I am a husband, a dad, and a pastor. I used to play the trumpet for money...now I am I professional Christian.

I am originally from Pittsburgh, lived in the deep south for a decade, and now help lead a church in Rockford, IL with Jesse and Jen (amongst others).

I love beer, movies, and ridiculing Christians for not being Christian. I won't pass up a good theology discussion, and strive to avoid politics like the plague. I don't like the beach but can tolerate it as long as I have a beer. Long walks annoy me. And don't get me started about Hamilton. I went to Seminary...I enjoyed it.

And as always...Go Steelers. 

I grew up in Rockford, IL., and was raised in a Catholic house by fairly liberal folks. I started going to a non-denominational church around the age of seventeen and quickly got involved in all things leadership. I was often told not to ask questions when I was younger so finding the freedom to question my faith and the things I was taught in the church has been a game-changer for me over the last few years.

I love true crime and can usually be found listening to true crime podcasts or reading a book about serial killers. My favorite cocktail is a Manhattan…or maybe an Old Fashioned. And I really can’t stand it when people bite down on their silverware.
 
I’m a photographer (Jesse and I own a business together), and I have a list of other business ideas I’d like to get to someday.
 
And…I question why I agreed to this podcast every time we record because these boys are absurd and exhaust me almost immediately but someone has to do it.

I grew up in one of the most true-to-form "Christian" ways... homeschooled and in the Church. My parents were significant volunteers within the church, which meant that I was a major volunteer.

I was in church bands, attended youth groups, led youth groups, went on mission trips and camps, helped lead and run two churches, and just about everything else you would expect from a good church kid.

Professionally I have been leading worship for 20+ years. I am in a "secular" Folk/Americana band called The Lone Canary, while Jen (my fellow cohost) and I own a professional photography company called Catalyst Design & Photography.

My wife, Alix, and I are raising three daughters, and I have conflicting views on the church culture I grew up in. In my personal life, I enjoy nearly all types of alcohol and am a perfectionist.