Faith story
I was born in to a Christian family and was going to church before I was born. At the age of three, I made a decision to accept Christ when my sister who is four years older, shared the gospel with me on Christmas Eve. My dad said that he came to the door of my bedroom and my sister was telling me that I was going to hell. He told her to stop so that I would not have nightmares and crawl into bed with my mom and dad later that night. She looked at him and said, “But Daddy, if Jimmy dies tonight, he will go to hell.” My dad, being a believer, said to himself she is right and in a God-moment left her to share the Gospel with me and I accepted Christ! I do not remember much about that night, but remember going to my mom a few days later and telling her that I had asked Jesus into my heart.
Growing up, I often questioned can one really know enough to be saved at three. Eventually, during my high school years, I came to understand that based on the Word of God that I was a believer.
I was licensed to preach while still in high school. I served as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and transitional pastor in churches in Arizona, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon since 1970. I also served in regional and national ministry positions.
Why I teach at Multnomah
At Multnomah, I enjoy helping students discover who God has made them, equipping them for ministry, and helping them be involved in meaningful ministry. It is a great pleasure to serve along with so many others in preparing the next generation of leaders, helping them become all that God wants them to be, and encouraging them to follow hard after God with all of their being, for all of their life.
Current ministry outside class
Currently, I am engaged in ministry at my church, Good Shepherd Community Church, as a small group leader and the lead teacher of a mini-church.
Extra-curricular, non-ministry activities
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and working on projects around the house. I also enjoy many sports and like to hunt, fish, and spend time in the outdoors. I play the trumpet a bit and enjoy using it at my church. I am a University of Oregon Duck fan and a Macintosh computer enthusiast.
I am a Life Coach, completing my requirements toward becoming a certified coach.
Family
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. In college, I met Eileen and we were married in June 1973. God has blessed us with five children – Larissa, Trinette, Deanna, Nick, and Linnaea – all of whom are married to wonderful spouses and nine grandchildren.