What is your fondest memory?

When my fiancée Ellen Mary Kowalewski paraded down the aisle of my home church and stood before our family and friends and said “I do.” In addition, I cherish the memory of Ellen writing and sharing her vows to me on November 28, 1989 at Millgrove Bible Church

What is your favorite movie and why?

I appreciate J. R. Tolkien’s trilogy The Lord of the Rings because of the value it places on the power of community and the need for us to do life together. Sam portrays true fellowship when he tells Frodo that he cannot carry the ring for him but he can carry him to Mordor.

What book would you recommend and why?

Jim Elliott’s autobiography Shadow of the Almighty transformed my life. The book opens with this quote: “HE is no fool who will give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” God used the spiritual journey and martyrdom of Jim Elliot to confirm my call to vocational ministry.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

My favorite hobbies are scuba diving, downhill skiing and travelling.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

 I value the life of Jonathan because he honored God through courageous leadership and friendship and demonstrated spiritual discernment by seizing God’s divine timing for ministry.

What do you think makes a good leader?

Leadership begins with servanthood. Jesus taught that greatness will be measured by the depth of humble service. (Matthew 23:11) Peter reminded God’s leader to be “eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3)

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

I appreciate the passion of God’s people desiring to live on mission with God.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A Marine Corps officer. I've always respected the military and those who serve a cause greater than themselves.

What's in your CD player or on your iPod?

Casting Crowns, I think their music is inspirational and challenging.

Your favorite indulging snack?

"Chicken in a Bisquit" crackers with Kraft "Easy Cheese" and Hormel pepperonis on top with a glass of ice cold milk.

If you could have lunch with a famous person, who would it be and why?

President Bush, I would ask him all the questions I have about national issues.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Computer building, troubleshooting, and games.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Joseph, because of the integrity despite blatent injustice committed against him. If anyone can pass through that, he's a real man.

What do you think makes a good leader?

Servant heart and a willingness to love people towards a vision.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The generosity, the volunteer spirit, and the love.

What is your fondest memory?

My wedding day. What a gift to marry my best friend and celebrate the day with our friends and family.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional basketball player. That dream faded when I maxed out at 5’ 8".

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

I love to golf. I also like to ride my bike for exercise and refreshment.

What are you passionate about?

Helping people make progress in their spiritual journey. Watching God transform lives is awesome.

What do you think makes a good leader?

A willingness to serve anywhere. Humility. A lifelong learner. A good listener. A growing relationship with God.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

The Apostle Paul. His perseverance and obedience despite challenging circumstances helps me keep a healthy perspective on my life.

What is your fondest memory?

• Marrying my Beautiful Wife
• Watching Boys be born
• Vacation with Naomi in Florida
• Running in the State Cross Country Meet
• Finishing the Chicago Marathon

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional Football player.

What book would you recommend and why?

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. WOW

What's in your CD player or on your iPod?

I've maxed out my 30GB IPOD -6,649 songs. I love music of most types. (I try to avoid Jazz and country). Favorites? Keith Green, David Crowder, Hillsong, Third Day, John Michael Talbot, Chris Rice

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

I'm trying to be a gardener, novice at best. Trap shooting. Volleyball

Your favorite indulging snack?

Chips and homemade salsa. I like to make it spicey.

If you could have lunch with a famous person, who would it be and why?

Bill Gates. "Hey Bill, have you ever thought about tithing to a church"

What are you passionate about?

• Students sharing their faith
• Solid Bible teaching
• Putting action together with belief

Your biggest challenge?

• Being a Father
• Reaching 5,000 lost High School students in Scott County

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Daniel - No Compromise, Faith lived out, Integrity / Blameless

Your favorite indulging snack?

Peanut butter and coffee, but not together!

What book would you recommend and why?

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, because it is an amazing easy book to apply to any family member.

Your idea of a perfect day?

Spending time with my wife on the North Shore. Second, Vikings winning the Super Bowl.

What are you passionate about?

Seeing children excited about coming to church, making Jesus the Lord of their life and parents/adults volunteering in ministry.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

The story of Jonathan and David, because of the brotherly love of two men from different walks of life and the amazing love of Jonathan towards David despite the fact that Jonathan was in line to the throne, he stepped aside to allow David become God’s chosen king.

What is your fondest memory?

Watching each one of my kids turn from blue to pink as they took in there first breaths of air right after being born. Amazing!

What's in your CD player or on your iPod?

Usually something that one of my kids has recorded or some other project. I listen to a lot of talk radio. WCCO AM

Your favorite indulging snack?

I love deviled eggs or maybe we should call them heavenly eggs being that I'm a church musician. You know, the white part with all the yellow part in the middle.

What was your last purchase?

Stereo headphone amplifier for my studio. I guess we bought a new mower as well, the kind with no steering wheel.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Hanging out with my wife, Linda, with no agenda is cool.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

I kind of like Moses, carrying down all them commandments from the mountain.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

Our Mission Statement, Our Leaders, Our Teachers, Our Pastors, Our Staff, All of our VOLUNTEERS, Honesty, Truth, and Light, and of course, the MUSIC!!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian for farm animals.

What is your fondest memory?

Most recently, the birth of our granddaughter, Hazyl. The miracle of birth is amazing!.

Your favorite indulging snack??

Chocolate (duh)!

Your last purchase?

Glue for a stepping stone project I was doing with 3 wonderful friends, all of whom I met through Alpha at Friendship Church.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Horseback riding, walking, biking and gardening.

Your idea of a perfect day?

Spending it outside with my husband Denny while walking or riding bikes on a hot summer day.

What are you passionate about?

The Alpha Course! After being a church attender for 40+ years I took the Alpha Course, learned more in 11 weeks than in the previous 40+ and gave my life to Christ. I now have the privilege to serve Christ in this ministry and see the Lord transforming lives.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

I love the teachings, the variety of ministries and the wonderful people.

What is your fondest memory?

My fondest memories would be vacationing with my husband and sons. It’s not so much about the location, or the tourist stuff, it is coming back after an exhausting day and just playing cards, watching a movie or hanging out together.

What is your favorite movie and why?

It would have to be a tie between The Sound of Music and Gone with the Wind.

What book would you recommend and why?

A book I have recommended to many people is Bill Hybel’s Too Busy Not to Pray. It is a clear and practical guidebook to slowing down and drawing near to God.

What's in your CD player or iPod?

My son confiscated mine since he lost his… There’s probably nothing on there I would care to listen to.

What was your last purchase?

Muffins for our office staff meeting.

What has God been showing you lately that has surprised or delighted you?

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." I have a great imagination so it is astounding if you think about it and how small my prayers oftentimes are compared to the great God we serve.