I grew up in Norfolk, VA. I have one older brother. My father was in the U.S. Navy for 30 years. I graduated from Parkway High School in St. Louis County, MO. After high school, my parents moved to a farm in Monroe County, MO and lived there for 30 years. I graduated from UVA with a Bachelor’s in English. I spent a few years as a hippie on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. I became devoted to Jesus Christ in 1974 at the age of 25.
I first came to Christian Fellowship in the summer of 1977. I graduated from Mizzou in 1980 with an MBA. I worked in the state government for a couple of years. I began working for Christian Fellowship in 1983, first as a volunteer and then salaried in 1984. I was married to Kitty McCanse in the spring of 1984. We have four living children: Katie, Sam, Mollie and Matthew. I retired from full-time pastoral ministry in December of 2020.
Next to encountering the Lord, becoming a father has been the greatest joy in my life. I loved all the snuggles, cuddles, giggles, wonders and questions of childhood. I love words, and how powerful they can be. I read a lot of biographies and histories. I love hanging around with my wife and getting to know people. I love it when all my children are home together. I love my two sons-in-law. I especially love my little granddaughter.
I feel so grateful to have been part of Christian Fellowship for 40 years, to have had such good friends, who have encouraged me, strengthened me, picked me up, and whom I have learned to love.
