Because the dream could really, really work here.

I grew up in Cuyahoga Falls. Falls High, class of ‘99 (I know, you’d never think I was older than thirty-nine. Sorry to disappoint). I’ve known and loved this city my whole life.

When you sense a call to plant a church, things you tend to think in selecting a location: “where can we be effective?” Where there is a need, and where you are similar to the people that live there.

My junior year in college, I did a year-long internship at a church in the country. Really nice people... but I learned I’m not a country boy. No offense, nothing wrong with them... suffice it to say that’s not where I fit.

I fit so well in Cuyahoga Falls. It’s a perfect place to live and raise kids. It’s half big city and half small town. I think and see the world similar to many of the people that live here. We’ve had a great experience with our kids’ school and the people we’ve met through it. We love our home and our neighborhood.

Simply put: where can we be effective to reach people?

For us, the answer was in coming home.

I recall when Jen and I first sensed a call, we were thinking of where we could go- where was there a need, and where could we be effective. We went on a few dates to Strongsville, looked at a few things. We really sought the Lord about it... and began to really feel called back to Cuyahoga Falls.

Now one thing I’d like to communicate: multiple things can be true at the same time. I can talk about the need in an area- which can be absolutely true- while not trying to put down what anyone else is doing in the area. There can be other good churches around while a great need remains. So, if you’re reading this, and are local in a church that you love: please don’t assume the negative! That’s really not what I’m trying to do.

It takes all flavors and styles of churches to reach all kinds of people! We won’t be everyone’s style, and that is ok! If you are looking for a good church in the area and we’re not the best fit, I’d be happy to recommend another. I mean, have you ever heard Joe Pryor preach? :) Really, really good. There are other great options besides us!

But like I said- multiple things can be true at the same time. Especially in the COVID era- I think every church in the area would agree that they’d love to be more effective in reaching people.

And even without that- there are 50,000 people in Falls proper, and 300,000 within easy driving distance. In observation, I think most of the church-going folks in the Falls are driving twenty minutes in any direction to one of the larger churches in other towns.

And, an educated guess that’s more solid than a guess.... quite a lot of Christ-followers got lost in the COVID-era shuffle and haven’t really been going anywhere or feel connected anymore.

You combine that with; since I know the city- Falls as a town had a boom in the 50s. The high school was huge. I know this because my dad was a Falls High grad (‘67). And, the city got older for a bit there- and now what I see are tons and tons of Millenials and Gen Z living here. It’s like a fresh demographic right in the middle of other cities.

I go downtown for festivals, and you can barely move because there are so many people. It’s like I’m on the train going to Yankee stadium or something- people everywhere.

Incredible economic development, parks everywhere, new high school / middle school.

And you can see all of that. But the subjective element, tell me if I’m wrong:

People are ridiculously busy. People are overwhelmed and stressed.

And people are lonely.

I think so many feel like they are adrift, just trying to feel some sense of stability, rest, or connection- spiritually and relationally.

I think the city is unbelievably ripe for a move of God that would change peoples lives.

I think we could really, really help a ton of people.

I think we could really develop into the kind of church you dream of but haven’t experienced before. Simply focused around the right things, helps you really connect with God, healthy, on mission... where you meet people who become your best friends.

Do we really need another church in town? First glance, honestly: probably not.

But studies show that new churches planted are one of the most effective ways to reach people.

And that’s what it’s about! God & people! So why not take a big swing at one of the best ways of accomplishing that?

I mean, what if this thing works? Can you imagine?

So again: if you are a local church-goer reading this, could you do me a kindness? Assume the best. I am cheering you on, and we are teammates, not competitors! I hope we’ll be a benefit to you, not a threat.

To borrow a phrase I’ve heard from a few pastors: “it’s like arguing over a fishing spot in the ocean. There’s plenty to go around.” My heart & attitude is humble as the newcomer to veteran pastors in town, and we are on the same team.

But multiple things can be true at the same time.

There are a lot of people that have gotten displaced from church and it’s been a long time since they’ve settled into a good healthy church. Maybe we’ll be a good fit for you... and God could do some really awesome things in your life.

