What is your role at MHC?

I oversee all production, communications, and all technical aspects of MHCWS; this includes production and music for Sunday services as well as special events. I also am responsible for all communication avenues at the campus, including our website, blog, and most printed materials.

Tell us about your family:

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Michelle. We will be married 8 years this September. You can pray for us as we continue to seek God’s direction regarding children.

When did Jesus change your life?

I met Jesus, or I should say Jesus met me (Rom 9:15-18;22-23) while working a summer job at a Bible camp about 15 years ago.  For the first time in my life I saw authentic relationships with Jesus in those around me, and I wanted that in my life. Through the example of the staff and the opening of his word each day, Jesus opened my eyes to who I really was and that the only way I could ever be accepted was through His finished work on the cross (1 John 1:7-9).

How has your life changed since meeting Jesus?

Without Jesus I am nothing and this life is pointless, void, and empty. He has opened my eyes to see my false worship, and set me free the bondage of religion and worshiping pleasure (Isa 6:3-9). He continues to redeem me from finding my worth in anything but Christ, and He is daily calling me to a deeper faith and trust in Him (Rom 12:1-2).

Tell us how you came to be at Mars Hill, as a visitor, member, and deacon:

In 1999 a friend introduced me to Pastor Mark via the Internet. Pastor Mark was a breath of fresh air! For the first time, I started to hear preaching that connected the gospel with practical life (Heb 4:14-16). I was encouraged and grew tremendously over the following years. Through it, Jesus also began to give us a desire for a new community.

I first set foot in Mars Hill in 2003 as my wife and I took a cross country trip from Pennsylvania to the West Coast. As we prayed about direction, I began to sense God calling us to Seattle. I knew that Jesus was calling me out of my place of comfort to trust Him. I often read Jonah and thought, “what an idiot he was, running from God,” until God convicted me that I was acting just like Jonah! I struggled with the guilt of leaving the ministry I was involved in before, and  felt like I would be leaving a huge hole if I were to leave. A friend and pastor I was talking with confronted me on that issue, and challenged me with the idea that I was really struggling with pride, not guilt.  I saw myself as bigger than God, and His desires for my life. Walking in repentance, I resigned, and on June 5th, 2007 we packed up all our stuff and moved to Seattle with no home, no job, no friends; nothing but Jesus. How freeing and exhilarating it was!

By God’s sovereign plan, we landed in West Seattle, and began putting our roots into the community. We walked through the membership process, and started serving in children’s ministry doing security. In 2008 I was asked if I would consider taking a position at the Ballard Campus managing the facilities. Although I felt like God had us in West Seattle for a purpose, I also felt that he was calling me to Ballard for that season. I walked through the deacon process, and was installed as a deacon in the fall of 2008. During that time, we ended up buying a home in West Seattle which was a complete act of God. Shortly thereafter, a position opened up at the West Seattle Campus overseeing productions and communications, and I felt Jesus calling us back to West Seattle.

The past 2 years have been nothing short of refinement as Jesus continues to pull me out of comfort, and call me into His glorious light (Phil 3:12-16).

What is your biggest challenge in this ministry?

I agree with Pastor Adam’s answer: people. Specifically, calling the men of WS to love and worship Jesus with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

What is your greatest joy while serving in this ministry?

Having a front row seat to seeing Jesus’ redemptive work take place in the lives of so many. Thank You Jesus!

Please share a favorite quotation:

(or two)

“When considering our schedules, we have endless options. But there are a few clear priorities and projects, derived from my God-assigned roles, that should occupy the majority of my time during a given week. And there are a thousand tasks of secondary importance that tempt us to devote a disproportionate amount of time to completing an endless to-do list. And if we are lazy, we will neglect the important for the urgent.”

- CJ Mahaney

“Preach as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.”

- Tyler Jones

What books have fueled your thinking or challenged you in the last few years?

Instruments in the Redeemers Hands, How People Change, Total Church, Lots of other books and articles by Keller, Piper, Stezer, Stott, Tripp, Powlison, Welch, and of course the living Word of God!

What’s your favorite/preferred genre of music?

I tend to be all over the place, but since everyone is now “indie”, the “indie” genre no longer fits well. I haven’t had a lot of time to browse music lately, so if you have any recommendations, please email me.  Some of my favorite artists/Bands include: Cloud Cult, Low, Ida, Athlete, Death Cab, Damien Rice, The Frames, Stars, Snow Patrol, Sufjan Stevens, U2, and several MH Bands.

What’s your favorite Seattle-area eatery?

To many to mention…but Circa, Cactus, Elliot Bay, Matador, and Buddha Ruksa top the list. I just enjoy good food and good drink to the glory of God, especially when i can enjoy them with my wife and friends.

My Two Favorite foods though are Thai and Greek.

What’s your favorite scripture?

Romans 12:1-2

Why?

Because it sums up why Jesus has called me and redeemed me. It’s not for me to do what I want with my life, and bring God “along for the ride”, but to see my small life in God’s big story of redemption! I am thankful that Jesus has invited me into that story, and given me all that I have. My deepest desire is to live my life for His glory and not my own; to use my time, treasure, and talents for His glory and redemptive work.