Ministry Focus
Michael and Linda have focused on discipleship, teaching, and leadership development for over 45 years of service with Missions Door.
In Portland (1977-1999), they were inner-city church planters and partnered with community pastors to found North Portland Bible College, to provide Christian Bible education that is accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant, for churches in the Albina district. Michael served as Academic Dean of NPBC for seventeen years.
In Albany, NY (1999-2019), they expanded URBACAD (i.e., Urban Academy) leadership training program to the Capital District, and developed a printing and distribution network for other Missions Door URBACAD centers. This network also provides SEAN materials and training to various churches, including various denominations, fellowships, and cultural groups, in many parts of the US and Canada.
Now in the Portland area, they continue to coordinate the URBACAD distribution program and assist believers in different ethnic and language groups to secure SEAN material and training for their own congregations and emerging leaders.
Faith Story
Michael and Linda grew up in Sandy, Oregon, a small timber community east of Portland. Both came to faith in Christ Jesus as youths through the ministry of a local Baptist church. Michael went to college at the University of Chicago. It was there he recognized God’s calling to Gospel ministry, particularly in urban settings. Berean Baptist Church ordained Michael in 1980, at the start of his urban church plant.
Education
Michael graduated from George Fox University in 1973. Linda also graduated from George Fox in 1988. Michael attended and graduated from Western Seminary in 1977.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Michael and Linda by making a financial donation using your credit or debit card.
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
City
Ministry location:
New York, United States