Maybe there’s people reading this, in which- church hasn’t been your thing. Maybe you have some questions about religious stuff, or that the little bit of church exposure you had in the past was weird.... and you’re in a season of life now where you desire something more, something seems to be missing...

I think that Jesus loves you and has some things He’d love to do in your life; and maybe we could be a good fit where it would benefit you spiritually and make it easy to meet some great people. I think that Jesus might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

You know, Cuyahoga Falls- even the greater region- kind of got depressed for awhile there. I mean, we are the region of the “burning river” that caught on fire from all the pollution in it.

But in the last several years, with all the new restaurants and economic development- the packed festivals downtown- even how they went through the river and have taken out many of the dams..... now the river is clean, teeming with life... it feels kind of like the city is coming back, a renaissance-

And I can see a spiritual renaissance in the city coming, too... I can see this fresh, young church come in and God using it to really change peoples lives! I can see so many people putting their faith in Christ.... I can see us going to Waterworks and baptizing dozens of people in the river... I can see people being healed, people finding purpose on mission and people who have been lonely for a long time finding friendships and partners in changing the world together.

That’s why we’re Burning River Church. This place is coming back, and we’re here for it... and want God to use us to see that happen spiritually and relationally for people.

That’s why it’s Cuyahoga Falls.

In Cuyahoga Falls as it is in Heaven.

Because I believe God wants me to.

I told you I strove for simple, right?

When you go through any kind of ministry preparation, whether it’s church planting or other roles- there seems to be a recurring emphasis early on to discern if you’ve been “called” or not. The reason: ministry life can be really difficult. And if you don’t have that sense of calling clarified - jumping ship on those difficult days will seem awfully attractive.

In my late teenage years, after I really gave my heart to the Lord when I was sixteen- I started feeling a desire to maybe become a Pastor, or maybe become a theology professor (I would be the oddest theology professor a seminary has ever seen). I started out doing things in worship/music and student ministry, and the worship stuff kind of kept going to the next level.

Not that I was some kind of music prodigy, mind you. I think God in His sovereignty opened doors for me, and provided talented people with me.

Even the story of how worship leading began for me is funny. My sophomore year at college, they had these traveling teams that would go to churches and preach and sing, do the services. I tried out to be a preacher. They said, “that’s fine, but we need more male singers too, can you sing?”

“Nope.”

I was so shy about it that I couldn't really sing in front of the three people in the room asking me that. Eventually, one said, “here, I’ll sing this song, you sing along with me.” I mumbled out something, and they said, “yeah you’re in.”

“What just happened?”

A month later, I’m in Nitro, West Virginia leading worship with one of my best friends, Matt Shetler (yep- the same who is Lead Pastor of our sending church and elder at our plant) and a few others from the college who traveled there for the service- with all the skill of a guy who’d been playing guitar for three months.

Humble beginnings indeed. But it kept going to the next thing... and I grew to absolutely love it.

Though there are many funny stories along that journey, I’ll skip ahead:

It’s 2019, and I’m at a church where I’d been on staff for almost ten years, and I deeply love the people. It’s a great fit for how I like to do things. Really wonderful people, and the amount of fun and ministry we had together... just unreal. Such a gift.

But- I started feeling drawn to the idea of being a Lead Pastor... or maybe planting a church. I’m wondering if I’m in a mood... usually I’m a pretty open book, but I kept this one private.

A very longtime friend (who is an elder at our church now) - who has a walk with the Lord that I respect so deeply- calls me days after I started feeling that draw. We hadn’t spoken in maybe six months.

He said: “I was praying for you yesterday, and I felt the Lord tell me that you’ve been running from your call to be a Lead Pastor.”

Whoa.

I thanked him and listened- and began to seek the Lord about it.

Shortly after that, I got scheduled to preach. I preached a lot in my younger days, but not often in those years- I was doing worship, and there were several other really good preachers to be on the schedule. And you know; when you preach once or twice per year, you’re not comfortable until it’s over. And thankfully, church people are kind and gracious, and will tell you “good job” as they exit and go home... though you usually know better :)

I had asked God going into that day: “Lord, not the usual kindness from people... would you give me something specific to know if I’m on the right track?”

