Both Joe DiMaggio and I were born in Martinez, California. My family moved some 13 times before settling in Yakima in 1961 when I was five. I completed all my schooling and two years of college there. The town fathers, however, are doing all they can to eradicate any indication of my existence. Every grade school I attended has been razed!

I grew up on a three-acre alfalfa ranch with a flood-prone creek running through it. Our family faithfully attended Westminster Presbyterian Church. Both of my parents love Christ and they raised us to do the same.

My most significant spiritual experience occurred on a summer mission trip to Alaska as a high schooler. I returned from that trip determined to serve Christ all my life. I started a volunteer ministry to children and was later hired by the church to expand that ministry. I was then called to Bakersfield First Presbyterian Church where I continued in youth ministry while completing my BA at Cal State, Bakersfield and my MDiv at Fuller Theological Seminary, all the while commuting back and forth to Pasadena.

After nine years of that I sold everything and traveled to St. Andrews, Scotland where I completed my PhD on Dwight L. Moody. During that time I was invited to apply for the vacancy at Chapel Hill, a job I did not want and for which I was not qualified. I applied under duress from my mother, who threatened to pray about it if I didn’t at least talk to them.

I fell in love with the church and, after returning to St. Andrews to complete my PhD, began my ministry at Chapel Hill in September 1987. It was here that I met my beloved Cyndi. We married in 1989. We have two kids, Rachel and Cooper, and no pets. We live in a house with a flood-prone creek running past it. 

Responsibilities 

I preach and lead the church. I do other stuff, but those are the two biggies. As the primary preacher, I work with a talented team of folks to build what we pray will be a transformational experience of worship every Sunday morning. As primary leader, I try to surround myself with capable, visionary folks, ignite them with a common vision, and turn them loose to fulfill God's destiny for them. I also seek to communicate that vision to the congregation and community, without whose support the vision dies. 

My vision for the ministry

When I first candidated at Chapel Hill I fell in love with its potential. Fifteen hundred members, three building programs and 27½ acres later, my opinion has not changed. I love our mission: to present everyone mature in Christ.

We have room in our sanctuary to double the number of people who call Chapel Hill their home and training ground. I want to see that happen. I think this is the most exciting congregation in our denomination, wouldn't trade places with anyone, and believe that our brightest and greatest days are still ahead of us.

When I get a chance to relax I like to... 

...go to the beach with my family ...throw a football with my kids ...walk with my wife ...play golf ...play competitive volleyball ...play guitar and piano, sing and write music ...travel ...cut firewood with my beautiful Stihl chainsaw and chop it up with my formidable "Monster Maul."