Joe is passionate about blending ancient Christian contemplative practice with interfaith spirituality and creative expression to co-create cross-generational, communal spiritual practices that energize and sustain the work of confronting injustice, practicing forgiveness, serving the vulnerable, and offering hospitality. As a certified spiritual director (The Haden Institute), Joe also works one-on-one with folks who are seeking guidance in making and discovering meaning in their lives, particularly those who are in the midst of spiritual transition or who have suffered religious trauma. In addition to his work at First Church and as a spiritual director, Joe is an academic theologian. He has a Ph.D. in theology and religious studies (Duquesne University), with a specialization in New Testament and early Christianity. He teaches theology and ethics at Duquesne University and in the Correctional Education Program of Ashland University, and he is a fellow of the Steel City Theology Collaborative. Before coming to First Church, Joe served a number of United Methodist and Lutheran (ELCA) congregations as a director of Christian education and youth ministry. Joe is incredibly lucky to be Gwendolen’s husband (yes, that Gwendolen) and dad to three really cool kids! He is a practitioner of aikijujitsu, an avid Texas hold ‘em player, and a bluegrass enthusiast.