About

PASTOR “The Reverend”

Chris was ordained in the ELCA in 2013. Like many, his journey into this calling was winding. “Pastor Chris” has worked in various ministry positions, as a Youth and Family Director, a Vicar (ministry intern), a Co-Pastor in a large parish, a Supply Pastor (serving over two dozen churches), an Interim Pastor, a hospital Chaplain, and the Solo Pastor of a congregation.

Pastor Chris has served in the Nebraska Synod, the Southwestern PA Synod, and the Lower Susquehanna Synod. His ministry role has connected him with various nonprofits and agencies along the way. During his time as an intern, he wrote his first traditional publication: The Haiku Bible (2012).

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR “Doctor”

Chris has always been too inquisitive for his own good. After years of colleagues and friends chiding by calling him “Professor,” Chris (with huge family support) entered full-time graduate study at the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Religion and Culture, and completed his PhD in 2021.

While at CUA, Chris began publishing and presenting scholarly and academic research, particularly focusing on Mainline Decline, Digital Religion Studies, and Ethics. Chris has presented for various scholarly and clergy groups across the United States and internationally, or as he says, “from Portland (OR) to Poland!”

After his time as a research assistant and teaching assistant, Chris began teaching his own courses at CUA. These included introductions to Christian theology and methods in religious studies, as well as world religions. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Gettysburg College.

MARTIAL ARTIST “Sabum”

Chris has been training in Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean martial art since 2006 at Kim’s Karate, part of the Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation, earning a 5^th degree black belt.

Now “Sun Bae Sabum” or “Senior Master Suehr”, has competed in dozens of martial arts tournaments throughout the mid-Atlantic region, at different times winning first place in all areas (sparring, forms, breaking, weapons) and three grand champion awards (forms twice, breaking once.)

Master Suehr enjoys the focus and relaxation that he finds in forms, the ancient movements of traditional martial arts.

HUMAN “Hey you!”

Somewhere in the middle of all that is Chris, a guy who is comfy in jeans and a hoodie, who likes to read, write, move, and make. He’s happy to play a game, build something out of scraps in the basement workshop, or just hang out with his people and his rabbit.

CHILD OF GOD <><

Chris signs his emails with the little fish <>< because that’s the most important among all of it. In Philippians 3, Paul rattles off a bunch of his credentials, but concludes that “everything [is] loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Phil 7:3:8a)

What more is there?

Peace,
Chris
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