Three people pulled me aside privately afterward and said something to the effect of: “you should consider going and planting a church.”

God was really so kind and patient with me. I kept holding on to things, and He would give me such obvious confirmations and answered prayers- there’s more stories yet then I can list here.

And one thing, as important as anything else in the story- my wife was right with me. There was never convincing her or selling her on something... and the magnitude of life changes we made toward this end, she would have just cause if she wanted to be upset about it. Literally never.

We went through the assessment process with Stadia- one of the premier church planting organizations. They are not for the faint of heart, that's for sure. I am glad they are grilling potential pastors that hard... there was literally no stone left unturned in any faucet of our lives. I recall asking them when the swimsuit competition was... I don’t know if my sense of humor carries there..... but I digress...

At a culmination event in Chicago late summer 2024, our review panel- really wonderful, godly people, which is another story in itself- part of their job in the evaluation is to provide constructive criticism. One that made the top of the list: they nicknamed Jen and I “same brain,” because we were so in sync with each other and our sense of call and what we wanted to do.

Haha, I’ll take that. That’s not two passive people, nor two people eerily similar who just happened to find each other... that’s thousands of hours of conversation, and loving God and each other that deeply.

I’m not moving forward with one inch of this not only without her support... but in trusting her wisdom and leadership. And though we’re human too... we’ve been together. This is us together, 100%.

And you know, there are desires, dreams, relationships, environments... something like this is multi-faceted.

But at the end of the day- is this what God wants us to do?

I’ve never felt so out of control in my life. I can’t “make” anything happen. No matter how hard I work, how I scheme, or my best plans on paper...

But I think I’m not really the first one in line leading this.

I think God is doing something for His glory and for people He loves in Cuyahoga Falls.

So Lord, you have my yes. I’m in.

I’ll step out of the boat for you.

Let’s go.

What’s the heart of this upcoming church plant?

So people thrive with Jesus. Life to be done in Cuyahoga Falls as it is in heaven.

Ok, confession. I didn't come up with that phrase, I borrowed it. You may have heard it before:

“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NIV)

The Kingdom of God. What does that mean?

If God is all powerful, is everything that happens His will?

Why would Jesus pray for the Kingdom of God to come, and for things on earth to be what God wants...

For the range of theological and ideological perspectives that may read this... perhaps the one thing we can all agree on is that not everything in this world at the moment is “as it should be.”

Casual observation should tell you that. Stop and ruminate on it... it’ll break your heart.

Secondary question: if that’s true, if you believe that... not everything is “as it should be...”

Is there hope?

I mean, this side of eternity.

My friends, I do believe that Jesus is coming back. He will judge, He will redeem, he will make a new heaven and new earth... and in that day, the future hope will be fully realized. I believe in that future day the reign of Jesus will extend to everything everywhere, and things will be put to rights.

But that day hasn’t come yet.

So is the Kingdom of God just a future hope? Some sweet day we’ll get harps and float on clouds, and just be happy all the time?

Well-I wouldn’t put too much into the harps and clouds thing. While that future hope is indeed to a scope I can’t fathom... I do think the coming reign of Jesus will be more present and palpable than we can imagine.

But hope right now. In this life.

In your life.

This isn’t self-help, it’s not your best life now.

But could positive, deep life change happen for you? If God loves you, if God is powerful.... can He? Would He?

The Kingdom of God is where the rule and reign of Jesus can be a present reality experienced in the lives of His followers. It’s the idea that the Kingdom of God is now-and-not-yet. A future hope? You bet. But we can experience the power, authority, justice, and heart of Jesus here and now.

It kind of gets as simple as....

Do you think God loves you?

Do you think God wants to move in your life?

Do you think He can?

Maybe an insight would be to read through the Gospels, and simply ask yourself what Jesus spent most of His time doing....

Willing AND able. Not just on paper... in reality.

I think Jesus loves you to a depth that maybe you’ve never realized before. And you may be living frustrated, hurting, defeated, and lonely...

