BLOG: INFO & INSIGHTS

This past Sunday we had a big announcement about our newest staff member. Our lead team has been praying and felt a big need for someone invested in the future of our Northside campus. We went through many resumes and interviews and offered the job to Braden. This isn't an internship position - Braden has received his Masters degree in ministry & has been serving in churches and will be transitioning from a church in Arizona. He will be raising some of his salary (like all of our other pastors did when they came on staff). He is moving this week and trying to find a place to live. So be praying for them as they move here and begin on staff in early September. 

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I asked Braden a few questions for you to get to know him...

1) Tell us about yourself: 
I was born in Grand Rapids and spent most of my growing up years in Rockford. I graduated from Rockford High School co-founder of the Chess Club, a Varsity Debate Team member, a mediocre Ski Team participant, and having been dismissed from the school band! Some of my best memories growing up were on the water in Muskegon, Grand Haven, and Newaygo. I went to Calvin College in Grand Rapids and then on to graduate school outside of Chicago. I even spent one summer living on a boat in Muskegon and working downtown with Americorps! I met and married my wife in graduate school and then we moved to Arizona in 2013. I had been working with students at church in Tucson, Arizona. We love the desert, but are thankful God has led us back to Michigan and closer to family. We have two young daughters and a labradoodle, who thinks she's truly our first born child!

2) What are you looking forward to about being back in West MI?
Well, the weather isn't at the top of my list but it is for my wife! :) She loves the seasons (especially fall) and can't wait to bundle up and go apple picking. She also loves the trees and green foliage that we don't have here in Arizona. I miss the water a lot and can't wait to get back out on the lake. We're thrilled to be able to raise our family close to grandparents and the people of West Michigan. I'm excited to root for the Wolverines on home turf (pun intended! ;) I should probably mention The Journey in here somewhere, huh?!? :D We're pumped to join the team here and be part of what God is doing through this church! We've never seen anything like it! Happy to be home.

3) Why in the world would you agree to be on our crazy staff?
Matt took us to Ryke's bakery on our first visit here. End of Story. Ha! No but seriously, how had I never been there before!! The truth is that we just sensed this is where God wanted us to be! You have a great staff at The Journey that really functions like a team and is fully surrendered to the mission God has given you. I'm humbled to be invited in, be able to learn and grow into the role God has for me here, and contribute to the work of this team!

4) Where are some things you are into?
I still enjoy a casual game of chess or a spirited ping pong match. I love to ski, golf, scuba dive, ride my bike, go sailing (or anything on the water), and travel. My favorite thing, though, is hanging out with my family and having fun on our adventures together! I'm still a lifelong Detroit sports fan (my wife is Cubs and Bears fan though... we're still working on that!) and a Wolverine at heart. I love the outdoors and am excited to be back in the 4 season playground of Michigan.

5) What’s your favorite country song?
I really don't know anything about country music! Hey, we all have flaws right?! Unless you're going all the way back to Johnny Cash, I've got nothin'!

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