TJ spent his childhood dreaming of the day he could leave small-town life behind. After earning a degree in education (Cedarville University), he taught high school social studies and coached soccer, until an opportunity came to help plant a church in a growing Southwest Florida city. Several years later, with a growing family, TJ returned to his rural PA roots and promptly regretted the decision!

Thankfully the Lord changed his heart, an experience that gave him a passion for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom in rural places. TJ has served as the senior pastor of Christ Church since 2012. He is a founding board member of The Brainerd Institute, a resource to equip men for rural ministry through pastoral residency, conferences, articles, and a podcast. TJ enjoys backpacking, photography, and prefers temperatures over 80 degrees. He is married to his high school sweetheart (Katie), and they have 4 children (Charlotte, Charity, Hudson, and Grant).