I was born in Fairbanks, Alaska (before it was a state) and eventually moved to Auburn, Washington as a boy when my mother was hired to be Miss Margaret on the Romper Room television show in Tacoma.

I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School (Federal Way, WA), Biola University (Bachelor of Science: Christian Education), Talbot School of Theology (Master of Arts: Marriage and Family Ministries), and Corban University School of Ministry (Doctor of Ministry: Strategic Leadership). I also did some post-graduate work at the Jerusalem University College in Jerusalem, Israel.

In 1988 I planted SeaTac Bible Church (now Westhill Church). In 2018, I planted Cascadia Church in Federal Way, WA. I taught as a volunteer instructor at Tacoma Bible College, Cascade Bible College in Bellevue, the Strategic Bible Institute in Lipetsk, Russia, Saint James Bible Academy in Minsk, Belarus, and African Bible College University in Yekepa, Liberia (where my students nicknamed me “Walking Bible”). I am currently a visiting instructor at Ecola Bible College.

For many years I taught workshops and seminars at The Northwest Ministry Conference. I am still actively involved as a speaker at Missions Fest Seattle.

I have led more than 1,300 funerals. My book Leading Today’s Funerals (Baker Books, 1997) is being used around the world as a training resource. I also train pastors, police and fire chaplains, and others in the funeral industry for more compassionate and effective funeral leadership.

Based on my extensive study, travel experiences, and knowledge gained as a tour host in Israel, Greece, and Jordan, I developed and wrote The Glory of Israel – a seven-week self-contained, multi-media teaching series that equips tour hosts with the confidence to lead life-changing Bible journeys for both novice and experienced travelers.

When I am not teaching or traveling, I enjoy river fishing in Washington, Montana, and Alaska. Joanne and I have four grown children and six grandchildren.