Candidate Application Detail Listing

Ordained Minister

willing to be placed on the ballot for the Office/Board(s) for which I have been recommended

In 2024, I received my first call to serve in the Office of the Holy Ministry as the pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Elgin, following my graduation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Prior to attending seminary, I served as a musician for over 20 years, including as a lay director of music for an LCMS congregation. Additionally, I have experience as a youth leader and high school Bible class teacher.

I am relatively new to the District, having received my first placement here in 2024.

I have not served in any official capacity or role within the Synod beyond the positions mentioned above.

Much of my community service is intertwined with my professional roles. Here are a few representative examples:

- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Corporate Advisory Board (2000-2004)
- Common Ground Fine Arts Academy, Board of Directors and Treasurer (2018)
- Tax Executives Institute (Indiana Chapter), President (2009-2010), Chapter Representative to the National Board of Directors (2010-2011), Vice President (2008-2009), Treasurer (2007-2008)
- Indiana Chamber of Commerce Tax Committee (2008-2010)
- Junior Achievement, In-School Speaker and Mentor (1996-1999)

The Gospel gives the Church its life and purpose. It lives by and for the public proclamation of the Gospel. According to the Confessions, "There needs to be a teaching in the Church from which the faithful may receive the certain hope of salvation" (Apology IV, 119) and the forgiveness of sins through Word and Sacrament rightly preached and administered. Following our Lord’s example of seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10; Mark 2:17), the Church is to devote itself, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to reaching out to the wayward and those who have never heard the Good News, as a "city on a hill" glorifying our heavenly Father (Matt. 5:16). This is our Lord’s command: to baptize for the forgiveness of sins and bring the baptized into deeper faith through discipleship (Matt. 28:19-20).

Certainly, a principal challenge in serving in this capacity is that I am still becoming familiar with the NID, its rostered workers, the laity, and the communities. Our leaders continue to guide us to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3) and to celebrate Christian unity as a gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit, all while remaining faithful and consistent to LCMS doctrine and practice. One of the greatest opportunities (and challenges) lies in the need for greater engagement from individuals who have a vision for enhancing partnerships between congregations, as the scale and resources of our individual congregations evolve from previous ministry frameworks to new realities.