An Interview with Pastor Mike

 

A: Well, actually, ministry entered me – I sensed God’s calling me at the age of 17 right before my high school senior year. I had made plans to pursue an engineering degree. God has such a sense of humor: instead of building things, he’s using me to build people (Colossians 2:7).

A: The belief that God is making a difference in people, the recognition that, ironically, God uses people to accomplish that, and the acceptance that I am part of that incredible equation.

 

A: Hmmm, I know God better than that – never say never (LOL 

A: My father was my hero. He taught me the meaning of loyalty, the benefits of sacrificial love and the pleasure of laughter. I have learned a great deal from Lori’s father, Jim Bennett, a strong-yet-gentle man whom I also call “Dad.” From Scripture, I draw inspiration from the examples of Joseph, David and Peter; from them, I learn that our lives have purpose, that it’s better to be transparent, and that there’s always redemption. Notable others? The stories of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Frederick Douglass, and Jim Elliot inspire me. Others have spoken into my life: Johnny Knight, John Braten, Neil Burum, Hugh O’Brian, Josh McDowell, and my wife Lori.

 

A: My dream is that our love for each other (God’s agape love) would be unmistakably evident (John 13:35) and that we never lose our appetite for spiritual growth (Romans 12:11).

Q: What do you do to relax?

A: I enjoy biking, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, eating oatmeal, using power tools in the garage, and falling asleep in my La-Z-boy chair while watching the History Channel.

A: Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla – please pray that Blue Bell will come to California.

Q: What web sites, magazines or blogs do you visit most often?

A: harborlight.com, crosswalk.com, facebook.com, regent.edu, biblegateway.com, blueletterbible.org, mlb.com, nfl.com, nba.com, scores of leadership and management journals, etc., etc.

A: Actually, anything that distances us from God and from each other (Hebrews 12).

 

A: He loves to spend time with us (Revelation 3:20), and He’s forgiving (Psalm 103:8)