When I was about 8 years old, I told a lie to my dad. He sat me down and talked to me about how once a person shows that they’re willing to lie, it is a very long (and sometimes impossible) road to rebuilding trust. That lesson stuck with me like few have, and since that day I have made it one of my goals to tell the truth, even when it hurts.

I’ve been called “the troubler of Israel” (in good-natured fun), I’ve said plenty of dumb things, and I’ve changed my mind on the kinds of things that can get a pastor fired. There have been plenty of enjoyable “wins” along the way as well, but in all cases, I have sought truth: both to know it and to speak it. Truth-seeking has taken me down fascinating and unexpected roads. Truth-telling has come at a not-insignificant personal cost. My desire is that what I have learned along the way should benefit others as well, and thus the Apostle’s Mailbox was born.

Ministry experience

• Pastorate
  • Grace Church, Eagle Grove, IA (2021-2023)
  • Bethel Church, North Platte, NE (2010-2018)
• Internships
  • Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL (2010)
  • Campus Christians, KU (2002-2003)
• Cooperstown Bible Camp, Cooperstown, ND
  • Male Lead (2003)
  • Senior Counselor (2002)
  • Senior Counselor (2001)

Education

• M. Div, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2010)
• BA Spanish, The University of Kansas (2004)

Foreign engagement

• Exchange student, Costa Rica (2004)
• Exchange student, Spain (2002)

Parenting

• Father to 6 children (results pending!)