Growing up in Vancouver, Washington, Mike first started playing guitar at the age of 18. His dad had an old guitar and showed Mike a few chords, teaching him songs like YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE. Soon after, Mike started writing songs and leading worship for his church.
In the fall of 1998, Mike traveled to Lakeside, Montana to Youth With A Mission, a missionary training center. He continued to develop his skills as a worship leader as he led a band to Central India on his outreach.
Following his return home, Mike became the worship pastor at Grace Foursquare church in Camas. Mike had written several original songs by this time, and decided to make his own record. So with a few friends he recorded his fist album HERE WITH YOU in the summer of 2000.
In the summer of 2004 Mike started his next album, this time with the help of a friend from his YWAM days, Aaron Sternke. Aaron came out to Washington and produced Mike's current album, THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE. Many of the songs of THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE as well as HERE WITH YOU have become standards in worship for many churches across the United States.
After winning WORSHIP LEADER MAGAZINE'S best new artist in the fall of 2006, Mike was contacted by Brentwood/Benson/Greatworshipsongs.com to discuss a writing deal. They finalized their deal in the spring of 2007. Mike hopes to reach an even larger audience with his music through this new opportunity.
Currently Mike lives with his wife Amber in Vancouver, WA and is a worship leader for a Sunday night service at Beaverton Foursquare in Beaverton, Oregon. He travels with his band leading worship at conferences, camps, and churches. Mike has had the privilege to lead worship at many events throughout the United States as well as traveling to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Mike has a huge passion for missions, worship, and the local church!
