Bio

I am the half-breed descendent of Alabama rednecks and Japanese immigrants. So I like my sushi deep-fried. More importantly, I'm a Christian whose life has been transformed by Jesus Christ. I work full-time as a pastor doing my best to tell people about Jesus and to teach them how to live for his glory.

My story started in the last days of 1974. I was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Gregg and Sono Harris. Our family moved to Gresham, Oregon, when I was eight. In the following years my father became an influential speaker and writer in the early homeschool movement.

Like many children raised in a Christian home, it's hard for me to pinpoint when I was saved. But some time around age 14 I was born again. I followed my dad into public speaking when I was seventeen. In God's kindness, I was enthusiastically received at my dad's conferences, and began conducting my own events for teens. I also started New Attitude Magazine, a quarterly publication for homeschooled teenagers.

In 1997, I relocated from Oregon to Gaithersburg, Maryland, to serve as a pastoral intern under C.J. Mahaney, senior pastor of Covenant Life Church. I was motivated by a desire to be mentored and a growing conviction about the importance of the local church. I ended publication of the magazine, moved in with C.J.'s family, and immersed myself in Covenant Life. That same year, my first book was released.

It was at Covenant Life that I met my wonderful wife Shannon. We were married in the fall of 1998.

In 1999, I worked with a small team to launch the first national New Attitude conference—a worship and teaching gathering for young adults. Recently renamed NEXT the vision of the conference is to see the truth of the gospel transferred to the next generation. My goal is to introduce people to the teachers who have shaped my understanding of God's word. I hope you can join us at the upcoming NEXT conference over Memorial Day weekend.

In 2004, I assumed the role of senior pastor at Covenant Life. I love the people of this church and hope to grow old preaching God's word here. I serve alongside an incredible team of pastors who I count among my dearest friends. Together with the people of our church we're seeking to build a gospel-centered and gospel-proclaiming body that makes disciples and loves and serves the community around us.

Our church is part of the family of churches known as Sovereign Grace, a ministry devoted to planting and supporting local churches, with a strong doctrinal basis that is evangelical, Reformed, and charismatic.

I'm a member of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). I'm also on the council of The Gospel Coalition.

God has graciously allowed me to write five books. My newest book is called Dug Down Deep. It's my own story of learning to build my life on truth about God.

Shannon and I have been blessed with three children—two girls, with a little boy in between. God has been kind, and continues to give us grace as we raise our young family. Please pray for us when you think of our family and local church. And if you're ever near Washington, D.C., please come visit us at Covenant Life.

Photos by Lydia Jane and Kristen Leigh Photography.

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