Where were you born and raised?

I come from Hillsborough, New Jersey, which is the same town where my father was born and raised.

Where did you go to school?

I’m a double-Dukie: I received my bachelor’s in Public Policy from Duke in 2004, and my Master of Divinity in 2010.

Who is in your family?

I’m the husband of Heather Bixler; we were married in October, 2010. I have two parents and a large extended family up in New Jersey, and Heather’s parents live in Manassas, Virginia.

Any pets?

Nope!

What is most important about your work at Edenton Street? What drives you? What is your passion?

It’s been one of the great joys in my life to be called to walk alongside God’s people as they grow in faith and love. The church’s caring ministry often meets people at their least protected moments, and that’s a sacred space where the Holy Spirit really does work on us. I’m blessed to find myself in such places in the life of Edenton Street.

What two people have most influenced you?

What a dreadfully difficult question. Can I say Jesus and my wife?

What are your favorite books, movies or songs?

Some of my favorite (if very different) writers are Flannery O’Connor and John McPhee. I’d say that the single best book I read in seminary was The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann. And, four favorite songwriters: Charles Wesley, Bruce Springsteen, Gillian Welch, and John Darnielle (of Durham’s own The Mountain Goats).

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to go hiking, and to play tennis. I enjoy reading, mostly nonfiction. I of course enjoy cheering on my favorite teams: the Duke Blue Devils, New York Giants, and New York Mets. I dabble, with varying levels of success, in bread-baking, furniture-making, and banjo-playing.

If you weren’t working at Edenton Street, what would your profession be?

Most recently I was working as Special Assistant to the Dean at Duke University Chapel, so that’s the most literal answer. But, before I sensed and accepted my call to ministry, I was doing nonprofit fundraising in Washington, DC, and eyeing a career advocating for social justice through public policy.

What’s your favorite food?

I give thanks for Peter’s vision in Acts 10, when God tells Peter that four-legged creatures are not profane and may be eaten. The right pork tenderloin can change your life.

What do you order when you go to Starbucks?

Directions to a locally-owned coffee shop! Or, just plain coffee.

What did your parents call you when you were in trouble?

I don’t remember this circumstance ever arising…