The year after I graduated from high school was a tough year. I had already decided to attend Cincinnati Chrisitan University the following year. However, because I made that decision later in the summer, I stayed with my, then current plan to attend Miami University. During that school year I not only studied as a full-time student, but I also found myself working three jobs (two on campus and the other...

It was one year ago this week that I was on a solo trip hiking in Colorado and Wyoming. I’ve thought back to that time often over this last year. The sights, the sounds, the smells. It was beautiful. And though I often think how desperately I’d love to go back there more frequently, I know that’s not really a reality. I was blessed during that time to keep a journal. I’m not much of a consistent journaler, but I am so glad that I kept one. It was during this time last year th

I have sensed something for a few years now. I have seen it. I have shared that sensing with some others and they see it, too. I see it at White Oak. Our cultural climate has affirmed this as well. What is it? I have seen a lot of young people showing great curiosity for spiritual things...

In 2007 I boarded a plane along with other staff members of White Oak and flew to San Diego. Our purpose was to attend a multi-site church conference. That was a new concept and phrase which I had just been exposed to. We spent the week listening to church leaders from South Carolina, Chicago, and California talk about what it meant to be a multi-site church. Soon after, White Oak made the decision to...

I often sit down with couples who are about to get married and ask them to tell me about their households as they were growing up. These questions are meant for the couple to consider the ways in which their families interacted, what they talked about, what they didn’t talk about, how they treated one another, how they approached various topics, and what they valued. Pre-marital couples are encouraged to reflect on these things because they need to consider the origins of the

When I was the youth pastor at White Oak in the early 2000’s, I recall a rhythm I undertook one day each year. On that day, I would find a coffee shop somewhere in town or I would find a nice seat at a park lodge, and I would spend the day reading, dreaming, and planning for the future of our youth ministry. Those days, though few, filled my soul. I often came back from them energized and ready to..

When I was in middle school I thought I wanted to become an architect. I loved drawing houses and buildings. However, I hated math. A little bit later I was thinking about something in the medical field. But I didn’t really have a reason why I considered pursuing that. And then in high school I thought I would like to become a...

Do you remember that feeling of the back-to-school season as a kid? Not the feeling of dread. I’m talking about the feeling of anticipation. I grew up in a family where you didn’t get new shoes very often. But every now and then we got new shoes when the first day of school rolled around. I remember the feeling of anticipation as that first day neared. I couldn’t wait to wear my new shoes. I’d keep them in my room in the box right up to that day. With each day that passed...

It has been nearly 18 years since White Oak made one of the most significant decisions in her history. We became a multi-site church. 18 years ago, the Lead Pastor at the time asked me if I could transition into the position of Campus Pastor and build a team of people who would become the launch team of our Ross Twp. Campus. I made that transition in September 2008 leaving my position...

Would you like to learn more about White Oak’s mission and vision? Have an opportunity to meet some of our pastors and staff? Would you like to know what it means to be a White Oak partner? Join us for Discover White Oak. This event is held several times per year. Enjoy a meal while you meet new friends and hear all about what White Oak has to offer. Discover White Oak Locations: Colerain Campus (3675 Blue Rock Rd. 45247): in Room 220 Ross Campus (1500 Ross Millville Rd., 4