ourpastor

welcome

Welcome to Grace! I am excited that you have found your way to our website, and I hope and pray that you find it useful. Our church has been serving the Piedmont Valley for over 125 years, and we continue to learn, grow, change, and minister together. I continue to be amazed by the faith of our parishioners, and I would like to extend an invitation to you to join us as we strive to fulfill our mission to make a difference for Jesus Christ in the Piedmont Valley, the Daktoas, and the world.

mycall

I received God's call to ministry when I was in school at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Like many young people, I found my faith challenged when I left home. I struggled to understand who I was as a person of faith, and I often found myself straying from God's will for my life. There was even a time when I left my faith behind completely, believing that God didn't really care for me or this world. Thankfully, God never gave up on me. Realizing how lost I had become, I spent a night in prayer, listing all of my grievances. When I was done, I just sat there in the silence and listened. It was in that silence that God filled me with his peace. In that moment I knew God was real, and I knew I had to tell someone. That night, God called me to ministry, and though it hasn't always been easy, I strive to fulfill this call every day.

mypassion

When I look at the world I see many people who are struggling--whether that be financially, emotionally, or spiritually. Many people are tired and lost, and are searching for something different in their lives. I believe that God desires so much more for our lives than we even know, and that when we struggle God is there to give us hope, strength, and courage. My one goal in ministry is to help people discover God's love for them in the midst of this sometimes crazy, upside down world. I believe that God is working in the world right now to bring about his kingdom, and that we are called to actively participate in building this kingdom. By sharing the love of Jesus Christ, I pray that I can bring a little joy, and a lot of grace into people's lives.

myjoy

My joy first and foremost is in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I owe everything I have to God's love and grace. Beyond that, my family is a great source of joy for me. There's nothing like coming home after a long day and hearing my little girl yell "daddy" as she jumps into my arms, and the faith that my wife shows both in our marriage and in her relationship with Christ inspires me. I also find joy when I spend time in God's creation. There's nothing like a good hike, screaming down a hill with a snowboard strapped to your feet, or climbing up a secluded single-track on my bike to make me appreciate the beauty of God's world.