With my brothers and parents. L-r: Stu, Steve, Gloria, Don, and Rick.

Family

I was fortunate to grow up in a strong Christian family. Our life revolved around the church, it seemed. We were always going to church events. And I don't regret that at all. I never felt sleighted, or pushed aside by church activities. I had a wonderful childhood.

I have two younger brothers, Stu and Rick. Stu and his wife, Joyce, live in Convoy, Ohio. Stu is an incredible mechanic, and also pastors a church on the side. They have four grown kids.

Rick and his wife, Dorene, live in South Bend, Ind. Rick is an administrator at Indiana University-South Bend, and Dorene is a public school music teacher. They have two young children, Anna and Cameron.

I became a PK--preacher's kid--during my junior year of high school. After being a highly-active layperson for most of his life, Dad found out what it's like on the other side, as a senior pastor. I'm proud to be a PK.

My parents met at Huntington College. Dad grew up around Lowell, Mich., and Mom is from Elgin, Ohio. Dad was a public schoolteacher until 1973, when he entered the ministry. He has served as a United Brethren pastor in:

Pixley, Calif. -- 1973-1983
Fountain Hills, Ariz. -- 1984-1989
Lakeville, Ind. -- 1989-1995
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- 1995-1998
Convoy, Ohio -- 1998-1999 (interim pastorate)
Lakeville, Ind. -- 2002-present

My parents, Don and Gloria Dennie, got bored with retirement and went back into the ministry in 2002. Dad now pastors a church in Lakeville, Ind., just south of South Bend. They also keep a house in Fort Wayne, Ind.

We all love getting together, and do a lot of laughing. It's great having siblings that I get along with so well. And sisters-in-law. I'm truly blessed.