Joshua is Christ Our King’s Youth Coordinator and also an Ordinand (a candidate in discernment for Holy Orders). Joshua felt called to create a ministry for current and potential youth at COKA and the churches within our diocese. His interest in youth ministry was sparked by a close friend who provided opportunities to minister to youth through retreats. It was then that Joshua realized the impact of this ministry, and from there it led him and his wife to work as house parents for orphaned teens. Realizing the lack of support for teens, he gained an interest for ways to provide youth with a safe environment where they can develop and grow. He is especially passionate about the healthy development which takes place in adolescents, and how faith changes as children transition towards adulthood. In his words: "I believe we struggle over how to healthily, effectively, and properly engage youth; not just in the church but for our general culture. I believe that youth ministry has a place to both help youth responsibly grow up, while also advocating for them as they learn personal independence. Children who grow up into healthy faithful adults are the lifeblood of the church, and youth ministry is essential is this turbulent time of transition.” As an Ordinand, Joshua has been training for Holy Orders through preaching and supporting Fr. Trevor. Early on since becoming a Christian, he has had many people speak into his life to encourage him to do ministry. He went to Briercrest Seminary with that goal, and through his time there he became deeply convicted to participate in the Anglican Tradition. He has been working towards that goal with Holy Orders in mind by the consistent encouragement and affirmation from God's people.
Joshua is married to Jaymee and they have two cats, Aloe & Boulder. They are also looking forward to their first baby due later this year! He is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah and attended school at Briercrest Seminary in Saskatchewan, where he obtained a B.A. with a major in theology, double minor in biblical studies and biblical languages, and a Master of Divinity and Master of Counselling. He works as a counsellor by day, and enjoys video games, board games, traveling, and sports….but only if the sport involves his home state of Utah. He loves to connect with people over meals and board games, or through conversations over coffee. Joshua aspires to collect enough books on theology to fill a hundred libraries, and someday hike all through the Rockies!
