As I look back on the years since 2000, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving Jesus Christ and his Church. I began pastoral ministry at Indian River in northern Michigan, where I served for twelve years. What started as a small rural congregation grew to 250 to 300 in worship. Together, we reached many families with children, cast a fresh vision each year, and built a new church home. I loved fitting into the culture of the community, hunting, fishing, skiing, and embracing northern Michigan life. With my wife being from the UP, it truly felt like home!
In 2012, I moved to Conference Staff in Grand Rapids, serving for ten years, eight focused on Vital Congregations Initiative (VCI) and New Church Development. I worked with church plants and supported congregations in transition. Helping churches clarify their mission and discern God’s preferred future became a deep passion!
Most recently, with the United Methodist Foundation, I invested in Leadership Development through preaching cohorts, leadership cohorts, and the C3 revitalization process. Walking alongside pastors and lay leaders as they discerned next steps has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my ministry.
I am grateful for my wife, our three children, and five grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 11 yrs old. It has been a profound joy to serve Jesus Christ and His Church, and I step into retirement with a thankful heart for every season, every relationship, and every opportunity to be part of God’s work.
Appointment History
[(FE) PE 2000; FE 2003] Indian River 2000; Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation, West Michigan Conference 2012; Michigan Area Director of Congregational Excellence and New Church Development 1/1/2016; Associate Director for Congregational Vibrancy 2018; Senior Director of Leadership Development, United Methodist Foundation of Michigan 2022.