When did you come to Grant Avenue?
My first day as Pastor of Grant Avenue Baptist Church was September 25, 1994. I came here after 6 years as Pastor in Port Townsend, WA; 5 years as Pastor in Rainier, OR; and 3 years as Youth Pastor in Longview, WA. I felt God was leading me to come and I was and am excited about interacting with college students and young adults who are asking tough questions about God.

What do you like most about Grant Avenue?
I love that Grant Avenue is a family church where people of different ages, backgrounds and life experiences are welcomed and accepted. People are loved, encouraged and challenged to grow in their walk with Christ and given opportunity to ask questions and learn.

How did you become a Christian?
I grew up in the church (my parents helped start 3 different churches.) As I sat in worship services week after week I gradually realized the pastor’s messages applied to me. I came to understood that even as a child I was a sinner and needed God’s forgiveness and mercy. I was just 6 years old when I talked with my mom about my decision following a revival service one Saturday night. The next day I asked God to forgive my sin and be the boss of my life. In my teen years I seriously questioned my salvation but came to a place of assurance that I had truly become a Christian as a child.

Favorite memory?
Let me give them in order:
Asking God to forgive my sin and be the boss of my life.
Carol becoming my wife.
The birth of Jon and Caty.
Baptizing Jon and Caty.

Favorite food?
Venison steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cream style corn followed by a large slice of apple pie a la mode all washed down with a cold glass of milk. Favorite snack food is Dr. Pepper and snicker doodles.

Favorite movie?
The Sound of Music. I know it’s old and cheesy, but I still like it. Shane, the old western, would be my second choice.

What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
The obvious and true answer is the Bible. It contains the message of salvation and life transformation. The book, “The Lost Choice” forced me to consider the impact of my life and encourages me to continually question the difference I am making in my world by my choices.

I would love to meet…
The apostle Paul: I am amazed at his passion, courage and determination.
Martin Luther: How did he have the confidence to stand before scholars, priests and kings and defy them all?
Roger Williams: The Baptist Pastor who planted, grew and nourished religious freedom in America.
My father’s father: He died long before I was born and was a simple man of the hills but I’m told was a Godly man of great integrity and character.