From an early age, John knew that his life had something to do with God, although he didn’t really have a firm idea of what that meant. Through his teenage and college years, John also knew that he wasn’t ready to give up his autonomy. God patiently and persistently pursued him until he finally surrendered in his early twenties.
John continues to marvel at God’s relentless goodness to him. Instead of continuing in a life marked by fear, shame, and anxious performing, he is learning to live in the deep joy of connection with God and others. One of John’s greatest longings is for others to experience their own freedom and fullness.
Pastoral ministry is a second career for John. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and worked as an environmental engineer for 9 years. Prior to coming to Grace in 2004, he served in congregations in New York City and San Francisco.
When he’s not pastoring or writing biographies in the third person, John enjoys working out, hiking, discovering new music, and drinking coffee with heavy cream. Although he and Linn are now empty nesters, their house is always full of people and life.