What brought you to Calvin Sem? God brought me here both times. I completed my MDiv at CTS and was eager to return as faculty when the opportunity arose. I am thankful to be a part of Reformed theological education grounded in Scripture for the sake of the world.
Where are you from? I grew up in Holland, Michigan. If you’re new to West Michigan I recommend visiting our city’s flower festival, Tulip Time, May 2-9.
What are you be teaching? I’m teaching Hebrew I and II online. Last semester I taught Bible Survey, and this semester I’m teaching a ThM elective on the Ugaritic language. I appreciate the opportunity to work with both residential and distance students.
What are your research interests and educational history? The emphasis of my doctoral work is early interpretations of scripture. My dissertation analyzes a portion of Jubilees, the earliest known commentary on Genesis (second-century BCE). I also love languages, so it’s great that I get to keep working on them with students here at the seminary.
Introduce us to your family: I’m married to Ryan, a nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Ryan also went to CTS and has worked as a hospital chaplain. We have a son, Peter, who celebrates his first birthday in March. He loves books and eating, sometimes eating books. We also have a little dog, Teddy.
Where do you worship?: We are members of Grace CRC in the Southgate neighborhood of Grand Rapids. This fall I was ordained as an associate pastor at Grace. Please visit! Our service is at 11:00am, and the address is 100 Buckley SE.
What are your hobbies?: I enjoy cooking, camping, board games, and walking the dog with Baby Peter in the stroller. We just bought a ninety-year-old home, so a new hobby will be working on the house.
Advice for Seminarians: Be curious.