I've been leading worship for over 20 years, with 18 of those years in full-time ministry. Currently, I serve as the Executive Pastor of Creative Arts at Bethel Church in Crown Point, Indiana - a church that's grown to around 4,000 people with multiple campuses. I'm also a founding member of Century Worship, the songwriting collective that serves our church.

My wife Lindsay and I have been married for over 20 years, and we have three kids: Hudson (junior in high school), Hayden (freshman in high school), and Henley Cate (5th grade). Ministry and family. Those are the two things that keep me grounded and growing.

Here's what I've learned: building a thriving worship ministry doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen by accident. It takes vision, systems, patience, and someone in your corner who's been there before.

Why I Do This

When I was 24, I was leading worship but honestly didn't know what I was doing beyond the basics. Sure, I could lead a band, pick songs, and sing. But I had no framework for building a ministry that would last. No one helping me think through systems, volunteer development, or how to cast vision effectively.

I learned by trial and fire. It worked, but it was harder than it needed to be.

If I could go back and tell my younger self two things, it would be this:

1. Don't underestimate what you can do in 5 years, but don't overestimate what you can do in one year. Building a great ministry takes patience and consistent effort. Give yourself grace while staying committed to the long game.

2. Excellence is a good tool but a terrible goal. Your job isn't to impress people or let everyone have a spot on the platform. Your job is to help your church sing, worship, and encounter Jesus. Sometimes that means making hard calls about who serves and when. That's okay.

Now, I get to help other worship leaders avoid the mistakes I made and accelerate their growth. I've done this long enough to know what works, but I'm not some untouchable megachurch name with unlimited resources. I'm the guy in the trenches with you.

Who I Help Best

I'm the right fit if you're:

• A newer worship leader trying to figure out how to build something sustainable

• Leading without unlimited budgets or massive teams

• Navigating multisite ministry and need someone who's been there

• Trying to develop volunteers without burning them (or yourself) out

• Looking for someone who can bring both theological depth and cultural awareness to worship ministry

I'm not the right fit if:

• You're trying to become a famous worship leader or launch a touring ministry

• You have an unlimited budget and a staff of 15

• You're just looking for someone to tell you which songs are trending

What Makes DRWC Different

I hold the middle ground that many churches desperately need. I'm theologically grounded, gospel-centered, and deeply committed to doctrinal faithfulness. But I also believe worship should be expressive, culturally relevant, and authentically engaging.

You don't have to choose between depth and dynamics. Between theological precision and congregational participation. Between hymns and Hillsong.

My approach is both-and, not either-or.

I help you think through song selection that serves your specific congregation. Build systems that actually work in your context. Develop confidence in leading- both musically and pastorally. And most importantly, I help you clarify your vision so you can build strategically instead of reactively.

Some Wins Along the Way

Over 18 years at Bethel, I've been part of some incredible growth and transformation:

• Helped grow our church from around 2,000 to 4,000

• Launched and developed a healthy multisite worship ministry

• Co-founded Century Worship, our songwriting ministry

• Built volunteer recruitment and development systems that actually work

• Mentored worship leaders who are now leading with confidence

But here's the thing: your wins won't look like mine, and that's exactly the point. My job is to help you discover what faithfulness looks like in your specific context, then give you the tools and confidence to build it.

Let's Work Together

Having someone objective and outside your church to walk alongside you changes everything. You'll gain:

• Confidence to shepherd the room and lead your team with clarity

• Systems that actually work for recruitment, training, and development

• Vision that's clear, compelling, and uniquely fitted to your church

• Wisdom from someone who's made the mistakes so you don't have to

Don't walk alone. Don't learn everything the hard way.

Connect with DRWC and let's take your ministry to the next level—not for your glory, but for the glory of God and the good of your church.