About
I grew up in Southern California where I surfed, played football, and grew up with a virtual zoo in my backyard (pet mountain lions, monkeys and honey bears). I embraced the “sex, drugs, and rock & roll” lifestyle on offer during the ‘60s. In 1970, my life changed radically after I experienced God’s love and forgiveness. That’s when I encountered Jesus during what is now known as the “Jesus Movement.” Almost immediately, I began inviting others to share in this new life.
I met my wife, Fran, while attending Westmont College in California. She was an excellent student, while I was a zealous “Jesus Freak” who cared little about academics. I was too busy trying to change the world.
During the last few months at Westmont I had what I consider an “academic conversion.” Up to this point I had loved God with my whole heart, soul and strength. But now I realized I needed to love God with my mind as well. I applied to Fuller Theological Seminary, where I was accepted on academic probation.
Over the next nine years, I earned an M.A. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. in New Testament from Westminster Theological Seminary, and an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from William Carey International University. During this time I was ordained as a Vineyard pastor, where I served as Associate Pastor in the Channel Islands Vineyard.
From 1984-1992, our family and some friends moved to West Java, Indonesia, where I taught English, raised our family, learned Pencak Silat (an Indonesian martial art), and talked with Sundanese about Jesus. During this time, a community of Sundanese who wanted to follow Jesus gathered together.
We returned to the United States in 1992 where I began leading the U.S. branch of Frontiers. Frontiers is a faith-based global community seeking to bless Muslims. Their purpose: “With love and respect, inviting all Muslim peoples to follow Jesus.”
From 1992-1999 I earned a Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min.) in Urban Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. I’ve served as an Adjunct Professor in Islamics for Fuller Theological Seminary and Columbia International University. In 2000, I moved to England to become the International Director of Frontiers.
From the time when I lived in Indonesia, I have been on a journey to understand what Jesus meant when he said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”1 My interest in peacemaking is described in my book, Peacemaking (available at amazon.com or you can contact me directly for discounted rate).
Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, my thinking on peacemaking has deepened and broadened. I believe that Jesus founded a peace movement and that the church is called to be a peace institute.2 This aspect of peacemaking was not addressed in my book, for I am just beginning to understand how to live this out.
One of the reasons I stepped down from my role as International Director of Frontiers in 2007 was to pursue my passion for peacemaking. In 2008 I spent my sabbatical as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Yale Center for Faith and Culture’s Reconciliation Program at Yale Divinity School. The goal of the Reconciliation Program is to promote reconciliation between Muslims and Christians, and between Muslim nations and the West, drawing on the resources of the Abrahamic faiths and the teaching and person of Jesus. The highlight of my time at Yale was helping to put on the “Common Word” – a dialogue between high level Muslim and Christian leaders.
In January 2010, I helped to found Peace Catalyst International. As president of this new organization, I have found a role that integrates my peacemaking passions with my evangelical convictions. In addition, I work part time as a consultant for Christian-Muslim Relations in the Vineyard USA and serve on the executive team for the World Evangelical Alliance Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, which represents 420 million evangelical Christians worldwide.
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