Role at The Avenue?

Director of Worship and Arts AKA Mama Class

Why are you at The Avenue?
I had been serving as a worship pastor at a church, but didn't feel like God had called me there, so I was looking for a new place of service. That's when a friend contacted me and said, "Have you heard about this church plant called The Avenue?" I sent an email to the only email address I could find on the website, and that's when the ball started rolling and God took control and as He always does and worked things out. I began to meet with Nick, and my wife and I began attending when we could and we fell in love with the mission and vision of the church - imagine a church that wants to DO something, not just be a fortress of Christians, but banquet of Christ's followers seeking to feed the masses that don't know or don't care about Him.  we've gotten to know a few people and found that our hearts and minds fit right in with where The Avenue is going and that's how we came to be and feel called to serve.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Kansas City north, but we moved to Roswell, NM (yes, where the UFO stuff alledgedly happened) to serve as a youth pastor. We moved back and now live in Independence, MO.  

Favorite Authors?
I am a huge fan of Donald Miller's writings, particularly Blue Like Jazz, and Through Painted Deserts (someday I dream of owning a VW MicroBus) Rob Bell's books are convicting and uplifting at the same time, C.S. Lewis challenges me - I liked the Narnia books, but the Great Divorce is probably my favorite of his.

What other ministries have you been involved in?
Since graduating from college I've served in quite a few churches, (FBC Raytown, MO - Metro worship leader, The Salvation Army - Westport, MO - MetroYAM worship leader and director,  FBC Roswell, NM - youth pastor and worship leader, FBC Pleasant Hill, MO - worship pastor,  and before that I've worked in a bookstore, a toystore, K-mart, another bookstore.

Favorite Movies?
My favorite movie of all time is 'Stranger Than Fiction' starring Will Ferrell - I love the picture of doing what you've always wanted to do and living the life you should, not the one you have to. (plus in the end Harold gives all he can so someone else may benefit - hmmm...kind of sounds like Jesus) I love movies!

Favorite TV Shows?
I wholehearted am a huge fan of The Office, Chuck, The Big Bang Theory, Scrubs, anything on the history channel...

What do you love about this area?
I love independence, the Plaza, First Fridays, the Plaza Art Fair, Nelson Atkins, all the museums and great things to do. GO CHIEFS! I really enjoy riding my bike on Little Blue Trace. My family lives here as well as a lot of my college friends. My best friends live here in the area and i hated living away from them.

Music Favorites?
U2 is the best band ever and anyone who disagrees may God convict you of your sin. Just kidding. I like The Barenaked Ladies, Coldplay, Jars of Clay, Mike Doughty, The Polyphonic Spree, Mutemath, Spoon, anything done by the Passion artists - Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Kristian Stanfill and Steve Fee - soo much music not enough time to listen...I love music...always interested in something new and cool...itunes, i love you (when i have giftcards).

Tell us about your family.
I've been married to Lindsay Class for three years. I was leading worship for a singles ministry and she was attending...

What are you passionate about?
I like way too much stuff to list here...music, movies, food, (Chick-Fil-A is my favorite place to eat! I love Mexican food, pizza, Italian, and some good ol' KC barbeque), traveling, riding my bike, and more. I love making people laugh and having a good time, and just hanging out with people...I love getting together and just spending time with people. There's a personality test that uses animals to describe what kind of person you are, and my outcome is an Otter...and I think that's probably the best animal description of me. I am addicted to Facebook, and gmail is coming in a close second...