M.A. (Cand. – Systematic Theology), Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
B. A. (Music and Church Music), Trinity International University, 1997 

I served for over 10 years as a worship pastor at one of the largest churches in the country, Harvest Bible Chapel. While at Harvest, I produced and/or performed on a dozen recordings for HarvestSongs. My itinerant ministry has included serving as pianist and musical director for Moody Bible Institute conferences and stadium events with Lifeway Ministries. I’ve also served as ministry accompanist for singer Heather Headley and was an arranger for Headley’s Grammy-nominated 2009 album, “Audience of One.” 

As a composer, I’ve written songs that are sung in churches throughout North America. My song “The First Place” was selected for publication in a 2008 hymnal titled Singing The New Testament as well as in Contemporary Songs For Worship, which are both published by the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship. 

My song “O Bless the Lord” was nominated by Worship Leader magazine for 2009 SongDISCovery Independent Song of the Year. 

What can students expect from your classes? From your division?

A colleague identified my communication style as “winsome and direct.” I believe in truth-telling because life is so short, but I also believe in kindness, because each life is so important.

Of all the classes that you may teach, which one are you most passionate about?

I love my “music and worship” class. My goal is to ensure that no student who takes that class will ever be bored with music. Instead, they should see music as a thrilling way to use time (rhythm) and sound (notes) to glorify God. 

People in this world are starving for the greatness of God, and our job as worship artists is to help them meet this greatest need. 

Where were you born or raised? Born in Chicago. Raised in Nebraska and Connecticut. 

I like classic jazz, theology, comic books and Chicago sports. I feel comfortable behind a piano but feel at home only with my wife, Lisa, and our three boys: Ethan, Owen and Levi. 

I love King David, the sweet psalmist of Israel. He sings, “I love the Lord for he heard my plea,” and then sings, “Where is your steadfast love,” on the same page! I identify with that passion. 

Today, it’s: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11).