I am a husband, a dad, a friend, a writer, a comic book reader and a fan of almost any sport that involves a ball. I am a New Yorker with a soft spot in my heart for the rhythms and people of Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Duluth, Minnesota. I like red wine and dark beer, and am constantly in search of the world’s best pizza. I read a lot. My laugh is too loud. I am into reformed theology, parables, psalms and prayers. I write about the challenges, absurdities and joys of an urban faith. I am always on the lookout for God and good conversation. Let me know whenever you spot them.

Education
Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion
St. Olaf’s College

Master of Divinity
Yale Divinity School

Doctor of Philosophy
Princeton Theological Seminary

Previous Gigs
Senior Pastor (2003–2008)
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta

Professor of Homiletics (1993–2003)
Austin (Texas) Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Writings

• Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice (Westminster John Knox Press, 2022)
• Bread Enough For All, edited by Peter M. Wallace. (Church Publishing, Alliance for Christian Media, 2020). [Contributor]
• Questions Preachers Ask, with Ted Smith and Nora Tubbs Tisdale. (Westminster John Knox Press, 2016). [Editor and Contributor]
• Exploring and Proclaiming the Apostles’ Creed, edited by Roger E. Van Harn. (Eerdmans Press, 2004). [Contributor]
• Theology for Preaching: Authority, Truth and Knowledge of God in a Postmodern Ethos, with Ronald J. Allen and Barbara Shires Blaisdell (Abingdon Press, 1997)

Playlist
Paul Simon, The Avett Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, The Boss

Family
Wife Amy, daughter Isabella, son Oliver