I heard the gospel for the first time in 2004 as an incoming college freshman. After a near death experience falling asleep at the wheel of my vehicle, I finally made the best decision of my life and said “yes” to Jesus. (I share my full story in this message from 2021). In 2005, I felt God calling me to serve the local church in some form of vocational ministry. For the past 18 years, I have led worship with passion and pursued excellence in gatherings of all sizes. I have stepped into every opportunity to teach and preach, brainstorm new ideas for programming and events, connect with the community in creative ways, raise up and invest in others and connect people within the church to areas of ministry that they can thrive in.
My walk with Jesus is my top priority everyday. I love spending time in the morning in the Word, praying and journaling. My marriage is stronger than ever (17 years married). Brittany and I love the life God has blessed us with and have found contentment and satisfaction in Him. At 39 years old, I am the healthiest I’ve ever been. Prioritizing exercise has become something I look forward to every day. I am more committed to growing as a leader than ever before. I listen to leadership podcasts and make time for reading daily. I took advantage of the 2020 quarantine and went back to school to complete my Masters Degree. I graduated from West Coast Bible College & Seminary in May 2021 with a Masters of Ministry in Worship Studies. I have learned the value of rest. Our Sabbath day is our favorite day of the week and time that I unapologetically protect. Brittany and I unplug, explore, read, nap, watch movies and enjoy good food.
I surrendered my life to Jesus in August of 2004.
I met Brittany in the Fall of 2006 at church. We played Joseph and Mary in the church’s Christmas production.
Brittany and I got married in July of 2008.
We love traveling. In 2020, we hit the road to see some of Arizona’s most incredible locations including the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Sedona. Our favorite was just north of the Arizona boarder in Moab, Utah where we hiked Arches National Park.
We rescued Porkchop (shih-tzu/poodle) in 2010. He’s a puppy mill survivor! Six months later, we adopted Samson (cocker spaniel/poodle). Though they’re not related by blood, they’re brothers in every other way!
I've been a musician since I was 8 years old. Drums are my primary instrument. I bought my first acoustic guitar and began leading worship when I was 18.
I love all genres of music. Yes, all genres. It just depends on the situation!
I love reading.
I love coffee (dark roast with cream please!), especially while sitting in good local coffee shop.
The Office is the greatest sitcom ever made. Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
I love carpentry. In 2020 I helped renovate my childhood home for my dad.
The number one question people have is “what are you doing now?” I currently work from home as a Sales Team Manager at Branded Bills in the Custom Sales Department, overseeing a team of 12 Sales Representatives who also work remotely around the county. In the simplest of answers, “I sell hats.” Brittany and I serve at a great local church in Michigan where we currently live. We both help out on the worship team in various roles 2-3 times a month and I regularly preach as well.
Our time in California, my most recent staff position (2021), ended abruptly with hurt and confusion. I was fired after only 5 months. John Maxwell says the 3 C’s of successful hiring are “character, competence and chemistry.” It was clear the Pastor/Worship Pastor chemistry was an issue during our time in California but nothing can truly prepare you to be let go.
I spent the better part of the following year trying to process that experience. I was hurt. I was confused. But God revealed Himself in some incredible ways and I encountered His presence like never before. I experienced the freedom of forgiving those who had hurt us and witnessed God reveal and deal with other burdens of my past that I wasn’t even aware of.
Through my darkest valley, I have been made whole again. I have learned to stop looking back and asking why because “the why” belongs to God. I’d rather know Him than know why. He is worthy of my worship. In every season and situation, what I see doesn’t change what He said. I am a child of the most high God and He’s not done with me yet.
I am thankful for the life experience I have gained over the last few years. I am thankful for the scars. I am ready for what’s next.
