’s lives. From that time I followed the call with determination. Starting in high school I sought opportunities to speak. In addition to theology I studied speech and cross-cultural communication in college and seminary. And I completed two years of internships where public speaking and teaching were my primary roles.
Early in ministry I served as an itinerate evangelist for my denomination. I traveled more than 250 days per year, speaking and teaching at churches and Christian events. It felt like the race I was meant to run.
The year my first son was born (1994) my wife Suzanne and I envisioned and launched a new congregation in Portland: the Trinity Project. My 12 years at Trinity were seasons of challenge, growth and blessing. I am full of gratitude for the deep and genuine friendships I enjoy at Trinity.
In 2007, sensing a new season, I asked the Trinity board to begin a search for a new senior leader for Trinity. My sense of calling these days is three-fold: First, to launch a new ministry as a Christian speaker/communicator. I expect to speak to a wide audience of churches and Christian organizations, and to develop as a compelling communicator to the non-church crowd. Second, I plan to test my skills as a writer by submitting material for publication. Third, I will develop ministry outside the United States. As a start, I will seek to provide strong leadership and direction for a new church plant I helped to conceive in Managua, Nicaragua which launched in December, 2007.
What I Believe
I believe in God the Father, the maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and he shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen —The Apostle’s Creed, 3rd Century A.D.
My Experience
Please take a look at my resume for more information.