Why limit the fun to Jason?  We’re going to do a run through the whole staff team, starting with the original, Dan Iten!

You’re the Director of Operations at Restoration City. What does that mean? What would you say you do?

As the Director of Operations, I’ve got a really fun job that allows me to have my hands in pretty much every area of the church. Not only do I help make sure the church is running smoothly, but I also get to empower our leaders and volunteers. The best part about my job is the opportunity to live out Ephesians 4:12 – “the equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” I get to assist our volunteers and leaders in serving according to how God has gifted them and provide coaching and resources for them to continue to develop and grow.

What are you most excited about at Restoration City right now?
I feel like we’re about to enter a really exciting period in our young church’s history where I believe God is going to continue do some amazing things. For the past three years, it seems like we’ve worked really hard to get the church running and put all the necessary structures in place. Now I believe that we’re now entering a new season where we’re ready for the Holy Spirit to move mightily and bring many new people into the faith and into our church community.

What have you learned about yourself through planting RCC that you didn’t know before?
Planting Restoration City has been such a crazy adventure and something I never dreamed about doing earlier in life. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that God will give us the power and capability to do whatever He has called us to do. When you, John, approached me about joining you and Laura in planting this church, I wasn’t sure that I had the necessary skills to help start a church from scratch. I had previously worked at another church in an outreach role, but knew next to nothing on how to legally or financially start a church, yet I felt that God was clearly calling me to this role. He was faithful in helping me grow into this and provided a number of resources and people who helped, advised, and aid me in my calling.

What’s the best book you’ve read this past year?
That’s a really hard question! Instead of the best book, I’m going to say one of the more convicting books I’ve read this summer has been “The Art of Neighboring” by Jay Pathak, Dave Runyon, and Randy Frazee. It talks about the need for believers to be more active in their neighborhoods and build genuine relationships that open up opportunities to be able to share the gospel. This seems to be such a hard concept for us in DC, but its something that both Twila and I want to grow in and work on in our neighborhood this year.

You have unique dietary preferences. What’s the ideal meal in your world?

Twila loves to say that I have the palate of a 4 year old, but that’s probably not even accurate as I know Jack and Aidan eat more adventurous things than I do. However, I prefer to define my dietary preference as being simple. I don’t need a lot of extras, like condiments or sauces, to be happy with a meal. My most ideal meal would be a steak, potatoes, broccoli, and a dessert of any kind!

In a potentially related question, how has marriage changed you over the last 16 months?

Aside from Twila forcing me to eat more healthy meals that include vegetables, I think marriage changed me greatly. After being single for just shy of 34 years, marriage has shown me how good and healthy it is to be completely rely and trust in Twila and not fight to be so independent in life. It’s also shown me where my heart is inclined towards selfishness and control – working through that isn’t necessarily always fun, but it is sanctifying.

You’re preaching on Sunday. What’s your sermon about?
I’m preaching on Acts 12:20-25 which is subtitled “Herod’s Death”. It’s interesting that you’re headed out of town and leave for me this section of Scripture, John! Joking aside, I’m actually really looking forward to preaching this passage it raises an interesting question for us to consider: Are we living for God’s glory or ours? Come on Sunday to hear more!