I was born in Atmore, Alabama, where I lived until I was eight. I then spent two long, drizzly years in Albany, Oregon where my dad was principal of a small Mennonite school. We moved when I was ten, so I spent most of my formative years in Plain City, Ohio (go Buckeyes!) before moving to Traverse City, Michigan (otherwise known as "God's country") in 1997 .
I graduated from Shekinah Christian School in Plain City, Ohio in 1987; attended Rosdale Bible College part-time for three years; graduated from Cedarville University in 1995 with a degree in English Education, and from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana in 2004 with a Master's Degree in Theology and Philosophy.
My Christian background is varied. I was raised Mennonite; I attended a Baptist college; I currently teach at Traverse City Christian School (non-denominational) and Spring Arbor University (Free Methodist). I pastor at Church of the Living God (non-denominational). I have found the variety of experiences to be both challenging and formative in healthy ways.
I have taught at Traverse City Christian School for 13 years (English, Logic, Spanish - don't ask - and Worldviews); coached boys and girls JV/V basketball for quite a few of those years; and have been a youth pastor/teaching pastor at our church for about 8 years.
I have recenlty collaborated with several others to form etcetera, a "street-level philosophy group" in Traverse City, Michigan. I also contribute regularly to TC Apologetics, a start-up apologetics group in town.
In 1990, I married my lovely southern bride, Sheila. We have been married almost 22 years, and we have three boys ages 16, 12, and 6. One of them is a Michigan fan; the other two are doing well.
As hobbies, I enjoy reading, hiking the Boardman River, doing puzzles, losing in fantasy football, and crossfitting at the best crossfit gym in the world - which happens to be located right here in Traverse City, MI.
