Erik Thoennes
Family & Background:
Erik Thoennes is amazed everyday that God saved him as a young boy in a small factory town in Connecticut and adopted him into his family. God has blessed him with his godly wife Donna, who has been his faithful ministry partner since they were married in 1989. Erik and Donna have two daughters, Caroline (born in 2000) and Paige (born in 2002). Erik loves people and preaching God’s word at Grace where he is an elder, and teaching theology at Biola University where he is a professor.
Education & Experience:
Erik's undergraduate degree was in philosophy and he has graduate degrees in biblical studies, evangelism, and theology. Before coming to California he taught theology and evangelism at Wheaton College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and coached high school and college football. Some of the most fun and enriching experiences of his life have been: meaningful local church involvement, hitchhiking around America, working with developmentally disabled adults and troubled youth, and playing American football in Europe. Erik’s primary goal in life is to love and glorify Christ more each day and help others to as well.
Long-term prayer requests:
- Exalt Christ and him crucified more each day of my life.
- Love my wife as Christ loved the church and be a godly father.
- Be a man of the word and prayer.
- Be a man of integrity, patience, and humility.
- Be lead by and filled with the Spirit.
- Be simply faithful.
One Thing You Love:
God's Patience.
One Thing You Hate:
Anything that competes with God as our greatest source of joy.
