Who is This Guy?

That’s probably what some of you wondered when you saw this website.

Fair question.

Hi, friend. I’m Jay.

Unlike many people who write books about church and faith, I’m not a pastor. I did spend a short season as an executive pastor at a large church, and that chapter matters in my story. But it’s not really who I am.

And honestly, until recently I wouldn’t have called myself an author either. This is my first book. Writing it has been surprisingly therapeutic—forcing me to clarify what I believe and why I believe it. I’m writing because there’s something important I want to say to a group of people who matter deeply to me.

So who am I?

Mostly, I’m a mission commander—someone who helps organize and equip people for meaningful missions.

I spent 26 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. My specialty was something called “Thirteen Bravo,” an Air Battle Manager. For much of my career I served as a Mission Crew Commander aboard AWACS aircraft (Airborne Warning and Control System) and in NORAD’s underground command facility in Alaska.

In the AWACS world we used a simple analogy: if an aerial military operation were an orchestra, and all the different aircraft—fighters, bombers, tankers—were musical instruments, then AWACS was the conductor. We didn’t write the music, but we helped the orchestra play it together.

That’s essentially what I’ve spent my life doing—organizing, equipping, and empowering motivated people to accomplish difficult missions.

After my Air Force career, I spent time in public service as Chief of Staff to Alaska’s Lieutenant Governor and Special Assistant to the Governor. Later I served as an elder and executive pastor at the largest church in Alaska. For the past decade I’ve worked as a leadership coach and course facilitator with Academy Leadership, helping leaders across the country grow in their ability to lead well.

But some of the most meaningful parts of my life happen in simpler settings.

My wife Sonia and I have spent years hosting small discipleship groups in our home. We love inviting friends to walk with us on the journey of spiritual formation. The deeper I dig into Scripture, the more convinced I become that the story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told. I’m all in—Jesus is my Savior and my Lord.

We also have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandkids who keep us laughing and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.

One more thing about me: I’m passionate about people. All people. But especially passionate people—those who refuse to surrender to apathy. The ones who still carry a fire in their belly for Jesus and His Kingdom.

And I’ve always had a soft spot for people who’ve been overlooked or underestimated. The ones who’ve been told they’re not qualified enough, educated enough, certified enough. People without the right titles or letters after their name.

I remember congratulating Alaska’s governor at her inaugural ball and introducing myself as the Lieutenant Governor’s new deputy chief of staff. She looked at me and said, “You’re who? I’ve never heard of you. I thought you were his bodyguard.”

Moments like that remind me of something important.

Jesus has always used unlikely, ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

And if there’s one spark I hope this little movement reignites, it’s that truth—especially for those of you who have quietly wondered whether God might still have a mission for you.

Keep reading and we’ll take a journey together to explore how wild and wonderful life as a follower of Jesus can be.