Leaders

Tell us about your family...
I met my wife, Janice, in college, and we married in 1998. Starting in 2004 we began a crazy journey of having 6 children (4 boys/2girls) in 9 years. Every day is an exciting, exhausting adventure full of stretching, messy, totally-worth-it relationships. 
What is your connection to Scott County?
My family of origin moved to Prior Lake before I started elementary school. I graduated from Prior Lake High School in 1995. My first 10 years as a pastor were in Prior Lake and Shakopee. 
What Community Group are you a part of and why is it important to you?
Our C-group meets in Savage near County Rd 42. We gather with families and singles who are learning to trust each other and support one another physically, relationally and spiritually. We laugh hard and shed tears every time we are together as we celebrate growth and groan over internal and external struggles together.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Once upon a time I enjoyed playing basketball, reading, and doing anything outdoors. Now I happily drag my kids outside, fill up their rooms with books, and spend lots of time playing on the floor. 
Besides the Bible, what is a book that has deeply impacted your Christian life?
The short book 'Living the Cross-centered Life' is the book I refer back to and have studied with others more frequently than any other. This book succinctly and stunningly draws out the deep meaning of Jesus' death and, at the same time, reveals what that event has to do with the thoughts, struggles, and direction of my everyday life.

---

Tell us about your family...
My wife, Anna, and I both graduated from Prior Lake. Our first date was Senior Prom, so we're technically high school sweethearts. We got married in 2000 and spent 6+ years together away from home, while I was serving in the NAVY. We moved home in 2005, had our son (Elijah) in 2008, our daughter (Piper) in 2013, and our youngest daughter (Josephine) in 2016.
What is your connection to Scott County?
My family moved to Prior Lake when I was in third grade. I've spent the better part of my life, here, and am thankful to call Prior Lake home.
What Community Group are you a part of and why is it important to you?
Our C-group meets in Prior Lake. We get to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship together. I cherish our gatherings, because we get to share life together. I've found that intentional smaller communities have helped me grow in my faith, exponentially. My C-group is truly a highlight in my life.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy music (anything but country unless it's Haggard), softball, playing with my kids, and going to concerts with my wife. 
Besides the Bible, what is a book that has deeply impacted your Christian life?
I try to read any Jerry Bridges books I can get my hands on. Specifically, The Pursuit of Holiness, was crucial in helping me calibrate my efforts as a man, a husband, and a father. However, the book I'm most likely to recommend to others is called, Humility: True Greatness, by CJ Mahaney.