For 8 years, I stood behind pulpits—equipping leaders, building communities, and helping people find their purpose. Today, I sit behind a keyboard doing the same thing, just with different tools.
When people learn about my background, they often ask: "How did you go from being a pastor to being a developer?" It's a fair question. On the surface, the two roles seem worlds apart. But the more I reflect on my journey, the more I realize they're deeply connected.
The Pastoral Years
My time in ministry taught me things no bootcamp ever could. I learned to listen—really listen—to understand what someone needs, not just what they're asking for. I learned to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways. I learned that the best solutions serve people, not the other way around.
Every Sunday, I'd prepare sermons that needed to be clear, compelling, and actionable. Every week, I'd meet with people navigating difficult decisions. Every day, I'd work with a team toward a shared mission with limited resources.
Sound familiar?
The Unexpected Parallels
When I transitioned into software development, I expected a steep learning curve with the technical skills. What I didn't expect was how much my pastoral experience would transfer.
Sermon preparation ↔ Documentation Breaking down complex theological concepts for a diverse congregation is remarkably similar to writing clear documentation. Both require understanding your audience, anticipating questions, and communicating with clarity.
Counseling ↔ Client communication In pastoral care, you learn to ask good questions, understand underlying needs, and guide people toward solutions they can own. Client relationships work the same way.
Church administration ↔ Project management Running a church involves coordinating volunteers, managing budgets, planning events, and keeping multiple stakeholders aligned. Replace "volunteers" with "team members" and "church events" with "sprint deliverables," and you've got project management.
Discipleship ↔ Mentoring Helping young believers grow in their faith taught me how to walk alongside people in their development journey. Now I apply those same principles when mentoring junior developers.
What Makes the Difference
I don't share my pastoral background as a gimmick or marketing angle. I share it because it genuinely shapes how I approach my work.
When you've spent years in ministry, you develop a deep appreciation for the weight of mission. You understand that technology should serve people, not exploit them. You bring a servant-leadership mindset that puts the client's needs above your own convenience.
This matters when you're building technology for churches and Christian organizations. I've sat in those leadership meetings. I understand the budget constraints, the volunteer dynamics, the seasonal rhythms, and the eternal significance of the work.
The Mission Continues
Sometimes people ask if I miss ministry. The truth is, I never left it. The pulpit has become a platform—literally. The congregation has become clients. The sermons have become software.
The mission remains the same: helping people and organizations fulfill their God-given purpose.
If you're a church, ministry, or values-driven business looking for a developer who truly understands your mission, let's connect. I'd love to hear what you're building.