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 Israel after receiving his Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI). For the last several years, he has been led trips to Israel, Jordan, and Turkey.
Along with leading biblical study trips, Brad serves as the Teaching Pastor at Central Wesleyan Church (Holland, MI). Brad also serves as a faculty instructor for the Gray Institute (Adrian, MI), and has been instrumental in the development of the Free2Play Academy.
Brad’s great love is spending time with my family. He 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 & Calyx.