I grew up as a middle child with two brothers,  in the home of a raging alcoholic father, and a wonderful, loving Christian mother. Our home life was very turbulent, but at the same time it was very Christian, thanks to my spiritually strong mother.
I entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ at a young age, and over the years at our Seattle Assembly of God church, I committed and recommitted my life to my Lord Jesus Christ.
In 1967 my friend Dave Doherty and I formed one of the first Christian rock bands called The Brethren. God opened up opportunities in high schools, colleges, junior high’s, and all kinds of youth groups to musically bring the gospel to young people all over the Northwest and the West Coast. Over a period of six years of music ministry with the Brethren, literally thousands of Youth heard and received the gospel and the saving grace of Jesus.
From 1968-1970, I went through biblical studies at Northwest University in Kirkland Washington; In late 1972 until 1974, I  went through a study of the entire Bible verse by verse with Pastor Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa California. In 1974 I took a year of Greek New Testament studies at Biola University; In 1975 I took a second year of Greek New Testament studies at Seattle Pacific University.
I knew that God was calling me to be a teaching pastor. In July 11, 1977, we began to plant a Calvary Fellowship church in North Seattle. God blessed the teaching of his word, and over time hundreds of people joined our church as we studied through the Bible verse by verse.
After several years, Calvary Fellowship grew to a few thousand, and I knew that God wanted us to plant other churches in the communities nearby. God led us to plant about 25 churches in the Puget sound area, and Washington State. We also planted churches in other states, and other countries, including France, Germany, England, Japan, Russia, and Nicaragua. In  total more than 50 church plants.
I married my lovely wife Cathy in 1979. And we have 4 adult married children, Jordan, Amy, Riley, and Nick who are all in ministry; And we have 11 grandchildren whom we adore.
Now that I have transitioned leadership of Calvary Fellowship to my son Riley, I love going out and teaching at Churches, Men’s events, Marriage and Family outreaches and events (with Cathy), Leadership Events, Evangelistic Outreaches, Christmas Outreaches, Bible College Classes, and Mission trips. Please text, call, or email me if there’s any way I might serve with You!