I like to introduce myself by the callings God has placed on my life.

First and most importantly, God called me to be a follower of Jesus. I first said yes to Jesus as a young child growing up in an amazing Christian home. My parents introduced me to Jesus so early in life that I really don’t remember a time without faith in Him. I am called to follow Jesus, and this calling will last for all eternity.

Second, I believe God called me to be a husband. I was the ripe old age of twenty when I felt called to marry my beautiful wife. Jessica and I were married in June of 2002, and I have been blessed to have her in my life ever since. I am called to be a husband, and this calling will last for the rest of my life here on this earth.

Third, God called me to be a father. God called me to this by blessing Jessica and I with six children who we are raising to follow Him. Alyssa, Elliana, Kayla, Isaiah, Annabella, and Ariya are gifts He placed in our lives and called us to parent for His glory. While I will always be their dad, this calling is temporary as it will change greatly as they grow up and start families of their own. Along the way God has also called us to show His love by becoming foster parents.

The last calling God has placed on my life is He called me to be a pastor. My dad is a pastor and while I was a kid, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said; “anything but a pastor.” As the saying goes, “man plans, and God laughs.” While serving at Big Sandy Camp as a volunteer as a young teenager, God powerfully got a hold of my heart and called me to pastoral ministry. This led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Crown College and embarking on a journey of serving His church.

I served as an associate/youth pastor for seven years in Apple Valley, MN and a lead pastor for seven years in Elbow Lake, MN. I am thrilled that God has called our family to Watertown, SD and we look forward to many years here serving Him.