First and foremost, I am a child of God. At my core I’m a deeply religious person and thrive in the realm of spirituality expressed in the Christian tradition. In particular, the Reformed strand of Protestantism is a familiar refuge for me.
[My spirituality includes my proclivity to be on two wheels]
God has gifted me with three lovely children: Silas [2015], Maelin [2016], and Junia [2020]. They are affectionate, opinionated, hilarious, talented, smart, and are each frenemies with one another.
Junia and Silas pose below at Highland Park near my home close to downtown Grand Rapids.
What do I do with my time? I garden, read, write, think, pray, worship, bike, cook, travel, sip espresso, and do my best to enjoy the journey of life and invest ourselves in the lives of others in our congregation and community.
Maelin is pictured below. He is quite good at fishing.
My work is in pastoral ministry. I’m the Minister of Congregational Life at a wonderful, inclusive Reformed church in SouthEast Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Taking a look back a few years, I moved with my family from Silicon Valley in 2020. I initially thought I’d use a U-Haul, but it was the pandemic, so expensive – over $4000. So I thought I’d see what I could buy for that much. This is the little Isuzu turbo diesel I ended up buying to get our stuff home. I made about $50 when all was said and done and sold!
Regarding my life in pastoral work, I have done a lot within the realm of ministry – a little bit of everything. Ever since I was baptized at age 13 I have felt a pull to serve in vocational ministry, and it has been a central aspect of my identity and life for 2/3 of it [I’m 39 as I update this portion of my blog].
During my early years I worked closely with high school students and in pastoral care at Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids for several years, and there I learned about the church year, liturgy, and being someone who is seen as a ministry leader. Next came a God-directed transition to serve in a different local church called RiverTree Community Church which was part of the Reformed tradition, another new experience in the world of church. I led worship together alongside a committed team of talented volunteers. I also did preaching/teaching.
In May of 2015 I completed the Master of Divinity program at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary with way more credits than I needed – something I am grateful for, looking back. Toward the end of those six years of seminary I began a two-year ordination process in the Reformed Church in America, and finished with ordination at City Church of San Francisco in December of 2016 where I also worked as a youth pastor.
I worked as Pastor of Youth and Missions at Palo Alto Vineyard Church for three years before moving back to Grand Rapids, MI, to be closer to family.
Thanks for checking out my blog. Get a hold of me on social media if you’d like to continue a conversation begun here.
Now, a few pictures!
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Silas and daddy, summer 2016, location obvious
Silas with uncle Phil and his old MG, summer 2015
Silas and Maelin on grandpa’s Allis-Chalmers
Junia & Kae blowing bubbles – Fall 2022
Kaeden is my former spouse. We were married from 2013-2025, with all court documents finalized in early 2026.
Maelin, wondering – Fall 2022
Neighbor Friends at MLK Park – 2023
Silas, pure and simple – 2023
Junia at age 4 [circa 2024]
Catching bluegills with Silas & Maelin – summer 2024
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My sister-in-law, Kayla, her son Shiloh, and me at their new house in NW Grand Rapids.
On grandpa’s 1964 Alice-Chalmers at the 80, Newaygo County, center of nowhere but gorgeous.
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