Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Wausau, WI and I currently live in Greeley, Colorado. In between growing up and making my way to Colorado, I graduated from Concordia Mequon and then spent time in California and Wisconsin serving in youth ministry. I am currently the CEO of Three Trees Outdoor Ministry. My beautiful wife and I met at Camp Luther in Three Lakes, Wisconsin and it only took us seven years after being on staff to start dating. We have been married for almost six years, and we have a three-year-old daughter who exudes joy and loves Jesus!
Where did you serve in youth ministry? What do you love about working with youth?
I graduated from Concordia Mequon with a Lay Ministry and Theology dual degree with two specializations in Evangelism and Youth Ministry. The LCMS now refers to this degree as Director of Christian Ministries (DCM). I served as a youth minister at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arcadia, California and at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. My current role is CEO at Three Trees Outdoor Ministry.
One thing I love about working with youth is that they have raw energy and excitement which can be unleashed at any moment. You never know when they are going to be ready to go play a crazy game of Jenga, make up a new song on a whim, or play a game of pickup basketball. Youth are also willing and looking for someone to care about them. Once you can build that relationship, they truly desire to listen and learn about Jesus which can lead to some open and honest conversations and spiritual growth.
Share a funny memory from your middle school years.
I remember when I was so excited to play with one of my good friends. We only lived 300 yards apart across a baseball field, but it was raining that day. I ran over anyway to hang out and play on the playground with him. He came outside for about five minutes and said he was done playing out in the rain. However, I really wanted him to play longer, and I thought in my 11-year-old mind that I should punch him in the face and then he would play more. Well, long story short, I did, and his nose started bleeding. Then he ran inside and did not want to keep playing with me. That day I learned the hard way that if you want your friends to play with you, you shouldn’t punch them in the nose.
What is something that you are passionate about outside of work?
I am passionate about a lot, so I cannot narrow it down to just one. A few things that I love to do when I am not working include hunting, weight lifting, watching Star Wars, NBA basketball, and most house renovation projects.
What is the best place that you have traveled to, and why did you love it?
I was blessed to go to Germany to speak at a youth convention with my best friend Tanner Olson. Being in another country where I was able to tell youth about Jesus with a best friend, what’s not to love about that?
Tell me more about the Camp that you are starting in Colorado? Why did you want to start this camp?
After being greatly impacted by many outdoor ministries in my early years, I felt God’s calling on my heart to plant a new outdoor ministry for about 10 years, but I ignored it for the first nine years. But he didn’t give up on me, and in 2020, Three Trees became an official nonprofit organization. Part of my desire to plant a new ministry was to start developing a blueprint to help others do the same and bring outdoor ministry to more people in the United States and internationally.
I have seen how outdoor ministry provides an opportunity for people to connect with God on new and deeper levels, and it often serves as a gateway for those who have been turned off to God in the past. The heart of Three Trees is to connect people to Jesus through the outdoors and service.
Three Trees’ vision is to have three primary ministry areas: youth, families, and the corporate business community. We began by investing in youth ministry, launched family ministry in 2025, and intend to expand into corporate ministry as we continue to grow.
What message about the Christian faith do teens need to hear? What can we (adults) learn from teens?
Teens need to hear that there is nothing new under the sun. They need to know God loves them and desires them to know Him, which is the same story God had for their parents, their grandparents, our biblical forefathers, and everyone! The sooner we can impart that wisdom to teens who desire to follow Jesus, the sooner they can feel the freedom that comes with that knowledge.
We can learn from teens how to truly have fun. They know how to laugh at the dumb things, live without worrying about money, and try new things without fear. Teens are full of life, and most adults are not. Boom!
What is a book, music, podcast, or show that you would recommend to everyone?
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf. It’s on my list of books that I make sure to read every year, and it is chock-full of amazingness, life lessons, and fun stories.
What are you looking forward to about coming to Camp Arcadia this summer and leading the Alpha Teen week?
I’m excited for the crazy talks and the heart-to-hearts with youth about Jesus and faith, especially when you can practically see the light bulb turn on for them or the pieces click into place. I desire to share with teens about the real God that is alive and active today and the Holy Spirit who resides in those who love the Lord. The same Spirit that has the power to move mountains and to calm a heavy heart.
I’m excited to get to know the counselors. For conversations that make me laugh until I struggle to breathe. I’m excited to be a listening ear for those who just need a friend or shoulder to cry on. I’m excited for my family to experience Camp Arcadia for the first time. I’m excited to see how God grows me and uses me for His Kingdom purpose. All in all, I am honored to be the Dean for Alpha Week.
