During his last year of high school, Mike gave his life to Christ on a mission trip in what was considered the most dangerous city in the world at the time. Years before that decision, his parents broke up, and he was kicked out of his house when he was 14. He spent years walking the broad road until he was invited to a church outreach ministry deeply connected to everything he does in ministry today.
Over the years, Mike has done everything from skydiving in Dubai, surfing in California, stand-up comedy at Yuks Yuks, mountain climbing in China, celebrating with the Stanley Cup champions, white water rafting in the Central American jungles, visiting a castle featured in Monty Python in Scotland, getting baptized in Israel, snorkeling in the ocean, traveling across the country with The Undertaker, and being selected for Fear Factor Live in the US. Up next: running with the bulls?
With over 3000 speaking engagements around the world, Mike has spoken in small American towns hosting large music festivals to churches in Jerusalem, Israel. Combining theology with comedy, Mike uses his dynamic speaking experience, education, and storytelling approach to connect with everyone, both on and off the stage.
As an ordained pastor, Mike studied business, theology, and Christian leadership, which contributes toward his doctorate—although he jokingly admits he might never finish it because he doesn’t want to be called a nerd. With his life experience and education, Mike often finds himself teaching at churches, conferences, camps, Bible colleges, and music festivals.
Over the years, he has had the opportunity to team up with speakers such as Nick Vujicic, Francis Chan, Chad Veach, Jefferson Bethke, Eric Samuel Timm, Shane Claiborne, Reggie Dabbs, Bob Lenz, Mike Foster, and comedian John Crist.
On top of that, Mike has teamed up with Skillet, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Switchfoot, Newsboys, For King and Country, Casting Crowns, Hillsong, MercyMe, Lecrae, Kari Jobe, Relient K, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, We the Kingdom, and many more.
Mike is definitely more than “just a speaker” though.
What he brings offstage for your events might be more valuable than what he does onstage.
Utilizing his speaking experience on stage and his industry knowledge of how things work backstage, Mike often finds himself in emceeing roles for Christian bands, festivals, concerts, and conferences throughout North America. This is an additional way for him to serve these ministries. With years of experience as a pastor and in stand-up comedy, he brings a professional yet entertaining blend to this role.
Most people who see Mike on stage are surprised to discover his ministry background because they perceive him as just a ‘speaker.’ Before Mike began traveling full-time, he played a pivotal role in helping numerous churches and organizations establish or revamp nearly 30 ministries over the years. Even today, Mike continues to collaborate with leadership teams, assisting them in developing ministries and strategies to remain effective in today’s culture.
Mike is a regular contributor to various magazines and national publications.
He is currently focused on writing his book this season, and if all goes as planned, his book could be out next year.
