Education

• B.A. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN, 2000
• MDiv. Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI, 2005
• Dip. C.A. The International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights, Strasbourg, France, 2013

Background

I grew up in Missouri, California, and Michigan before studying to become a pastor. After twelve years as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake, MN, I arrived at WLC to teach in the theology department. I am married to Amanda and have three daughters, Abigail, Noelle, and Sophia. We enjoy traveling, reading, and following an eclectic mix of sports teams.

Teaching

• Introduction to Scripture
• Introduction to the New Testament
• The Theology of Christian Worship
• Apologetics

Research Interests

• Vocation
• Apologetics
• Postmodernism
• The History of Art
• Worship Forms

Scholarly Works

Select Publications

“Masks of God: Vocation as the Proper Setting for Human Flourishing.” (Doctoral Project), Biola University, February 2107

“Brian McLaren’s ‘A New Kind of Christianity’ - or the Theology of the Cross?” (Masters Thesis), International Academy of Apologetics, Human Rights, and Evangelism, July 2013

“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Flourishing.” Logia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology Vol. XXV, No. 3 (Holy Trinity 2016)

“Good Friday Sermon, John 19:17-30.” Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy Vol. 21, No. 1 (Passiontide and Easter 2013)

“A Telescopic Life.” (Conference Presentation) Fearless Faith: Men's Seminar, Burnsville, MN, May 2017

“Here We Stand: Lutherans in a Postmodern, Secular World,” (Conference Presentation) 2017 Conference of Staff Ministers, New Ulm, MN April 2017

“Evangelism in a Rural Setting.” (Conference Presentation) Martin Luther College Evangelism Day, New Ulm, MN, January 2017

“Vocation and Human Flourishing in a Suffering World.” (Conference Presentation) Christian Leadership Experience, Orlando, FL, January 2017

“The Beauty of the Divine Service: Christ’s Life in Poetry and Prose.” Luther Days, Somers, WI, September 2016

“Masks of God.” (Conference Presentation) Grandviews from the Vineyard, Belview, MN June 2016

“Being a Christian in Today’s World,” (Conference Presentation) Grandviews from the Vineyard, Beleview, MN, June 2015

“Paul Gerhardt: A Suffering Servant.” (Conference Presentation) Minnesota District Pastors’ Conference, Marshall, MN, April 2008

Service & Memberships

• Board of Directors, The Lutheran Home Association, Belle Plaine, MN, (January 2007-December 2016)
• Chair, Redwood Falls Conference of the Minnesota District of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, (June 2009-June 2012)
• The Evangelical Philosophical Society, Member (May 2017-Present)
• The International Academy of Apologetics, Human Rights, and Evangelism, Fellow (July 2013-Present)