The mission of Redemption is the same mission Jesus gave his followers: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The vision of Redemption is create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

My wife, Sarah, and our four children are excited to call Erie home. We've been married for 18 years and love spending time with our kids. As you can probably tell, there's almost never a dull moment.
Previous to Redemption in Erie, we served a church in Western North Carolina for 14 years. We are so grateful for every experience that the Lord has given us to us to serve. We've met so many incredible people along the way. And we'd love to meet you too.
I earned a B.A. in theology and biblical languages from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN, and an M.Div. from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI. In addition to serving as a full time pastor and missionary, I've been able to serve our broader network of churches by presenting at national and regional conferences, helping train several pastoral interns, and serving on committees for outreach, youth, and discipleship.

We believe and teach that no amount human effort can possibly earn God’s favor or lead to eternal life. Thankfully, God’s love caused him to send his Son Jesus Christ to live and die for us. God offers forgiveness and salvation to the whole world as free gifts. Everyone who puts their trust in Christ as their Savior will be saved.

We believe that every word of the Bible is God’s Word. We also believe that the Bible is its own best interpreter. Rather than approaching the Bible with a predetermined idea of what it says, we let the Bible speak for itself. Even more than the specific doctrines we confess, this approach to reading the Bible and this process for understanding it define us.

“Redemption” literally means to be bought back. The good news (gospel) of the Bible teaches Jesus Christ bought us from sin, death, and evil with his perfect life, sacrificial death, and rising from the grave. This gospel is the only way to salvation. In addition, this gospel is put to work in every facet of our ministry because it is the message God uses to work faith and transform lives.

As a Lutheran Church we hold to truths that free us from spiritual oppression, worldly reliance, and self-help. Instead God’s Word teaches that we have forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and an everlasting foundation in Christ. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and on the basis of Scripture alone.

Our mission and ministry was born out of genuine relationships with neighbors and friends who care. We want to welcome you to share in a close-knit community that goes beyond Sunday mornings.

Each of us are looking for something more than what we see and know on our own. The Scriptures provide profound answers and practical guidance that transform our lives as we grow together.

We all want to make a difference. Erie certainly deserves our best. Our purpose is to serve others together to positively impact our community, both in Erie and around the globe. 

God has not given us eternal salvation so that we would live for ourselves. We are here to serve our community with this gospel and with our lives of service. 

Join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at Highlands Elementary. There will be intentional time for the kids, a compelling message that transcends self-help, and an atmosphere where families can connect.