Compass Community Church
Litchfield Paark, Arizona 85340
(623) 935-3060

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Biola University in La Mirada, CA. Master of Divinity (with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. I’m also completing my final project for a Doctorate of Ministry with Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL.
• Experience: Pastor of College/Career in Fremont, CA and Arlington Heights, IL. Pastor of Christian Education, and later Pastor of Adult Discipleship in Grand Island, NE. Currently the Teaching Pastor at Compass Community Church in Goodyear, AZ.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: I manuscript my sermons, and use plenty of slang along the way. There’s also all that non-verbal stuff that just can’t be captured in a transcript. I apologize if that makes them difficult to read. If something strikes you and you want to hear a tape or talk about it further, don’t hesitate to contact me (scott@estrellacommunity.com).
• One of my favorite illustrations: How can anyone forget the story of the tightrope walker over Niagra Falls who asks a spectator to get in the wheelbarrow and go across with him.. Sure, the story has been twisted and distorted and overused by a zillion preachers, but the point is still incredibly powerful: It’s one thing to *say* we believe in God’s life-changing love and power; it’s another thing to step out in faith and take action based on what we believe is true.
• Family: I’m married to a terrific wife, Margo. And God has blessed us with 3 great kids: Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Rebecca. There’s an English Springer Spaniel named "Blossom" running around here somewhere, too.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: I spent a week studying "Contemporary Preaching: Increasing Clarity and Relevance" with Dr. Donald Sunukjian, and that event has had a tremendous impact on my own approach to communicating God’s Word. Coupled with advice from Dr. Calvin Miller, I’ve learned that God is in the habit of telling stories to make a point -- Biblical history, parables, etc. It’s important to "paint a picture," to tell a story, and to share with passion.
• Books that have had an impact: Far too many authors and speakers have had a profound impact on my life than I could begin to list. But some of the most influential have been Neil Anderson ("Victory Over The Darkness" is a great book!), Max Lucado (just about anything he’s written...*grin*), Chuck Colson (I particularly like "Loving God" and "The Body"), Bill Hull (whose "Jesus Christ, Disciplemaker" and it’s sequels offer a great understanding of our Lord’s strategy), James Dobson (whose ministry has given me the courage to be a Dad), and Rick Warren ("The Purpose-Driven Church" is a must-read for anyone in ministry in our generation). Recently I’ve been impacted by the insights of Leonard Sweet.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: There was that time I nearly fell off the stage trying to make a funny point by wearing socks with bright red hearts on Valentine’s Day... *shudder*
• What I want on my tombstone: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! Come And Share Your Master’s Happiness!