0Too often conventional religious views of Jesus are weak caricatures of the person presented in the Gospels. In response, The Jesus Files is a culmination of the author's journey to know, follow, and be transformed by the authentic Jesus the Gospel writers knew and portrayed. We do well to explore more deeply and come to know more clearly the extraordinary person Jesus is. And as we do, let us listen carefully to the radical truth He taught which has such powerful relevance for life today. But above all, knowing who Jesus is and what He taught is intended by the Heavenly Father to change us in time and for eternity. His transformative possibilities are the desperate need of every life. May you find in these pages the heart of the One who as Shepherd and Savior came to "give life in all its fullness." Mike grew up in southern Iowa where his family attended a small, country church. His faith journey took him to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO to gain a BA in Christianity and Sociology. Mike has served two long-term pastorates in the Richmond and Lawson communities in northwest Missouri. The latter lasted thirty years concluding with his retirement in August 2020 after forty-six years of ministry. He and Pat, his wife of forty-seven years, live on ten acres near Lawson. He is an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, and plays fantasy sports. In retirement, he fills area pulpits, engages his writing passion, frequents local garage sales in season, and tends their acreage. They have three children: Kirk (wife Dana), Kara (husband Josh), and Kevin (wife Sarah) and eight grandchildren that occupy the rest of their time and energy.