I was born and raised under the Arizona sun. But when it came time for college, I left the desert for the beach. I got my undergrad at Cal Poly—San Luis Obispo. It was there in that sleepy little college town that I fell in love. I fell in love with the California coast—with its green hills, white sand, and blue skies. I fell in love with the woman who is now my wife—sixteen years and counting, with two daughters and a son now in tow. But, most significant of all, I fell in love with Jesus. God used a trial in my life, a Bible study in my dorm, and a church down my street to awaken me from the dead! "My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee."
And, as I followed, I couldn't have imagined where he'd lead. A few years later, I became the college pastor at my church there in SLO. A few years after that, I left to get my M.Div at Westminster Theological Seminary in PA. A few years more, and he led me here to Mercy Hill. I am so humbled to be called to bring the good news of Jesus to a city as broken as it is beautiful, as wayward as it is influential, as spiritually poor as it is materially rich. I tremble before the task. But I trust that what Christ said to Paul in Corinth, he might say to us here in San Jose: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city . . ." (Acts 18:9–10). Let it be so Lord!
And, as I followed, I couldn't have imagined where he'd lead. A few years later, I became the college pastor at my church there in SLO. A few years after that, I left to get my M.Div at Westminster Theological Seminary in PA. A few years more, and he led me here to Mercy Hill. I am so humbled to be called to bring the good news of Jesus to a city as broken as it is beautiful, as wayward as it is influential, as spiritually poor as it is materially rich. I tremble before the task. But I trust that what Christ said to Paul in Corinth, he might say to us here in San Jose: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city . . ." (Acts 18:9–10). Let it be so Lord!
If you had to pick a “life verse,” what would it be and why?
Hebrews 13:20-21. Go read it. It might just change your life like it did mine. I really struggled with feeling like I could get outside God's will and like he would give up on me if I didn't do that which was pleasing in his sight. But then this verse helped me realize God is at work in me, to work and will according to his good pleasure, to help me do that which is pleasing in his sight. It's not just on me. He's taken this responsibility on himself. And for that I'm eternally grateful!
Name one person who's had a significant influence on you and tell us why.
Tim Keller. I find the way he brings together theological reflection, cultural sensitivity, apologetic dexterity, charitable empathy, and warm-hearted devotion to be so compelling and, sadly, so rare in our day. I thank God for his ministry!
What's one fun fact you could share with us about yourself?
One time, when I was going for a run along the narrow road that winds through See Canyon where I used to live, I must have upset a nearby turkey somehow—because it jumped from the bushes and proceeded to chase me for a good quarter mile along the road (with cars driving by and laughing of course)! This is one of the reasons why I've never done a "Turkey Trot." I think I'm scarred for life.
If you had to pick your favorite spot in the Bay Area, what would it be and why?
If you catch it on the right day (and that's a big "if")—with the sun shining, the temperature warm, and the wind somewhat subdued—there are few places on earth I love more than Bean Hollow Beach near Pescadero. The soft sand and staggering cliffs, the crystal blue water and life-exploding tide pools, the passing dolphins and playful seals . . . I could stay all day (and have!). Watch the weather and go when you can (but call us first, because we might want to come along with you ; ).
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
A professional tennis player. I gave a good ten years of my life to the sport until an injury slowed me down just before college. I never would have been good enough to go pro, but it sure was fun!