Reformation ELCA
Wichita, Kansas 67206
316-634-0586

• Education: B.S., M.A., M.Div., D.Min.
• Experience: Ordained in 1996
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: We were told by professors that the job of the preacher is basically to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Many preachers are phenomenal at comforting the afflicted. I am much better at afflicting the comfortable.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: One of my pastors portrayed Saint Francis as a sermon many decades ago. That led me to memorize the prayed attributed to Francis and to read more about his life.
• One of my favorite illustrations: Once upon a time, at a large Hollywood mansion, a great banquet was held. All the movers and shakers were there – artists, actors, musicians, producers, directors, and others. After an incredible dinner and some great musical entertainment, a famous actor entertained guests by acting out some of his most famous roles. As night began to turn to morning, the actor was getting tired. The crowd’s applause indicated that they wanted more, so the actor consented, saying that he’d do one more as an encore and that it would be a request from the audience. From the back of the room came the raised hand of a retired minister. He said, “Do you know the 23rd psalm?” The actor replied, “Yes I do, and I will give it on one condition – that when I am finished you recite the same psalm.” The minister was a bit embarrassed, but consented. The actor did a beautiful rendition, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall never be in want...” When he finished, the crowd applauded loudly. Then it was the minister’s turn. He stood and said the very same words, but when he finished, there was no applause, only the sound of utter silence and several eyes wet with tears. The actor savored the silence for a few moments and then stood up. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “I hope you realize what just happened here. You see, I knew the words to the psalm, but this minister knows the Shepherd.” Oftentimes, we in the church get hung up on policies and procedures and protocol. Sometimes all of that gets in the way of other things. Let us always remember that what is most important is our relationship with the Shepherd.
• Family: I am married to Gary and the stepmother of 6.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My parents are with Jesus, but my mother really liked one of my first sermons and thought it should be published. It wasn't particularly theologically deep, but it was about something she hadn't experienced in small town America. It was about a man and his dog who were often in the alley near the dumpster.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: He is glad that he only has to hear them once, but he too often compares them to my colleague's, and they always rank higher (which shows his bias).
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Look me in the eye.
• Hobbies: Gardening and swimming are my stress-relief.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Stop making this more difficult than it needs to be. Jesus did the work; just cling to him!
• Something funny that happened while preaching: The first time I preach in a new location, I do so shoeless (as in, "take off your shoes, this is holy ground"). When that it noticed, it receives some very interesting reactions.
• What I want on my tombstone: "Thanks God! What a ride!"