After a 33-year career as a teacher and administrator in Hartland Consolidated Schools near Brighton and Howell, Michigan, I was unexpectedly called into ministry in 2005. My former pastor and mentor, the late Rev. David Truan of Fenton United Methodist Church, invited me to consider a new path—one I had never imagined while nearing retirement from education. Through prayerful discernment, candidacy, and licensing school, I entered full-time ministry in 2007 at Bristol United Methodist Church in Flint Township.
For nearly 12 years, I was blessed to serve the Bristol congregation, where I experienced the fullness of pastoral ministry—sharing in baptisms, weddings, and celebrations, while also walking alongside individuals and families through illness, loss, and grief. Their encouragement and generosity, including support for my COS seminary education, deeply shaped my journey.
In 2018, I was appointed to serve the Howarth and Paint Creek United Methodist Churches near Rochester, Michigan, where I have continued to find joy in guiding two vibrant congregations over the past eight years.
In addition to local church ministry, I have served as Chair of the Flint District Board of Missions, Chair of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, and currently serve on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. I officially retired on October 2, 2025, yet continue to serve under appointment. My wife, Dr. Deborah VanderLinde, and I enjoy traveling, family time, and life with our new basset hound puppy.
Appointment History
[(FL) PL 2007; FL 2018] Flint: Bristol (½) 10/1/2007; Howarth, Paint Creek 2018.