Get to know who the Crosspoint elders are.

What are 1 or 2 things the Lord has been teaching you lately?

On a personal level, I feel like I am always continuing to grow in understanding of what it means for my identity to be found in Christ. Recently it has been on reflections on prayer. The importance of corporate prayer as a body of believers, time spent alone giving in worshipful praise, taking time for confession of sins, giving thanks to God in all circumstances, as well as sharing needs and thoughts. Seeking God through prayer as a way of life and not just an add on to the day, quiet reflection of God’s work in my life, expressing sorrow in loss and pain, inviting God into the seemingly mundane aspects of my life, and expressing my need for a savior when I get caught up in the business of life and fail to do any of the aforementioned thing. 

On being a part of the body of Christ, I am learning just how challenging unity in the Church can be, but also how beautiful a picture of redemption and forgiveness to each other and the world it is. I am continually confronted with my own weaknesses and shortcomings throughout life as I am sure you are as well. It is a sobering reality of how short I fall and how incapable of doing good I am on my own. However, by the Holy Spirit’s power we walk together as the family of God in unity. This doesn’t mean uniformity, but rather unity with Christ at the head of the Church. A knowledge that we have been redeemed by our creator, and now walk alongside each other, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Besides serving as an elder, where and how do you serve within the church?

I have been serving as a part of the Sonchasers teams for quite a few years. I worked in the nursery with my wife, Rebekah, years ago when we were meeting at the middle school and have moved to different grades throughout the years. I have been able to teach the 5’s and Kindergarten classes, 2nd grade and 3rd grade. I am also one of our large group leaders for Sonchasers. My wife and I have been part of several different community groups throughout the years, and we enjoy the opportunities to establish new friendships, deepen our relationships with others, study God’s word together, and spur one another on as we follow Christ.

What is one of your greatest joys serving as an elder?

One of my greatest joys in serving as an elder has really been the heightened awareness of how the church body is called to be the family of God and seeing evidence of this by the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who follow Jesus. In Romans 12 we are called to rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, and be persistent in prayer. When we rejoice together in our hope found in Jesus, through all seasons of life, when I see brothers and sisters walking together through pain and sorrow in a humble dependence in God, when I see God’s people seek him through prayer, privately, corporately, and as a way of life brings me a great deal of joy!

What is one of your challenges that you face as an elder?

One of the challenges I face as an elder would be times of inadequacy. I can be tempted to rely on my own strength and knowledge in situations. This can cause times when I want to solve a problem in my own understanding, or deep knowledge of how unable I am to help in a given situation. However, I know that God is faithful and trustworthy in all things and I am continually being reminded as I see Him at work in the church.

How can the church pray for your heart and life?

Pray that God would continue to develop a disciple making heart in me. 

Five Favorites:

Movie: I like quite a few of Christopher Nolan Movies: Inception or Interstellar. MacFarland, USA is a family favorite!

Restaurant: My wife and I enjoy going to Hacienda Leon in Bloomington.

Food: My wife will tell you that popcorn is top on that list.

Book: The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker, With by Skye Jethani, Keep on Running by Phil Hewitt

Hobby: I enjoy running, hiking, swimming, biking, gardening, coaching youth soccer, and woodworking.