Preaching Style: I often joke that going to Princeton Theological Seminary was both a blessing and a curse for my preaching life. I’m primarily a manuscript preacher, but my sermons are also very conversational in tone and I try to make it sound like I’m not reading from a manuscript. I have also experimented with more “informal” preaching styles (which looks more like a music stand down on the same level as the church pews, instead of up in the pulpit) and have found ways to meaningfully engage in discussion and dialogue during the sermons.
Traditional Worship: While many of my gifts and strengths lend themselves to more creative, non-traditional forms of worship, I’m still very comfortable in a traditional service that is filled with life and energy. The churches that I have served have all had more traditional worship services, while some have also incorporated more contemporary music into their services.
Alternative Worship: For over 10 years, I’ve been involved in the creation and facilitation of alternative worship services and installations. One of my gifts and passions is creating new and alternative spaces for people to connect with God in new and participatory ways. Sometimes these moments can happen during more traditional worship services, but they can also be set up as completely separate services used during special parts of the church calendar (Holy Week, Lent, Advent). If you are interested in seeing some photos of the types of services I’ve created, you can view some photos here.
Worship at Assisted Living Center: While serving in Ashland (OR), I helped partner with a local assisted living center and led a monthly worship service for the residents. I would preach a short sermon, engage the residents in conversation, lead prayers, and served as a pastor to those individuals who didn’t get out to a church in the community.