A Much Too Long Bio About Myself:

Background Information: Most of my life story so far has been shaped in the great state of South Dakota, the place where I was born and raised.  I spent my first 18 years living in the metropolis of Emery (about 400 people).  I suppose you could call me a “church kid” as I went to church with my parents at least 3 times a week, if not more.  My parents raised me in a Christian home and gave me the first look at what it means to actively serve within the church.   

While I was a good church attender for quite some time, I didn’t start my journey with God until I was 11 years old.  I started that journey by putting my faith in Him at Crystal Springs Baptist Camp in North Dakota.  I say that I started my journey with Him then because I didn’t fully grasp what it meant to be a Christian and there wasn’t much of a change in my own life at that young of an age.  I started to take my relationship with Jesus seriously during my junior and senior years in High School— I started enjoying going to church and being a part of our youth ministry.  It was during this time in my life that I started dating my future wife Amber (much too young!), who also lived in Emery (no, we are not related).

After High School, I began a wild ride of actually listening to God and obeying His leading.  The wild ride began with me attending a mission school in Arkansas and going on several mission trips to China, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Honduras.  Then, God brought me to the University of Sioux Falls.  I began as a secondary education major, but soon found my education classes not that appealing.  It was in an entry level religion class, where I felt God calling me into full time pastoral ministry.  I changed majors at USF, attended seminary, and have been enjoying full time service in the church ever since!

Interests:  I like to have fun!  I love to hang out with my wife Amber and daughters, Macy and Mercedes. We enjoy having people over to our house for fellowship, games, movies or you name it.  And when I’m not with the fam, you’ll probably find me watching (Sportscenter is nearly always on) or playing sports.  During the warm months in Iowa, there’s a good chance you’ll see me out hacking it up on the golf course.  And during the winter months, I love to play basketball.  And when I can’t play, I really enjoy watching H.S. sports.     

Education:

Master of Divinity, North American Baptist Seminary, 2005

Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy & Theology), University of Sioux Falls, 2003