I realized that I enjoyed writing in 3rd grade. I can distinctly remember the classroom in suburban Chicago where I learned about narrative and persuasion, introductions and conclusions. Like many people, my zeal was somewhat diminished as the scale of assigned words increased exponentially in high school and undergrad. But sometime in my first seminary program something clicked. Perhaps it was the content. Maybe it was this new expectation on concise quality over quantitative drudgery. It could also be that, at this time, I was beginning to write about fly fishing as well.

Living in Pennsylvania and serving as a director of a Trout Unlimited youth camp, I was asked to write about our program. Local newspapers, regional fly fishing outlets, and TU national asked for articles and blurbs about what we were doing. Putting this passion of mine into digital words was fun. Yes, there was a simple thrill in seeing my name on the printed page. More than that there was the joy that came through sharing something that I worked on, thought over, and cared about.

The requests slowed down significantly when I moved away from PA and the angling circles in which I was embedded. Full time ministry and a growing family made plugging into similar communities less of a priority. I was still writing, but it wasn’t about fly fishing. It was not as if there was something missing. More accurately, there was an itch I couldn’t ignore. And, as usual, there was my wife pointing out the obvious. “Why don’t you just write?”

This project, Casting Across, came about because I enjoy writing. The people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish are interesting enough that I’m still putting three pieces of content out a week ten years later. I don’t have a staff. I don’t have a budget to speak of. I do have  a self-imposed drive to communicate what I think matters. History, getting started in fly fishing, community, novel takes on tested techniques, books, and the contemplative aspects of the sport are on my mind. It is easy to put them into writing and click “Publish.”

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Since I started Casting Across in 2015 I have moved three times. My wife and I have added three boys to  our family bringing the grand total to five. While it was not the career progression I expected, I moved from being a youth pastor to an associate pastor to a senior pastor. A lot of fish have been caught in those years to boot.

I’m also excited to be starting a new writing project. It is primarily for my church, but will be available for public consumption. The focus will be on scripture, ministry, and worldview. The plan is for some collaboration with others, and the media will vary in type. The pieces are still coming into place but I am very much looking forward to flexing my keyboard muscles in a significantly different manner. Who knows, maybe some trout will make their way into that content too.

There is a lot more to say. I have other plans. Many people are worth mentioning for their influence on or their faith in Casting Across. Certain moments from the last decade are worth revisiting. But that can all flow out as the current moves over the coming weeks and months. Today, I just want to say that I’m thankful for Casting Across. And I’m thankful to you for reading.