Tell us a little bit about your family and where you’re from.
I’m a farm boy and was born and raised in west-central Illinois. Deana and I met at church in junior high and began dating after I finished high school. We were married on June 22, 1991, and have six children: Hannah (married to Gonzalo), Molly, Samuel, Lilly Beth, Sophia, and Annalia. We are proud grandparents to Hazel and Margot.
When did you meet Jesus?
I was raised in a Christian home and I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior while in high school. After moving to Ohio, we began to search for a Bible-teaching church. It was there, in 2002, that our Lord called us into international missionary service. We served with the International Mission Board for 13 years. My ministry focus was evangelism, teaching, and discipleship. In the summer of 2017, I transitioned into the role of Community Life Pastor for Lifepoint Church’s Mount Vernon campus.
What is one of your favorite Bible verses?
Ephesians 2:8-10 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What is your current role with Lifepoint? How long have you been on staff?
I am currently the Executive Pastor of Lifepoint Church. I started serving with Lifepoint in July of 2017.
How do you hope your ministry will impact people?
I hope to support and help facilitate an environment that trains and equips multiplying disciples of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
What experience/education/training has helped prepare you for your current role?
I earned my BS and MS at the University of Illinois in Animal Sciences and Ruminant Nutrition, respectively. I also earned my Ph.D. at The Ohio State University in the field of nutrition, which prepared me for my 10-year career as a research scientist at Ross Products Division (Columbus, OH). In preparation for the international mission field, I also studied at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and completed a MA in Theology.
I continue to grow and mature as a follower of Christ. My education and life experiences have given me a seasoned perspective that helps me disciple others with biblical wisdom. I am also a certified marriage counselor through Prepare/Enrich and I help assess and coach church planters in the SEND network.
What are some of your favorite shows, books, movies, music, etc?
I like NCIS and Madam Secretary.
I enjoy reading to learn – so most of my reads these days are biblical counseling, theology, or church growth related.
I like action movies and a good musical from time to time.
For music, I generally get to listen to what my kids like!
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy almost any activity outdoors. We have a wood-burning fireplace insert so I keep busy cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood to keep us toasty warm during the winter. I also enjoy helping our kids with their 4-H projects. We have a growing “herd” of rabbits and enough chickens to keep us stocked with fresh eggs.