Gavin Ortlund

Gavin Ortlund

Responsibilities
Assist the lead pastor Darrin Patrick with scheduling, communication, writing projects, and other needs.

Family
I married the love of my life, Esther, in July 2007. We don't have any kids yet. Both of our families live near Nashville, TN.

What the Journey Has Meant To Me
The Journey has been huge for me. God has used it to grow me in my faith, call me into community, and give me opportunities to serve others.

Quote or Advice
"Never cease loving a person, and never give up hope for him, for even the prodigal son who had fallen most low, could still be saved; the bitterest enemy and also he who was your friend could again be your friend; love that has grown cold can kindle." Soren Kierkegaard

"A minister may fill his pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more." John Owen

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." Jesus Christ (John 5:24)

"Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh I dunno, I sing in the shower? Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me-- no, don't sue me. That is opposite the point I'm trying to make." Michael Scott

What I Enjoy
Good coffee, good movies, reading, writing, interesting discussions, spending time with my wife, traveling, listening to good music.

Where I Grew Up and What I Did As a Kid
I was born in Scotland; then lived in Oregon, Chicago, and Georgia. I played a lot of sports growing up, especially basketball, racquetball, and wrestling. I also hunted and owned snakes (a corn snake and a python), worked as a golf caddy, and led worship for my youth group.

Favorite Reads or Films
My favorite book is Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, with The Great Divorce by the same author as a close second.

My top five movies: A Beautiful Mind; Lord of the Rings trilogy; Braveheart; The Matrix; and Good Will Hunting.
Hope for The Journey
My hope for The Journey is that God would continue to use this church to mightily advance his kingdom here in St. Louis. Such that many would come to know of the greatness of God in Christ.

Yada, Yada, Yada
"Yada" is a cool word to say. "Yada."