About Brad
There are experiences in life that change everything. For Brad, his first biblical study trip to Israel and Turkey with Ray Vander Laan was one of those experiences that changed the trajectory of his life. Understanding the text in its cultural, geographical, historical, and Jewish contexts unleashed the depth and nuance of the Bible in the most compelling and awe-inspiring of ways. This experience launched him into a lifelong pursuit of seeking to understand what is going on in the Bible. Brad’s greatest desire is teaching people how to passionately love the Text - the very words of God! For as the Rabbis encouraged, "Pore over it again and again, for everything is contained in it; look into it, grow old and gray over it, and do not depart from it, for there is no better pursuit for you than this" (m. Avot 5:27).
Brad has been on numerous biblical study trips with Ray Vander Laan to Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Sinai, both as a participant and as a facilitator. In addition, Brad had the privilege of studying for a year at Jerusalem University College in downtown Jerusalem after receiving his Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI). During his seminary studies, Brad had the opportunity of interning at Mars Hill Bible Church, where he had the distinct privilege of learning under Rob Bell, who taught him volumes on studying the Bible and the art of communication. In addition to Ray and Rob, individuals such as Jeff Manion, George DeJong, Tim Brown, Steve Weber, and Paul Wright have poured into Brad and have been incredible springs of wisdom, encouragement, guidance, love, and support. Brad is also greatly indebted to the writings and teachings of the late Dwight Pryor whose work has been very instrumental in shaping his understanding of the biblical story.
Along with leading biblical study trips, Brad serves as the Lead Teaching Pastor at Solomon's Porch (Jenison, MI). Additionally, Brad serves as a faculty instructor for the Gray Institute (Adrian, MI), and assists with a discipleship ministry called Under the Fig Tree Ministries (Holland, MI).
In addition to his Masters of Divinity and graduate studies in Jerusalem, Brad holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, MI).
Brad’s great love is spending time with my family. He thoroughly enjoys exercising and athletics, such as hiking, running, cycling, swimming, weight lifting, basketball, and golf. He also enjoys reading, music, and films. And Brad openly admits that he is a sucker for peppermint patties, fajitas, and tangerines.
Brad lives in Holland, MI with his wife, Shallon, and their three children, Denyon, Aryah, and Calyx.