Pastor, Person
Preacher, Listener
Counselor, Companion
It's normal to be curious about your (potential) pastor. What's his story? Can I trust that he will provide good teaching and care for me and my family? I understand how important these questions are and I would like to set you at ease.
At a glance
Being a pastor is my life's practice. I grew up in and around the church. As a teenager, I was drawn to religious interests. I was active in my high school youth group and philosophy club, and spent many summers in the Christian camping scene. My college years were typified by religious questioning and soul-searching, which culminated in a sense of call to pastoral ministry. I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) in 2000. For the past 20+ years I have served as a clergy person in diverse settings, always striving to offer the best spiritual care I can and to grow in my own profession of faith. I am married to the former Dao Pham, of San Jose, California. We have three daughters, Lily, Arwen, and Melody. I enjoy swimming, reading, biking, and playing guitar.
Tools in the Toolbox
I believe that learning and gaining new skills are essential to being an effective pastor. As a life-long learner, I have spent many hours in the classroom. I have degrees in Comparative Religion (BA), Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA), Divinity (M.Div), and Spirituality (D.Min). I maintain my acumen through membership to several professional organizations, including the Washington Presbytery, a community of the elders and clergy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The American Counseling Association, and The Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. I am a certified provider of several care models including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (Living Works, Inc.) and the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator personality assessment tool.
My journey of faith and practice
As pastor for Faith Church,
I tend to preach sermons that connect Scripture to real life with tact and sincerity. I don't suppose any single sermon can say it all or say it perfectly. That's too much pressure. For me, each sermon is part of a larger strategy of equipping the people of God to appreciate and understand the whole Bible better over time. I usually preach from the Revised Common Lectionary and connect my sermons to the celebrations of the Christian year.
I think learning in Christian community is helpful and enjoyable. I like to teach classes on various topics in the Christian life: spiritual disciplines, social issues, the creeds and confessions of the church...and more. Honest questions and open conversation propel us into new discoveries about how to be Christian.
I care for the members of this congregation. As a sacred trust, I offer compassionate and competent pastoral attention. I am grateful that members invite me to share in their joys and sorrows.
In the past....
I've served in a variety of settings and among diverse people. For almost 10 years, I served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy. While stationed in Europe, I led multi-day retreats for personnel living overseas that focused on spirituality, marital resiliency, and personal wellness. On a ship, I provided care to sailors on the high seas, far from home and family. In a hospital, I worked with physicians, psychologists, and other medical professionals to care for families and patients.
Before military life, I was an associate pastor, who focused on youth ministry and families. Before that I was a volunteer in various ministries, like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. And before that...well, you get it. God has had something for me to do at every stage of life. I am sure the same is true for you.
So, that is a little about me.
And now...
I would welcome getting to know you and, if there is any way that my own journey can help you in yours, I will be glad to share in your next steps!