I am a follower of Jesus, who believes in God's gracious gift of love, which enables all people to live free, and gratefully fulfill God's plan, in order to share the hope of abundant life now and forever.
I am from Germany and have lived in the United States since 1997. I believe that we are all one human family.
I am married to Cindy. We were not blessed with children. I love our cat Dexter. I am grateful for our family and friends near and far.
My wife and I are both pastors in the Lutheran tradition, and passionate about sharing the message of God's gift of love for everyone.
My wife Cindy and I live in rural Litchfield, between Springfield and St. Louis, in central Illinois. We're along Route 66, and near Lake Lou Yeager, surrounded by farm fields.
I was born in a town outside of the city of Fürth in the Frankonian region of Bavaria. Cindy was born and grew up around Detroit, MI.
Cindy and I met during seminary studies in Washington, D.C. We have lived together in the Chicago suburbs.
I serve as an ordained pastor in congregational ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
I am currently called to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, IL.
Cindy has served congregations in the Chicago area and Litchfield. She is currently ministering as a trained interim pastor in our synod.
I am grateful for God's gifts of unconditional love, forgiveness and eternal life I received in baptism. Thanks to parents, pastors, teachers and many other kind believers I have been encouraged to accept, live and share God's blessings.
At a Christian Endeavor / Entschieden für Christus (EC) youth camp at about age 11, I declared my personal faith in Jesus as my Savior, Lord and Friend. While trust in God is deeply personal, it is expressed in community with others.
We humans are chosen by God to be loved, and to love God and each other. You can find out more about my convictions about God's gracious invitation to a fulfilled life of acceptance and purpose in the section about God's Love.
I enjoy God's nature beauty, reading and watching science fiction, and (too much) geeky gadgets (computer, phone, video). I love Star Wars, and am into cosplay with CosWithCause.org for good causes.
Vocationally, I have a passion for teaching, find fulfillment in providing care for people in need, and enjoy leading worship experiences at my church and beyond. You can visit St. Paul's in Hillsboro, IL, or check out some of my work at INforMinistry.org.
Cindy and I were not been blessed to have our own children but are proud of our nephew and three nieces. We love cats and currently share our home with Dexter.
Other hobbies include: Gardening, woodwork, hiking, biking, kayaking, golf, and photography.
I used to windsurf, and still wish I could do it at a tropical island beach.
Yes, I admit Star Trek has better story lines, but the Star Wars effects are just way more cool. It's become sort of a way of life.
Did I almost forgot to mention listening to Music? My taste is varied and includes classical, trance, and modern gospel. I enjoyed singing in a youth choir, and sometimes wish I played an instrument. (Well, I have tried guitar on and off.)
Check out some listening recommendations.
For a more complete Biography check the About section of my INSIGHTS for Ministry site.