I’m the poster child for the statement, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I live at the same address listed on my birth certificate, a house my grandfather built in 1926. In between I lived in four other states, and that was mostly due to the fact that my father was also a pastor. I thank God for my Christian upbringing. But it was not until I was a high school senior that I completely embraced the privilege of following Christ no matter where that might lead. For me that led to training at what is now called the Master’s College (B.A., M.Div.) and to further graduate studies at Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.). The first decade of my ministry was as a college and seminary professor where I taught theology, Bible, and Greek. The Seattle Mariners and Fellowship Bible Church started in 1977. My ministry at that point took on the exciting dimension of watching whole families learn the Bible and follow Christ. Nothing is more thrilling to me than to see the baton of truth carried from one generation to the next! I have fallen in love with this congregation and have raised my own family under its influence. My wife B.J. was raised on the mission field and is a huge part of my joy in ministry. My nine children include one in heaven and eight living children (four sons, four daughters). I also have five grandsons and one spunky granddaughter. Two of our children are war orphans from Liberia in West Africa. We also have a little lazy dog, Riddick (short for Ridiculous). My ministry duties include preaching and leading the church. I am committed to seeing a church that is both thinking and thoughtful—that cares for God’s truth and lives it out in acts of sacrifice. For me personally, this takes the form of an annual trip to Liberia where I can encourage the lives of those ministering to the suffering. I love to see people everywhere go deeper with God. My intention is to serve the Lord at FBC until He calls me home (or as long as people can put up with me).
When I need to relax, I read a book, or do a puzzle, or walk through the woods at Pt. Defiance, or listen to music, or watch my kids and grandkids play sports or sing. I love writing, and designing things. My wife thinks I also relax when I get to do gardening.
I’m the poster child for the statement, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I live at the same address listed on my birth certificate, a house my grandfather built in 1926. In between I lived in four other states, and that was mostly due to the fact that my father was also a pastor. I thank God for my Christian upbringing. But it was not until I was a high school senior that I completely embraced the privilege of following Christ no matter where that might lead. For me that led to training at what is now called the Master’s College (B.A., M.Div.) and to further graduate studies at Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.). The first decade of my ministry was as a college and seminary professor where I taught theology, Bible, and Greek. The Seattle Mariners and Fellowship Bible Church started in 1977. My ministry at that point took on the exciting dimension of watching whole families learn the Bible and follow Christ. Nothing is more thrilling to me than to see the baton of truth carried from one generation to the next! I have fallen in love with this congregation and have raised my own family under its influence. My wife B.J. was raised on the mission field and is a huge part of my joy in ministry. My nine children include one in heaven and eight living children (four sons, four daughters). I also have five grandsons and one spunky granddaughter. Two of our children are war orphans from Liberia in West Africa. We also have a little lazy dog, Riddick (short for Ridiculous). My ministry duties include preaching and leading the church. I am committed to seeing a church that is both thinking and thoughtful—that cares for God’s truth and lives it out in acts of sacrifice. For me personally, this takes the form of an annual trip to Liberia where I can encourage the lives of those ministering to the suffering. I love to see people everywhere go deeper with God. My intention is to serve the Lord at FBC until He calls me home (or as long as people can put up with me).