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Family: My
wife Donna and I have three grown children, Becky, Tim and Kristin, and
seven grandchildren. We are theoretically “empty-nesters.” However,
all of our children and grandchildren live within 15 minutes of us, so
we get to see them all a lot.
Education: AAS in Data Processing from State University
of New York (SUNY) - Cobleskill, BS in Business Administration from SUNY
Albany.
Equipped for Service: When we came to New Hope Church
in 2002, the NHC approach to “missions” had a profound effect
on me. When I saw how a local church could have a real and practical impact
for the spread of the gospel in the world, I was awed by the potential.
In 2003, we tested the concepts ourselves when Donna and I became a part
of a short-term global ministry team to China. We saw first-hand how God
was at work through these teams and career in-country workers he had called
to serve with national Christians.
Subsequently I was asked to lead a team to Bulgaria. In that process, I
got involved on the Board of the Minnesota Coalition for Eastern Europe
(MCEE). All these experiences deepened my understanding of how to think
strategically about missions and how leadership is essential to achieving
success in what is a very challenging task. Seeing all sides of the mission
process has impressed upon me how a local church can fit into the process.
I have always felt the need to be involved in evangelism and disciple-making.
The need to share the Good News has a new “global” tug on my
heart. On a personal level, being involved with global ministry and other cultures
has opened up new friendships and perspectives from around the world. Donna
and I have many new friends both in the Body of Christ and outside of it. When I was asked to serve as the Global Ministries Director at New Hope Church,
I certainly felt lacking in background for the role, from a human perspective.
But God seemed to have prepared me for this calling, as he had uniquely ordered
events in my life that have led to this place of service for this time.
Prepared for Service: Since becoming a Christian in 1974, I
have increasingly been involved with the church. Deacon, elder, trustee, church
chairman, lay pastor are among the many ways I have been called to lead in the
church. I have launched and directed small groups and Alpha ministries at multiple
churches and led numerous development initiatives. God has used these to prepare
me with a background for leadership in the local church.
Appreciation for NHC: Since first setting foot in NHC in 2002,
I have appreciated the excellence and relevance experienced here. NHC adapts
its methods to better serve people and reach our world without abandoning our
commitment to biblical truth.
Free Time: I confess, I am a bit geeky. I was once a computer
programmer and I love to work on my computer and make it work better. I also
enjoy reading. I am rather fond of American history and biographies of the founding
fathers. However, I enjoy reading across a multitude of topics and authors. Donna
and I like to travel together. I also enjoy home remodeling. I am blessed to
be able to work with my son on such projects.
Scripture: I always seem to gravitate toward Colossians
1:9. This is a verse which may sound quite familiar to most Christians.
Yet, it has profound meaning for all of life. The Apostle Paul tells
the Colossians, “You
can know the will of God. I am praying for you that you will know it.” I
have come to trust and rely on that concept.
Recommended Resources:
• For Christian living, anything by A.W. Tozer.
• I also like a lot of what the Navigators offer.
• Scott Morton’s (former NHC member) book “Down-to-Earth Discipling” helps
sort through the fog of what it means to be a growing Christian and a mentor.
• The Navs have a great DVD, “Amazing Stories,” which shows
real-life examples of ordinary people living among and reaching their community.
• For current missions perspectives, try Tom Telford's “Missions in
the 21st Century,” “Serving as Senders,” by Neal Pirolo and “Global
Partnerships,” “Networking and Nationals,” and “The Third
Paradigm in Missions,” by Hank Paulson.
• “Let Justice Roll Down,” by John Perkins. It’s
a great perspective for our High & Holy Calling.
• An exciting secular book with a global cultural perspective is “Three
Cups of Tea,” by Greg Mortenson.
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