I can feel the compassion of Jesus for you...

I wonder if we prayed together and asked God to come into your life and situation, what He might do in you...

What if we took some risks? What if we embraced the potentially awkward? What if we made space, and very simply... not “working up” anything, just even and normal.... asked God to move in your life?

Honestly, like I’ve said before: I’ve been in church my whole life. I know how to do all the churchy stuff. And most of you have some level of experience with that... and that’s fine. The desire for this church isn’t as reduced as just another outlet for liturgy or religious task. The form without the power...

My drive isn’t really to show you my ministry.

I want you to experience His.

It’s the power of Jesus that can really transform. And that’s how things in this world, one person and story at a time- get put as they should be.

In us, through us... for people.

For you.

You think you have “stuff?” You come in anyway. We want you.

Jesus wants you.

If things came to be as they should be...

Come with me and take a risk.

“So where are your people coming from?”

I’ve been asked that in the last week. Fair question. The answer is: friends, family, and optimally people in Cuyahoga Falls and surrounding areas looking for a good church.

How will those people find out about it?

We’re hosting four Interest Meetings, the first of which is June 8th, 330p. We’ll advertise on social media- Facebook for my age and above, Insta for the cool kids- so people that are interested can come and get some wings & apps on the house, and hear about twenty minutes of vision from me and a few others on who we are and what we’d like to do. The whole thing will last about 45 minutes. Sweet and easy.

This first one will be in the Party Room in the back of On Tap Grill & Bar. We made it the afternoon so you can bring your kids (mine will be there!).

Now, we are having RSVP only and limiting to the first 35 people who sign up... after all, we can’t blow the whole budget on buffalo wings. Click here to go to the RSVP via the website.

Coming to the Interest Meeting doesn’t mean you are signing your life away! If you are curious or want to hear more, come on out! We’ll have an opportunity via a connection card at the end where you can indicate if you’d like to join the launch team, check it out when we launch, or even say something like “not for us but we’re cheering you on.”

The hope is- a handful of folks coming to this meeting will want to jump in with us - and possibly share with their friends who may be interested.

And honestly, I’d love it if a few friends of ours that may not be coming with us crashed the party for some free food and to show support.

So even if you are happy where you are, but want to help us get the word out to any friends or family you may have in the area- feel free to grab this graphic and share it with them! That would be awesome.

Any interest in what’s coming in this new church? I’d love to see you there!

I wrote last week that it’s “as simple as Jesus and people.”

I’ve found over the years in life and leadership that it’s easy to be complex, reactionary, or perhaps even disorganized… simple can be elusive.

Simple takes clarity, focus, and commitment. Kierkegaard said; “purity of heart is to will one thing.”

I’ve had a season to think through all the things…. and if we simply can make for a church that helps people thrive with Jesus…

I’ll sign up for that.

You just know it when you see it.

Being a “Christian” and doing religious tenets of the faith is one thing.

I really don’t have much of a desire to live life participating in a litany of spiritual task, calling it “deep” because it’s mystical and encouraging others to do the same.

I just want to be with Jesus and tell people how great Jesus is.

EVERYTHING good- He’s where that’s coming from.

You know for me- I was 16. I grew up in church, there every time the doors were open. Played on the church worship team. I even had a purple suit (glad there are no pictures of that). All the things. Hey, it was the 90s.

I also played JV basketball for Falls then - now I wasn’t very good and barely played, so if you went to Falls at the time you might not even remember.

But a week after the season, in a pickup game, I got an injury in my back that made me sit out of sports for a bit. And I came to realize how depressed and angry I was. Even though I wasn’t a great basketball player- it was my world. Most important to me... and I was miserable.

I had an epiphany that I needed Jesus.

I already was a Christian. I did all the things. Didn’t I already “have him?”

Well- sitting in tenth grade in room 201 at Falls High, not paying attention in Algebra class- I said inside:

“Ok Jesus. I’m tired of this; this isn’t working.

I want you to have my heart.”

My friends: I am far from perfect; but I’ve never been the same.

