Today’s conversation is a special one. My friend, Dr. Mike Kipp, is here to share with us, and let me tell you what… I am so thankful for this conversation. Mike is a devoted follower of Jesus and an avid wake surfer. He loves his family deeply, he is a beloved professor of practical theology and someone who dives in to love on the often forgotten people in our community…

And…. Mike has gone through some really tough times. In fact, he went through a time several years ago when he felt like God was absent… Yes. A leader in the church felt this way and I am just so grateful that he is willing to share his story, because oftentimes we feel like we can’t voice our hardships or speak up about our crises of faith. Today, Mike will share what his season of darkness was like and how he sifted his way through with vulnerability, authenticity, and the faith and love of his community.

We can make it through the dark, but we can’t do it alone. So, as we dive into this episode, I hope you are reminded that there are others who are with you on the journey. I also hope that you are reminded today that you are seen and known by God…. The God who doesn’t run from suffering, but runs toward it for our sake.

Mike Kipp has served young people in various roles for the past 30 years in California, Kansas and Idaho.  He's been a youth pastor, professor, pastor of intergenerational connections and  public school board member.  For the past 18 years he has taught at Northwest Nazarene University and is a professor of practical theology.  Mike has degrees from Cal Poly SLO, Nazarene Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary. Mike is also the author of the several works, including his latest book, Making Room: The Purpose and Practice of Youth Ministry.

Mike is married to Sandy and they have two kids, Spencer and McKenna, with whom they love to adventure. Mike loves the academic calendar because all summer he gets to mountain bike, camp, wake surf, and read the daily newspaper with a cup of coffee.