My Ministry Path

I first sensed a call to ministry in college and enrolled at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary shortly after graduation. I graduated with a Master of Divinity in 2006, and it was during my seminary years that I got my start in youth ministry and fell in love with it. After graduation, I served for ten years as an Associate Pastor focused on youth and families. It was there I learned the vital importance of the church partnering with parents to strengthen both kids and parents as a whole.

This passion for supporting leaders led me to pursue extensive training and certifications. I'm a graduate of the Youth Cartel's Youth Ministry Coaching Program (Level 1 and Level 2) and have completed Vibrant Faith’s Associate and Professional level coaching training.  In addition, I am a certified Enneagram Practitioner through Integrative Enneagram Solutions, and I currently serve as the Lead Coach for The Youth Cartel.

In 2016, I stepped into my current role as Associate Minister for Pittsburgh Presbytery. My work is broad, but it's all focused on support and growth:

• Congregational and Leader Support: Working with churches and leaders as they plan and navigate significant moments.

• Commission on Preparation for Ministry: Guiding candidates who are seeking ordination as pastors.

• Next Generation Ministry: Supporting the children and youth ministry leaders who are shaping the next generation.

• New Worshipping Communities: Collaborating with leaders who are exploring new ways of being the church in the world.

My Media Path

Running parallel to my ministry career has been my other lifelong passion: media.

My start in photography was over 20 years ago, when I worked as a photographer for the sports information department at my college. The demands of seminary and my new ministry career led me to set my camera down for a time. But once children were on the way, I did what many photographers do: I rationalized that a new baby obviously meant it was time for a new camera.

With the purchase of a Canon Rebel T2i, I officially re-entered the digital age. Before long, I had more gear than any non-professional reasonably needed. After connecting with a friend I met through Craigslist (no joke!), we went into business together and launched Pittsburgh Lenses in 2014.

To our great surprise, Pittsburgh Lenses became the largest camera rental operation in the area. In that role, I had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, designing technical solutions for productions ranging from the BBC and Sony Pictures to local non-profits and individual creators. In December of 2019, we were acquired by another local company.

Two Paths, One Vocation

After the acquisition, I thought my days in media might be over. I was wrong.

When COVID-19 arrived, my two worlds—church ministry and media technology—collided. Churches suddenly entered a new digital age, and I quickly found myself immersed in technology: helping pastors design live-streaming setups, recording my own sermons, and consulting with churches on how to tell their story online.

Today, my two paths are deeply intertwined. I love using my technical expertise to help churches and leaders navigate the digital age. I also continue to create videos for Crestfield Camp and Conference Center (where my wife, Renee, is on staff) and local school districts. Together, we have two high-school-aged kids.