I grew up in Washington State climbing mountains throughout my young adult life.  I have a degree in business and sold research equipment before working as an Assistant Director at a Bible camp.  I went to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Mn and in the past 23 years, have worked at various churches in Wisconsin.  I moved to Ohio in May, 2007 because my wife (Jan) taking a position as a Neuroscientist doing research at the Cleveland Clinic.   I have felt a call to create a new congregation for many years and feel this is the time and the place to do it.

I love sports with the Seahawks, Packers and Browns in that order.  I love following the Indians and root for the Cav's to win it all.  I enjoy playing tennis, golf, wood working, gardening, hiking and canoing.  Jan and I have two children, Paul and Abby who are college kids in Wisconsin.  Because of my love for the outdoors, care for this good earth is a big part of who I am.

I love Jesus and feel my call is to plant seeds in people so they can grow as the Holy Spirit directs.   What really excites me about ministry is when people take small and big faith leaps.   My hope is that Spirit of Joy becomes a church that matters to people, to God and to the world.   So I am constantly asking myself and others, does this matter to God or would Jesus care?  Hence, my hope for Spirit of Joy is that you don't have to be Lutheran to become a part of us, all you have to do is be someone that needs God's love.  Hence, that applies to everyone!




I don't take myself too seriously and hence feel free to contact me at pastorinjeans@gmail.com.  Better yet, going out for coffee is a great idea!   You can also read more at my blog www.pastorinjeans.blogspot.com