I was called to be a Pastor in 2003 and have a deep passion for teaching, preaching, youth ministry, talking about Lutheran Theology, God’s Grace, and helping people in need.

Born into a family of farm raised parents, I pursued a career in Agriculture, in the School of Forestry at Penn State University. Idolizing smoke jumpers who fought fires by jumping out of airplanes, I studied to be a Forrest Ranger, until I worked as a roofer one summer and realized I had a fear of heights. I then pursued a degree in science when I was hired to do chemical research.

I worked in the chemical industry for 27 years enjoying working in research, sales, construction, and production. In 2003 I attended an ELCA Youth Gathering in Atlanta, Georgia, where while visiting youth from Kosovo, God took me to my knees and called me into ministry. Realizing the trouble in the world through the eyes of these youth who had witnessed and survived a war and ethnic cleansing, I took up the cross, and began a new calling to help the world, and responded, Here I Am, Lord.

Finishing my Bachelor of Science degree started 27 years earlier (parents, do not despair about your child’s 5 or 7 year plan), I then enrolled in the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, where I graduated in 2010. Previous to my first call as an ordained Lutheran Pastor, I served as a Children’s and Family Pastor in the United Church of Christ, based on my earlier experience as a youth, family and children’s ministry leader.

Without the help of God and my wife, Marsha, none of this could have happened. We as a couple enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren. Traveling with my wife and family and touring Christian Historical sites are my main personal passions. I plan to build on New Hanover’s distinguished history and present strengths, I pray that New Hanover, together with God and I can be a leading light in the greater church, community, and world as we seek to share the good news of Christ in creative and compelling ways. Peace.