Olivet Evangelical Free Church
Muskegon, Michigan 49441
231-722-3046

• Education: I attended Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI.
• Experience: 12 years in youth ministry and 18 years in pastoral ministry. Which is better? I know I needed both! God has had to lead me step-by-step into and through ministry...I never realized this was a call He was placing on my life until I was 20 years old and asked by a friend to consider ministry. What an exciting journey and privilege!
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: May the kingdom of God be advanced as we share insights and ideas with each other!
• Sermon or series that made a difference: I love preaching through the parables of Jesus. A friend gave me a copy of Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie’s book "Autobiography of God" when I was in my 20’s and it has been my favorite book and topic ever since. I think we need to help our people understand the nature and character of God as the basis for understanding or relationship with Him and His righteous demands.
• One of my favorite illustrations: It has to be the well used, but still powerful story of tight-rope artist Blondin and his trek across Niagara Falls with his manager in a wheelborrow!
• Family: My wife Pam and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in August of 2009. God has blessed us with 3 children- our son Chad is attending Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI. Our daughter Nicole will be attending Cornerstone also this year and our youngest is in Middle School.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My mom loves me but wants the illustrations that include her to stop!
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: I don’t follow my own advice very well. Whenever she compliments a message, I give her an overly critical (meant to look humble) response and she gets frustrated with me. I need to just say "Thank you sweetie!"
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Be real and learn to accept a sincere compliment with a sincere response...don’t offend people by making them feel bad for appreciating your message. You and they know you’re a "God shaped dirt ball" so don’t make a big deal out of their appreciation.
• Books that have had an impact: "Autobiography of God" by Lloyd John Ogilvie (then pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian Church...now chaplain of the U. S. Senate) "Purpose Driven Church" and "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. "Children are Wet Cement" by Anne Ortlund (I think this is one of the most profound books on parenting and parental attitude ever written! Just was re-printed about 4 years ago...get a copy!)
• Hobbies: Ummmmmmm...none really. I’m a fun guy with a fairly boring life. I do love a good vacation though!
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Life is short...death is sure...sin the curse...Christ the cure.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: I was coming down with strep throat and didn’t realize it. In my feverish, semi-dazed condition, I rambled on and gave the most horrible and depressing Mother’s Day message ever! I believe I included an illustration about children being hacked to death in Africa by an opposing tribe.
• What I want on my tombstone: He loved God and people.