About Moi…

Cyprian’s phrase “extra ecclessiam nulla salus” referred to the high orthodox theology of the church centuries ago. In these days of consumer churchianity and a wide variety of vendors of spiritual goods and services a high view of the church has fallen on hard times, yet God is still up to many things inside and outside the traditional walls of the institutional church. Jesus put it this way – “my Father is still working and I also am working” (Jn. 5:17).  That’s what I’d like to talk about plus what else is happening in our world today.

I pastor First Baptist Church in Sault Ste Marie, MI and am also a full-time substance abuse counselor. I have been pastoring since 1989 after graduating from Denver Seminary. I enjoy leading worship, theology, writing, teaching and traveling – I have especially enjoyed visiting Europe, Argentina & Brazil. The church I pastor has initiated a  ”turnaround” to bring new vision, purpose and mission to the congregation. That’s why I’m here & what we hope to accomplish – a healthy, thriving, life-giving church!

Born into a Catholic/ Salvation Army mix, I was raised in the Episcopal church, educated by Jesuits, graduated from Denver Seminary, ordained an American Baptist & spent 9 months at Global Awakening’s School of Ministry – how’s that for an exotic blend! I’ve chanted psalms with Benedictines, sang hymns in a proper and orderly fashion with the Reformed, and in an less “orderly” fashion with my Brazilian brothers from Casa de Davi. My favorite writers include the Puritans Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, Thomas Watson and (more recently) Thomas Oden. Teachers & preachers that inspire me include Charles Spurgeon, &  John Piper.