I grew up in a strong Christian family. My father was a pastor, and my mother was a church musician, so it might seem natural that I would become a worship director at my church and eventually go to seminary. But it wasn't that simple. After a whole lot of wandering, schooling and a successful career in the music industry, I reached a critical point in my mid-thirties. I finally decided to give my whole life to the vision of seeing God's kingdom come. I left my career and became the music and worship director at Fifth Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI.

A few years later I sensed God's call to pursue formal pastoral and theological training. While many seminaries offered excellent academics, and other schools focused on practical ministry skills, Western Theological Seminary offered an approach to learning that intentionally combined the best aspects of seminary and Bible school training. I am now in my senior year here.

Along with my wife, Heidi, I hope to use our gifts and training to reach other people who are wandering and to see them become part of God's great plan. Western Seminary has provided an environment where academics, relationships, and practical experiences have combined to help discern God's call on my life, encourage lifelong learning, and experience purpose and power in my ministry.