I’m a public school kid with no church-worker family connections. It is hard to speak of my “road” toward professional church work in the singular, or even as “roads” at all. It may be more accurate to describe a tapestry of eclectic paths that were indiscernible at the time they were being formed, though looking back that I can appreciate how God was weaving this tapestry all while I was simply wandering around looking for my purpose in life.

The threads began being weaved in kindergarten when Ms. Freeze would refer to me as her “little professor.” Throughout my childhood I would encounter adult mentors, who would occasionally tell me I was going to be a teacher one day. It’s not that I rejected the possibility; it just never really sunk in. I thanked them for their compliments and went about life.

In high school, academics weren’t a… priority; at least not outside of the classroom. I was much more interested in track and clubs. In particular, I was blessed to attend a high school with an actual broadcasting radio station, of which I eventually became the general manager. I was also involved in groups like student council and Odyssey of the Mind—learning how to plan dances and developing brainstorming skills. I also taught my church’s Bible class for the younger kids; evidently someone felt I might make a good Bible teacher… Of course, just at the tail end of high school a new twist was given me. One, which I only mention for humor’s sake: a palm reader at my Grad Night party said she saw me in a courtroom, but not actually participating in a case. (Disclaimer: I put NO stock in occultic practices nor do I advocate their use—even for entertainment.)

Unsure what I would do with myself vocationally, I decided to work through required college courses at a community college. I bounced around majors looking at radio broadcasting, criminal justice and eventually settled on a career in… law. My electives usually involved issues of culture and religion. After two years I transferred to a public university where I discovered University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor, MI and my faith life exploded exponentially! Pastor Ed Krauss was nearing retirement age but anyone who thinks an older pastor can’t provide strong mentorship to a young generation is mistaken! By the end of my final year I found myself planning on attending Concordia Seminary. During one conversation I told him I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a parish pastor, he told me to go. “There is more than being a parish pastor available to you.” Shortly after that, my home pastor, Ron Briggs told me to make sure I got some experience as a pastor before becoming a “stuffy professor.” I thought it was an odd comment at the time. Once again… a tapestry was being weaved.

By the time I graduated from the seminary I was working at KFUO, the Synod’s radio station in St. Louis. My vicarage was spent predominately teaching grade school at River Roads Lutheran School in St. Louis—a position I requested simply because of a need to remain in the St. Louis area. By the time my vicarage was completed, I was sold… I wanted to teach!

The tapestry was starting to take form. Rather than parish ministry, I began my professional church career as the campus pastor at Lutheran High School—St. Charles (where I helped start the track team)… And then I took a position as an adjunct professor for Concordia University Wisconsin—St. Louis Center (teaching theology to students in the criminal justice program)… Then I began graduate work on a degree in Theology and Culture… all the while still serving as an occasionally for KUFO.

Now I teach theology at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, where I also serve as a the Mock Trial coach (wouldn’t that palm reader be amazed by this non-lawyer sitting a courtroom, but not actually participating”) and I even find myself using those old high school club skills to run the school’s mentoring program. I’m still connected at CUW’s St. Louis Center and I still employ those radio skills on behalf of KFUO and with my upcoming podcast, Into the Wardrobe.

I’m hesitant to suggest the tapestry has been completed; I’m inclined to believe the guiding hand of God is still preparing me for further service to Christ’s kingdom. I can’t wait to see that work of divine art!