My Journey and Heart for Ministry
I grew up in Orange County in a bi-cultural Christian family. I was baptized when I was 13, and in college, I realized that ministry was not just something I enjoyed, it was what God was calling me to do. I studied Christian Education at Biola University and later earned an M.Div. and an M.A. in Counseling Ministries from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Since then, I have served in churches in a variety of roles: with students and families, in adult discipleship, through preaching and pastoral care, and alongside churches walking through change. My first ordination was in a Black Baptist church, my second in a Chinese-American church, and my previous setting was a multi-national mega-church. These experiences clarified something I already believed: real growth happens when people are known in community and given space to do the work of Jesus.
Why "Tables" Church?
This is the next step in my personal discipleship journey. As I seek to do the work of Jesus, He's been leading me step by step back toward His ancient model of discipleship.
We open the Bible, listen, talk, pray, and make room for one another’s stories. Most importantly, we are each involved in the process of making disciples. Jesus would teach, model ministry, then create a setting where His disciples can practice doing what He just did. That's His discipleship model.
Tables Church is a place where people from different backgrounds can meet Jesus, learn to care for one another, and do the Kingdom work of Jesus. It's not about having the right answer or pretending life is easy. Jesus would make room for people who have felt overlooked, unsure, or out of place in religious settings. It is about learning to follow Jesus together.
Life Beyond Sundays
My wife, Bethany, and I met in our seminary counseling program, and we now have two wonderful daughters. We live right here in Orange County. When I am not pastoring, you can usually find me in the backyard firing up my smoker for some low-and-slow cooking to share with family and friends. My family and I love hiking together, video games, and reading fantasy books.
Pull Up a Chair
Whether you have been part of church for years, have been away for a while, or are not sure what you believe, there is room for you at Tables Church.
Come join us this Sunday. We'll save you a seat.