Trinity Lutheran
Burlington, Kansas 66839
620-364-2283

• Education: Post High School I spent two years at Emporia State University (Kansas) studying to be a High School History Teacher. Transfered to Concordia Teachers College (Concordia University now) at Seward, NE. Graduated with a MA in History. Then to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis for a M.Div. Did my vicorage in Esko MN. Was Installed and Ordained at Emmanuel Lutheran, Backus MN in 1994.
• Experience: 6 years, almost to the date, at Emmanule Lutheran in Backus MN. Have been sole pastor of Trinity Lutheran in Burlington KS since mid August 2000.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: I place them here to be helpful. I hope they are.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: My wedding sermon. Remember very little of it, and that was one of the things the pastor said, during the sermon, would happen. That’s helped me realize that my words at those functions are not only for the couple, but also for the family and friends.
• One of my favorite illustrations: A friend found out her cancer was back and it was going to take her this time. She called to talk to me in person. I was not even in seminary at the time and spent four days of a vacation trying to figure out what she wanted. I prayed to God to give my the strength to sway her back if she was waivering in her faith. Finally I sat down to talk with her and she said, "I’m going to die, and I know I’m going to heaven. I was just wondering what you think it’s going to be like. What a relief.
• Family: My wife, Gayle, and I have three children. In 2001 Marisa will turn 5, Noelle 3 and Caleb 1. We also boast the best free dog in Sammi.
• What my parents think of my sermons: That I’m getting better with experence.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She hears about one third of them since she’s taking care of three children under the age of 4.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Remember whose Word you are speaking.
• Books that have had an impact: Luther’s "Bondage of the Will." C.S. Lewis’ "Mere Christianity." "Jesus Freaks" by DC Talk. "The Christian Faith" by Robert Kolb. "God’s Smuggler" by Brother Andrew. "Pontius Pilate" by Paul Maier [great to read prior to Lent to see another side of events!]. Fulton Sheen "Life of Christ." "Hammer of God." Anything by Helmut Thielicke. "Dying to Live" by Herold Senkbell. "Christ Esteem" Don Matzat.
• Hobbies: Reading Tom Clancy, Tony Hillerman, Clive Cussler, Steven Lawhead, Richard Prather. Spending time with family, not so much a hobby, but when there’s free time, I’m doing stuff with them.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For by grace you have been saved through faith, it is not of yourself, it is a gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Christ died for me, you and everyone who has lived and will live.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: In the back of the church in Minnesota was a glass wall seprating the worship area and the fellowship hall. At the beginning of a sermon durring the heart of Summer [and having no air, so all the doors are open] I notice my head Elder, also an usher that day] dancing in the fellowship hall. At least that’s what it looked like. He was actually trying to chase a ground squirrel out of the church. On the attendace records for that day, under guests you will find one ground squirrel!
• What I want on my tombstone: Matthew 28:6 Job 19:25