Joe is a recorded Friends Minister. God called Hoosier Quakers Joe and Susie to move to Long Beach in 1986 to work in the ministry of LBFC. Joe’s formal education in Computer Science, specializing in software tools and Artificial Intelligence, equipped him for “tent-making” opportunities that supported their ministry here in Long Beach. Joe helped start several software companies in various leadership roles while also serving in ministry, for the last 23 years as Pastor here at LBFC. People at LBFC describe him as “one-of-a kind, caring, flexible, a teacher, thoughtful, a nerd, and open to growth and constructive criticism.” He and Susie have been married over 40 years. Susie serves as Financial Services Officer for the Long Beach Unified School District.
Joe loves to see people grow into devoted followers of Jesus and relishes seeing God develop young people in the church into amazing Christ-like leaders. He loves to teach and preach, and finds audio courses from Regent College in Vancouver extremely helpful! Joe enjoys hiking, photography, learning, writing, technology, travel, and both reflective solitude and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.