How would you describe yourself?

Fully devoted follower of Christ. Lover of God's Word. Passionate about my family. And as down-to-earth as your next door neighbor.

What do you do at First Cov?

Lead and feed. My primary focus is to lead the staff & church ministries and feed the flock from the Word of God. I don't want to be remembered for building a big church and moving into bigger buildings; I want to be remembered as a pastor who always told people about God and taught them God's Word.

Tell us about your pre-First Cov years.

I began as a Youth For Christ club director in Wichita, Kansas, while attending Friends University. Graduated and was ordained to the ministry in 1965. Moved in 1966 to Stockton as YFC's executive director... then to Sacramento four years later. Was soon appointed YFC's regional director for the Pacific Southwest Region, covering Arizona, Nevada, California and Hawaii. In 1980, I became pastor of First Cov and was ordained as a Covenant pastor in 1992.

What do you love most about your job?

I love to see people meet Christ, become fully devoted followers of Christ, and reach their lost friends for Christ. I love to preach the Word of God and then watch God transform people's lives. I love Sacramento and want to be a part of reaching this great city for Christ.

Where did we find you?

Right here at First Cov. My family and I started attending this church in 1970 when I was working for Sacramento YFC. We were involved in Stockton Covenant Church and fell in love with the Evangelical Covenant. I served as an elder for four years and taught an adult Sunday school class for six years. When the previous pastor of First Covenant Church resigned in August, 1980, I became the interim pastor while the church went through a pastoral search. In May, 1981, after nine months of searching, First Cov called me to serve as senior pastor.

What do you cherish most in life?

My wife, Glenda, three adult children, and seven grandchildren. I am so blessed to see my own adult children involved in the same church where they grew up. That says a lot about our family and this church! My children were all baptized and confirmed at First Cov. They (and their families) are all three now involved in the ministries of our church. And I am also incredibly grateful that I get to lead this church alongside my youngest son, Jesse, who serves as associate pastor.