Skills

I took the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment to put language to how I work. Adjectives are easy to claim, so instead of stopping at the labels, here is where each strength actually shows up — grouped by Gallup's domains: Executing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking.

1. 1
   Belief Certain · Passionate · Committed

   Where it shows up: Before this residency started, I served for three years in high school ministry at my home church. Now I lead a small group here every Wednesday. I try to prepare for a room of sixteen-year-olds with the same seriousness I would for a Sunday morning with adults.

2. 2
   Achiever Driven · Diligent · Ambitious

   Where it shows up: In the past year I've preached to a high school ministry, spoken to college students through Kamp Love at SDSU, and guest-preached in adult congregations. That's alongside a full-time residency and finishing two degrees. I try to prepare the same way whether it's eight teenagers or a full room.

3. 3
   Relator Friendly · Loyal · Genuine

   Where it shows up: I show up to the same small group of high schoolers every Wednesday. Three years of that at my home church taught me that trust with a teenager is built in the room, week after week, not from a stage. I'd rather know a few students well than stay surface-level with a crowd.

4. 4
   Intellection Reflective · Contemplative · Thoughtful

   Where it shows up: Every sermon starts with text study and exegesis long before anyone hears it, including the one I preached to our high school ministry. Coursework in biblical languages and apologetics shapes how I think through what a sixteen-year-old, or a full congregation, needs to hear, and why.

5. 5
   Learner Curious · Inquisitive · Studious

   Where it shows up: I'm working on two very different degrees at once. Three years of high school ministry taught me things a classroom couldn't. I've also built a preaching practice from scratch since 2025, starting with a small group of teenagers and, I hope one day, a Sunday morning with the whole church. Each one meant starting as a beginner again.

These show up throughout my résumé and cover letter — see them applied to a specific role in the Documents section.