A Brief Bio
After studying at Duke University ('79) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ('84), I was involved for eight years in pastoral ministry as a youth minister and church planter. After the heartbreak of a failed church plant, I took a position in 1992 teaching Bible at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, TN. During that time, I also coached the boys track and cross country teams. Here I found my quest for the next 20 years — connecting the Bible to the hearts of high school students. But toward the end of that time, I began to feel God’s urgings to pursue a new quest. This one would be connecting the Bible to the hearts of men. Despite my initial fear and objections, my community of men encouraged me to begin something new. So in 2012, I left full-time teaching to begin Landmark Journey Ministries.
The Ministry Begins
For the last nine years, I have seen God open many surprising doors. The first was the work of spiritual direction. Here I help a man learn to listen to God more clearly so that he respond to Him more faithfully. My conversations here always leave me with a sense of wonder at God's surprising work in a man's life. A second open door was the opportunity to become an author. Along with Landmarks (2013) and Divided (2015), Heroic was recently released in 2019. It's the book for men I have wanted to write for some time, charting out the true path into masculinity that Jesus pioneered. A third door has been the launch of silent retreats. Here I get to watch Jesus meet men during half-day, daylong and extended periods of silence. A fourth door is the offering of the Ignatian Exercises, a 9-month journey with Jesus through the gospel story. Here a man experiences walking with Jesus, watching Him work, and being transformed as a result.
Looking to the Future
As we look to the future, it's amazing to realize that we are the only organized ministry to men in the nation that focuses on spiritual direction and silence. I hope there are others, but so far we have not been able to find them. Being a pioneer has its own challenges and joys, both for which I am grateful. My hope above all is that men could experience profound healing in their souls. This happens as they find their true guide in Jesus, own their identity in Him, and discover the quest He has for them. This is the kingdom Jesus wants us to enter. This is heaven coming to earth.
Acknowledgements
I have an amazing board who has been a constant support through the startup and growth of this ministry. I would have never gotten here without them. I also would have never gotten here without the special woman I have been married to for 35 years, Heidi. She and my two grown daughters, Abigail and Rachel, have been my greatest cheerleaders. I love you all.
Finally, a few favorites in my life...
- Favorite drink: Definitely coffee, a mug in the morning and one in the afternoon.
- Favorite hobbies: reading, playing the piano, backpacking in the wilderness, working out at the gym
- Favorite place: the White Mountains of New Hampshire
- Favorite restaurant: Sunflower Cafe