Associate Pastor

To say that Mike is a product of the Church is an understatement.  In fact, for many years, he believed that he was actually born during a Sunday morning worship service (at the time of the offering, of course!).  Nevertheless, his early Christian formation began at his home church, First Presbyterian Church in Roseville (CA), where he spent time trying to skip Sunday School and getting stuck on the roof of the old sanctuary.  And naturally this led him into youth ministry.

It was during these early years in youth work that Mike got a real taste of ministry. Upon graduating from UC Davis in June of 1987, he embarked on a quest to find himself and discern the call to ministry.  It was in those months between college and seminary that God placed a gifted, humorous, vivacious and beautiful woman into Mike’s path.  After falling in love (almost at first sight), they each continued their educational endeavors.  In the summer of 1992, after they both graduated from their respectful institutions (Jennifer, UC Davis; Mike from San Francisco Theological Seminary), they answered the call to First Pres. Church of Moline (IL—home of John Deere).  Mike served as Associate Pastor to Youth and Families.  The years were good to Mike and Jen, and the Lord blessed them with two beautiful children (Jonathan and Kayla).

However, having kids caused Mike and Jennifer to long for California.  So after 7 years in the Midwest, they returned to California in 1999, serving the Presbyterian Church of Novato.  Here Mike’s duties were youth ministry, small groups and preaching.  With the birth of their 3^rd and final child (Ashley), God placed a desire in Mike’s heart to serve in other areas of ministry (actually, he got tired of pizza, lock-ins, milkshakes and candy bars!).  And in November of 2003, he answered the call of Journey Church to be their Associate Pastor for Congregational Life.

Mike enjoys long walks (to the refrigerator), watching others get caught in the rain, strumming the guitar, chasing his 3 kids, romancing his wife and playing many sports (basketball, Play station games, tennis, Duck Duck Goose, softball and golf).  He looks forward to the exciting things that God will do here at Journey Church.