Though I grew up attending church, I didn’t come to know Jesus personally until a month before graduating high school. My best friend shared the good news of a Savior who died to forgive my sins and offered me eternal life by His grace. I put my faith in Jesus and began to grow as a new Christian.
At the University of Texas at Austin, I served in church youth ministry and Young Life and enjoyed the privilege of co-founding Beta Upsilon Chi (Brothers Under Christ), a Christian fraternity which now has spread nationally. After graduation, I began working as a graphic designer, until the Lord called me into ministry shortly afterward. After earning my Master of Divinity at Denver Seminary, I returned to Austin to serve as Pastor of Collegiate Ministries at First Evangelical Free Church for 11 years. It was there that the Lord developed my heart for preaching, discipleship and mission. After briefly serving as Senior Pastor at CrossPoint Church in Minnesota, the Lord opened the door for me to join Central Bible Church as Lead Pastor in 2005.
I completed my Doctor of Ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2007 and have since focused much of ministry in preaching God’s Word, training ministry leaders around the world, investing in the next generation of leaders at Kanakuk Institute and Pine Cove Camps, equipping young preachers through cohorts, and writing to serve the larger Body of Christ. Next Step Church has been translated in 7 languages for our work in strengthening the global church. I have also published Wonder: Advent Meditations On The Miracle of Christmas, An Unexpected King. And Behold: Following Jesus From Gethsemane and Golgotha To The Empty Grave.
Tiffany and I have been married since 1989 and love life with our three kids and four grandkids. I love to read, travel, tackle renovation projects, play board games, enjoy a gourmet burger, and spend any time with my family.
