When did Jesus change your life?

For me, it was a process; it didn’t happen all at once. It started in college, when I took a World Religions class. The class only strengthened my dislike of religion. However, after the class was over, I started reading the Bible to see for myself what it said. While reading through the Gospels, I met Jesus and he changed my heart.

How has your life changed since meeting Jesus?

Before I met Jesus, I built my life around myself. I lived as though I was a god. But I wasn’t a good god. In fact I was pretty horrible. I was selfish, angry, and used people for my own benefit. The choices I made had me on a dark path that was leading either to prison or death. But Jesus changed all that.

Jesus took me, a sinner, and gave me forgiveness of sin and new life. Because of Jesus’ grace and mercy, I now have new desires, including a desire to love and serve people. I’m no longer angry; instead, God has helped me become a person who loves others. Because of Jesus I’m a loving Christian, husband, father and have a passion to see other people be transformed by Jesus.

How long have you been a member of Mars Hill?

I’ve been a member of Mars Hill for nearly eight years.

When were you called to serve Jesus at Mars Hill?

The first time my wife Shelly and I attended MHC, we knew it was our church home. The next week we got connected and started serving. My first job was setting up chairs and cleaning the bathrooms. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of serving in most area’s of MHC. In 2003, I came on staff as a deacon and have been a pastor since 2005.

What ministry are you currently serving in?

I’m currently serving as the Ballard Campus Pastor. As campus pastor I have the great privilege of leading and overseeing the campus, leaders and ministries. Of course the work we do is only possible by God’s grace and I take absolutely no credit. I serve along side a great staff and everything we do is a team effort.

What is your biggest challenge in this ministry?

My biggest challenge is keeping priorities in check. The opportunities and needs are great and there is more work than can be done in my lifetime. In ministry there are always more people who need to be reached for Jesus and it seems there is never enough time or resources to get everything done. So I’m constantly trying to keep everything we do focused on glorifying Jesus and seeing more people be transformed by Jesus.

What is your greatest joy while serving in this ministry?

As a pastor I have the unique privilege of seeing God do amazing things in people’s lives and I love to see people be transformed by Jesus. I get to see people come to Mars Hill looking for answers and hope and then see God change their hearts, pulling them out of spiritual death to life in Jesus–it’s amazing.

What are you looking forward to seeing God do in this ministry?

Being the campus pastor gives me a unique perspective. I’m able to see how God is working in all the various ministries. Right now, we’re seeing the number of community groups grow and those groups starting to own the mission of reaching their neighborhood. Redemption Groups, which help people who are struggling with sin or abuse, have also made considerable progress. We’re also excited about new developments with the College Mission (they’ve been able to find a building to rent during the week) and the Youth and Children’s Ministries (Wednesday nights have been awesome).

However, long term–I figure I got enough gas in the tank to hopefully pastor for forty more years and in that time I hope to see tens of thousands of lives transformed by Jesus. I hope to see thousands of couples get married and live Christ-centered lives. I hope to see tens of thousands of children be born at MHC and grow up to know and love Jesus.

What books have fueled your thinking or challenged you in the last few years?

I think John Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life” is a great book for new Christians and his book “When I Don’t Desire God” is very helpful for folks who have been walking with Jesus for a while. I’ve also found Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” to be a tremendous resource.

All Christian husbands need to read C.J. Mahaney’s book “Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God.” Married couples and even couples considering marriage should check out “God, Marriage, Family” by Andreas Kostenberger.

When it comes to parenting, I would recommend Tedd Tripp’s “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” for parents of younger kids and Paul Tripp’s “Age of Opportunity” for parents of teens.

What’s playing in your iPod right now?

To be honest, it’s full of sermons and classes from people like Dr. Tim Keller. But I’ve also got some Arcade Fire, U2 and Kings of Leon.

What’s your favorite Scripture? Why?

I love the book of Ephesians; I just can’t get enough of it. It’s been extremely important in helping me understand how the gospel of Jesus impacts all of my life.