About Josh

I am very blessed to serve as the Lead Pastor of North Oak Community Church in Hays, Kansas. NOCC is a Mennonite Brethren congregation that believes Jesus is the hope of the entire world. We value Jesus’ teachings and commit our lives to becoming more like him.

My wife Vanlalhmachhuani (aka “Amy”) is a native of India and an incredible woman of God. She is a constant source of joy and wonder, and the longer we are married the more I appreciate her wisdom and spiritual strength. She is from the Mizo tribe of Northeast India, and has bachelor’s degrees in both English and Religious Education.

Our three grown children are the dearest “possessions of our hearts.” Our two sons live in Michigan, with one graduating from Calvin University and the other will soon graduate from Hope College. Our daughter lives in Kansas City with her loving husband and golden-doodle.

Passions and Interests

My wife and I love everything about church ministry. I even like committee meetings! All of it is a joy, from the kids’ programs, to pastoral counseling, to chatting in the foyer between services. North Oak Community Church is a truly special place that puts a high value on unity and close relationships.

I’m also a bit of a motorcycle nut. While I sold the Harley last year, I recently bought a Suzuki S50 that’s a blast to use around town. Other interests include strong coffee (almost unrighteously strong), thick books, and anything to do with the outdoors. Much to my wife’s chagrin, I also love sci-fi TV shows.

Education

God had richly blessed me with a love for study. John Calvin once said that the two greatest subjects of study were God and those made in God’s image (humanity). Our the last few decades, I’ve focused my study interests in those two areas. I hold an MA in Counseling (Cornerstone University) and a Master of Divinity (Grand Rapids Theological Seminary).

I’m currently a PhD candidate in Biblical Studies/Interpretation at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My current research interests include Justice in the Biblical and Ancient World, Intertextuality, New Testament Gospels, Eighth Century Jewish Prophets, Second Temple Judaism, and Ethical Theory. My dissertation is in process and is tentatively titled, “Justice and Conflict in Matthew’s Gospel: Intertextual Considerations on a Messianic Theme.”