Michael Campbell

How did you become a believer? 

I grew up in a family that “went to church” on Sundays.  I made a profession of faith during a church event when I was about 8-years-old, but nothing much came out of it; no one watered the seed in my home life.  I lived my teenage years in open rebellion.  When I was about 23 years old, that profession of faith in Jesus Christ took root in me, as I was surrounded by people who poured into my life in big ways and small.

Tell me about your family: 

I’ve been married to Maya since 2007 and her mom has lived with us since 2011.  We live on a small plot of land here in Springfield, where we like to spend time together with our hound dogs, yard working, and going for walks.  

What is your educational background?

I received an Associates degree in Computer Science from Miami-Dade College in 1994 and began working on my Bachelor’s.  Career and indecision delayed completion of my Bachelor’s until 2013 when I received my BBA from Lipscomb University.  In 2015, I graduated from Western Governor’s University with my MBA with a focus on IT Leadership and Management.

What book of the Bible is dearest or most meaningful to you? Why?

James has been the most influential book for me because it has been my go-to on how a Christian should live.  While other books, such as Ephesians, definitely provide instruction on living in community and how we do that, James holds up a mirror for me to look in to regarding my behavior and actions; it’s a great gut check.  Proverbs and Ecclesiastes would be close seconds, as they provide such instruction on living a godly and wise life.

These books give us very practical examples of what one should look like, if one is a follower of Jesus Christ.

Is there one person in your life (past or present) who has influenced you the most spiritually?

Michael Easley was a brilliant teaching pastor at a church we attended in Nashville for quite a few years.  He fired in me a passion for digging deeper and understanding God’s word in a new way.  I thought understanding the Greek and Hebrew texts, in-depth commentaries, and historical contexts were just for scholars. He somehow explained all of these things in a way that fascinated me and drove me to be more intentional in knowing God.

Who are some of your favorite theological authors?

Martin Luther, Wayne Grudem, J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul

What non-biblical book has influenced you most deeply?

Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf.  It helped me to practically apply the principles of servanthood. 

Do you have a favorite fiction author?

J.R.R. Tolkien – and I look forward to reading C.S Lewis soon.

What book would you recommend for each the following:

* Prayer – Prayer: How Praying Together Shapes the Church by John Onwuchekwa

* Marriage – (I don’t think I’ve ever read one completely dedicated to marriage.)

* Biblical interpretation – Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

What are your hobbies/interests?

Technology, photography, photo and video editing, cooking, reading, hiking/walking in nature, working outside, and, according to Maya, mowing.