Campus Pastor
541-684-7293
spoetzl@northwestchristian.edu
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Years Worked at NCU: Two
Graduating Institution(s): BS from University of Chicago, Master of Theological Studies from George Fox Seminary.
Favorite Memory at NCU: The Mozambique Africa mission trip, leading the entire chapel in an African dance.
Favorite Place on Campus: Chapel
Favorite Local Restaurant: Sweet Basil Express
Favorite Place to Hang Out in Eugene: Any coffee house with my Bible and devotional material.
Favorite Spot in Oregon: The Steen Mountains and the northeast corner of the state.
Family and Pets: Wife Carolyn, five wonderful children, 14 grandchildren, 1 dog named MacIntosh.
Favorite Book: Raggamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Favorite Movie: It's a Wonderful Life and The Mission
Favorite type of Music: Rich Mullins and Handels Messiah
Hobbies or other interesting facts: Mountain biking, gardening, hunting/fishing, hiking, backpacking, woodworking.
Typical Starbucks Drink Ordered: Dark roast 1/2 cafe tall coffee.
Favorite Scripture Verse: Matthew 6:33 "Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
How you became a Christian: Ever since I was a small child I wanted to please God. However, I always saw how much I failed and fell short of His standards. I was a sinner and could not shake loose of my sinful nature.
My wife's best friend was married to a man who was always seeking the spiritual world. After searching in many religions, that couple became Christians. We saw their lives, marraige, and children change right before our eyes. We could not deny the power of God to change a life when He was invited in and that miracle we saw began to draw us to the Lord.
On a December night in 1975 these friends asked my wife and I if we were ready to ask Jesus Christ to forgive us our sins and to give Him our lives. My ego protested and I left the room. I soon found myself being drawn back by the Holy Spirit. I re-entered the room and with a very loud voice yelled, "I give up" then fell on my knees and asked the Lord to come and take over my life.
From that day forward my life has changed. The gracious Lord Jesus has taken my life and blessed it more than I could have ever imagined.
