I was born in South Louisiana to hippie parents. They became more mainstream when my sister and I became school aged and they had to move to town. They split up and divorced when I was 6 or so. The biggest change occurred in our family when my dad became a follower of Jesus when he was 37 years old. He became transparent and open about his brokenness and asked my sister and I for forgiveness all the time. Due to my dad’s transformation, I put my faith in Christ when I was young. Even though childhood & teen years were fairly tumultuous, I always felt like my feet were on solid ground.
I went to college at Auburn University. Up to that point, those were the best 4 years of my life. For the first time, I felt like I was surrounded by great friends who built me up and encouraged me.
After college I bounced around and at age 24 found myself working at a residential care facility for at-risk teens. I didn’t love it, but I did fall in love with someone who worked there as well named Sarah Weber. It took her a while to come around, but after a year she saw the light :). Sarah and I got married in March 2003, when I had 1 year left at Denver Seminary.
After seminary, we moved with our 5 month old daughter to Bentonville, AR to work as a youth pastor at Fellowship Bible Church NWA in June of 2004. Since moving to Arkansas we’ve had 4 more children.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I love our family. Sarah is one of the kindest, most genuine, beautiful, competent, caring people you will ever meet. She is a wonderful wife, mom, and friend. She is the glue that holds our family together. Ellie is our 17 year old. She is beautiful inside and out. She is wise, responsible, loyal, and fun. John Edgar is our 15 year old. He is our most passionate and determined kid. He has had to overcome some health challenges early in life, which has been tough but has made him compassionate toward others. Stephen & Joshua are our twin 12 year old boys. They are like 2 puppy dogs- always looking to play and have fun. Stephen is focused, determined, and high energy. Joshua is laid back, creative, and a peacemaker. They complement each other really well. Anna is 8 going on 21. She is hilarious. She is expressive, verbal, and influential. She brings a lot of life to our family. All of our kids have good senses of humor. They make Sarah and me laugh everyday. I’m grateful for my family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a pastor for the past 16 years. I love being able to be a part of people’s lives, the real substance of their lives…relationship with God and relationships with others. I enjoy meeting new people to our community and church and helping them connect with others and build friendships. I love being able to worship, serve, and grow together.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurants are Flying Fish, Table Mesa, and Tazikis.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
As mentioned earlier, Sarah and I moved here almost 17 years ago and still live in the same house we bought when we moved here and still work at the same church that we moved here for.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is a hard question! There are so many! When I think of interesting people, I think of humble people…people who are able to rise above natural human selfishness and live lives that serve God & others. This is not natural. I find people who intentionally invest in other people to be so interesting, because it such a hard thing to do. I think of people like Jim & Kathy Cooper, Bill & Leigh Freeze, Sam & Donna Pearson, John & Jackie Haefner, Todd & Lea Verone, Rick & Maureen Mangrum, Kelley & Sue Prude, Jack & Amy See, Scott & Amber Walker, Dick & Connie Nervig, Drew & Lindsey March, Russ & Sue Robertson, Mark & Lisa Schatzman, Tim & Beth Kenyon, David & Connie Jaquess, Bart & Gena Sego, Josh & Heather Porter, Greg & Kim Mertes, Dean & Cindy Hunt, Bob & Pat Moore, Steve & Stephanie Goetze and many more! The people that are able to live humble, sacrificial lives are the most grateful, joyful, fun people to be around in the world.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to Mali, Africa to visit friends who are missionaries there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I like Nacho Libre & the Bourne series of movies, but honestly, I fall asleep in most movies. The only thing that I can watch without quickly getting uninterested is football…and I can watch it for 15 hours straight- easy. I might have a problem.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he’ll make your paths straight.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to see my kids get married and to have grandkids. I’m praying I get to see generations of Christ-followers in my family and in other families in our church.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Hmmm. I don’t really listen to music that much- mostly podcasts. My “go to” podcast is Family Life Today .
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’d say “The Station” on the square. I loved the old building, license plates on the wall, smell of grease and delicious hamburgers!. We miss the Station on the Square!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I think I’d like to have lunch with Jim and Lynne Walton. I’ve heard they are delightful, humble, down to earth folks. Their family seems to live out this idea of fingerprints everywhere and name nowhere. I’d love to hear about how these values were instilled in them. I’d also find it fascinating to hear stories about Bentonville and their family growing up and listen to what they see for our town in the next 25 years. I would let them pick where we eat :).
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is the inordinate percentage of humble, servant-hearted, loving people that live here. There are so many people here who genuinely care for one another and live humble lives. I love how so many people in our community value faith and family.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right here. I’m not sure how much will change circumstantially in our lives, but I hope I’m growing, learning, building and investing in relationships, and following Christ.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I rode a bicycle across the U.S. in June of 2001 with 4 other guys. It was a lot of pedaling.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Bali, Indonesia. Stunning beaches.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite months are October and May. Gorgeous weather and exciting times of year…the heart of fall and school almost out for summer. For me the best single day on the calendar is Easter. Jesus’ resurrection changed everything.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Since he’s at my house at this very moment, it’s easy to think of him. I’d rate Dean Hunt a 10 out of 10 as a craftsman/ home builder/ trim carpenter.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
This is another tough one to narrow down. My wife- to live a life of service, love, and sacrifice. My dad- to live passionately and transparently. My friend Bill Freeze- to be generous. My friend Bart- to give of time serving others. My friend Sam Pearson- to live a life of service to others. My friend Dustin Coon- to take care of this body God’s given us for a short few years on earth. My friend Mark Schatzman- to be grateful. My friend Liz Cox- to overcome tragedy through faith and perseverance. My friend Tony Royko – to battle cancer for 17 years with faith in Christ and joy. My friend Drew March- to invest in my marriage and my kids. My friends Dick and Connie Nervig- to invest in relationships. My friend Shirley Koenen- to walk in joy everyday. My friends Joe & Rhonda Russ- to be gracious & generous. My friends Mike & Lindy Gardner- to invest in the next generation.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of a magnolia flower or a Sweet Olive flower and the smell of brownies in the oven.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Security, Peace