There was a shift. I fell in love with Jesus.

Not check-the-box Christian or a cold conversion. An encounter.

Even when you’ve had Christian religious experience in the past… that shift when you see Jesus in a different way than ever before…

That is life-changing like nothing else I’ve ever experienced..

It’s just Jesus.

And that’s what we’re after- for people to THRIVE with Jesus.

He let me see who He is... I “got it” like never before... and now I really, really love Jesus.

That’s what I want for this church, and that’s what I want for you.

I want to share with you what I’ve found. Who I found.

Can you be safe to come as you are... full of doubt, full of questions, still making up your mind... and maybe instead of the norm...

Can we be focused around the right things?

Can we intentionally make space?

Can we not get derailed by the (maybe) good peripheral things of church life, but ask God for His best?

I pray our church would be the kind of place where people walk in and are like, “whoa….. I get this sense that God is here.”

I pray that our church would be the kind of place where people who don’t like “churchy”…. might actually kind of like our vibe and find a place they can connect with Jesus.

I pray that our church would be the kind of place where some people who have been hurt in church in the past, step at a time, come in and experience safety, patience, kindness, and re-build trust… and that healing opens the door to experience Jesus in ways that they’ve hungered for, for maybe a long time.

And maybe even find a friend who inspires you towards Jesus.

I’ve seen it. I’ve experienced it. Jesus has radically changed my life.

So people can thrive with Jesus…. Lord, let it be.

Why plant a new church?

It’s really as simple as: Jesus and people.

Can we do that in other ways, at other places? Of course.

But I think God wants to do something new and special in Cuyahoga Falls - and I’m here for it.

I’ll tell the story of my calling to church planting in another post soon- how me and my family came to plant a church, how we picked Cuyahoga Falls, etc....

But I believe God is in this. There has been thing after thing, answered prayer after answered prayer that makes me believe that this is a wave God has made.... and we’re riding it.

You want me to get really honest?

I’ve been a Worship Pastor for twenty years. I’ve grown up in the church. And while I’ve experienced a lot of good things, great people, and have plenty of great God-stories... I’ve also seen a lot of really rough things behind the scenes. Things that make you question your belief in God, if God is there and loves you... and if being part of a church is a good idea or not.

Now there’s plenty of good people doing good things out there- I’m not trying to take a shot at anybody.

I simply dream of making for one local church that is pure around Jesus and people.

A healthy church that actually benefits you and adds value to your life... instead of church politics and drama eventually eating up your soul.

A healthy church that’s light on “being churchy” - you know, that weird way people get where their language and behavior are really communicating “you can visit if you want, but this place is really for us and our friends.” (We’ll genuinely be pumped to see you)

A healthy church where worship isn’t boring and lifeless, but you get inspired to a big view of God and when you realize, when you see it... a Jesus who loves you so completely, and the price Jesus paid so that you could have forgiveness, freedom and eternal life... it just changes you. And a church that makes space for the Holy Spirit’s presence... without getting nuts.

A healthy church that shares the Gospel, and presents things in normal ways... and people get captured by Jesus and see their lives be completely changed for the better. I see so many people trusting in Christ as their Savior!

Oh, you’d like Jesus so much... I’m tellin ya.

A healthy church where, that stuff behind-the-scenes that I mentioned earlier? Well- we’re gonna deal with our stuff in appropriate ways and see to it that doesn’t happen here. Nobody under this bus.

A healthy church where, as people go through life with its challenges, highs and lows... it is easy to develop friendships and deep relationships where you don’t have to go through life alone. Let’s end the pandemic of loneliness.... at least in our corner of the world.

Why not?

What if this works?

It’s as simple as Jesus and people.

So people can thrive with Jesus... life done in Cuyahoga Falls as it is in heaven.

The way things should be.... could be.

What if God did things like this in your life?

What if you found Jesus... and experienced Him like never before?

What if you experienced church in a way that added value to your life... and made things better?

What if, whatever you’ve got going on right now.... you didn’t have to go through it alone?

I’ll be writing regular blog posts on this page... maybe not forever, but for the next season:

Come on into this story.