Joel Greiner

Joel Greiner 3 - Joel GreinerResponsibilities
I am the Shepherding Director at the Journey - this includes overseeing counseling, the pre-marital/wedding process, and benevolence. My wife and I lead a community group at our house. Occasionally, I break drum sticks during worship on Sunday mornings.

Family
I have a beautiful wife named Brandy that loves and challenges me and
is most definitely my better half. We are celebrating our 7th year our marriage and ready to embrace 70 more.

I have two amazing little boys, Josiah and Aiden, who remind me to not lose wonder. They also remind me that I'm selfish but don't allow me to be.  

What the Journey has meant to You

The Journey has been a place of healing and disruption. Soaking in the truth of the Gospel has taken various forms; solid Biblical teaching, heartfelt worship, living in community, etc. God has used this strange and beautiful place and its people to challenge the way I think, relate and live. The constant reminder that I am a sinner and dearly loved is what I need to live in the reality of God's kingdom today.

Quote or Advice

"Let your love rage like a lion, let your heart break like a lamb".  Andrew Osenga

What You Enjoy

I enjoy wrestling my 4-year old because I can still pin him. I enjoy being outdoors, specifically on mountains and in oceans. I enjoy playing all sports that don't involve clubs and pins. I enjoy good food and drink with people I love. I enjoy all things music, particularly of the alternative/emo/indie persuasion. I listen, play (drums and guitar), write and attend shows less than I would like to. 

Where you Grew Up and what you did as a kid

Go ahead and ask me where I went to school. Yes, I am St. Louis/north county native. Though born in Illinois, my heart resides in the sports capital of the Midwest. Most of my childhood memories revolve around taking my bike off of sweet jumps, chasing balls and pucks, and being blessed with a good family. I was a pastor's kid, so you can fill in the blanks with all other activities not listed here.

Favorite Reads or Films

Books - Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Chronicles of Narnia, Blue Like Jazz, The Catcher in the Rye, Disappointment with God, The Sacred Romance, Mere Christianity, The Power and the Glory, Too Late the Phalarope, etc.

Films - Waiting for Guffman, Good Will Hunting, Fight Club, Strange Brew, Monty Python's Holy Grail, Goonies, etc.

Hope for the Journey

That this group of people would be broken, changed, healed and restored by the power of the Gospel. That we would change this city and this world by bringing God's Kingdom to the here and now.     

Yada, Yada, Yada

Not only did I work for Chuck-E-Cheese, I was Chuck-E-Cheese in my darker days...