must first begin with my family, to give you an understanding of who I am. I met my beautiful wife at The Ohio State University, where I was majoring in communication and psychology. She too majored in psychology, and is still trying to figure me out! I have learned from my wife wisdom, and political a-correctness.My wife has bourne to us three children, (and has spent the lion's share of the time raising them...I'm still working on this).These wonderful children are Jennifer, Stephanie, and Matthew. They each are as individual as the unique mix of cells that formed them. Jen has acute cerebral palsy, and the most impressive spirit I have come across. From her we have learned perseverance and joy. Steph too has overcome significant physical burdens (with the Lord's blessing). She is a beautiful mix of independence and compassion. From her I have learned why the Lord gave us both the 10 Commandments and the cross! Matt is my buddy, who will one day tower over me, I am keeping on his good side. Matt has a great intellect.

Trinity Lutheran church called me to serve in their town-gown ministry some 6 years ago, (in 1996). I had been serving in an urban setting in Braddock Pennsylvania, (one of the old melting pot industrial boroughs of southeast Pittsburgh). I had served in Pittsburgh for close to 11 years, working with a church whose community had changed dramatically in the 100 years since the church was founded. Trinity is a completely different ministry in its constituency and environment, but the heart of ministry remains the same; to bring the transformational message of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth to people disillusioned with living for themselves.

Prior to serving in Braddock, I attended one of the two Lutheran seminaries in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I had an emphasis in systematic theology. I vicared (the penultimate year of the 4 year seminary course) in California, where we made some great friendships.

I grew up mostly in a western suburb of Cleveland, and I am still pretty thoroughly a Buckeye, I have the icons of Cleveland athletic teams hanging around my office. My folks have been (and still are such a blessing). From my mom I got my crass German Lutheran tonic for truth. From my dad I got the Baptist passion. Being the spoiled middle child of 5 kids, I have been trained in negotiation (a real tempering of that German stuff in my genes).

When asked by my colleagues what my epitaph might read, I would say "He loved well." That is still the calling of the cross and the empty tomb, and as poorly as I strive to fulfill it, it remains my goal. Back->