Josh Ferris              

Worship Pastor

josh@praisebeaumont.com

Joined PRAISE Staff: March 2010

What I do at Praise: Lead a talented team of creative and technical volunteers in producing all the worship experiences here at Praise.

MY LIFE

Personal bio

I was born and raised in a Christian family in a small town outside Chicago.  After high school I spent time in college, but eventually decided to work construction, get married, and join the Marine Corps (Sergeant, Infantry).  From 1999 – 2006 I worked as a commercial construction project manager in Chicago.  That position had been a huge blessing for our family, but as God often does, He shook our cage with a calling into full-time music ministry.  Until January 2010 I was on staff at a church outside San Antonio.  Karrie and I are so incredibly excited that God’s chosen to place us at Praise and look forward to being part of the next chapter He’s written for His church!

Nickname(s)

“Bueller” - as in Ferris Bueller

Family

I’ve been married to my terribly beautiful wife, Karrie, since 1994.  We have three kiddos:  McKenzie, Mason, and Xander.  Karrie homeschools them all and we absolutely love it.  I tell people my kids got their good looks from me…Karrie still has all hers.

What do you like to do in your “down time”

I’m a pretty avid reader and one of those weirdoes that like reading technical manuals.  I read a lot about church philosophy and leadership, really like military biographies, and every once in a while pick up some historical fiction.
I try to get into the backcountry to backpack at least once a year (ask Karrie about her 10 days in the Black Hills).  I still enjoy playing soccer and working out, and there’s always a new piece of music gear begging for my research.

Life motto

Excellence requires passion and precision.  Passion without precision is youth.

My hero

Thomas Jefferson, Eric Johnson, and the generation that fought WWII

Best thing someone said to me

"Good night, Daddy.  I love you.”

Three people I’d like to meet

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Thomas Jefferson, my Granddad

Most people don’t know this about me

I'm a very good cook

My hidden talent

None, if I have a talent I flaunt it, including picking my nose with my tongue

One of my greatest experiences with God

Being at the absolute bottom starring helplessly at catastrophe and feeling an almost audible voice say “No matter where this journey takes you, no matter how bad it gets, I will never leave you nor forsake you.  You are my son.”

PERSONAL FAVORITES

Book: Marine Sniper, Blue Like Jazz, Good to Great

Food: Sushi, dark chocolate, really good cheese

Snack Food: dry salami & aged Swiss cheese - together

Restaurant: Sushi Zushi

Movie: Schindler’s List

TV Show: I don’t watch TV

Musical Artist: Matchbox 20, John Mayer, Hillsong

Song: This changes almost weekly, but currently "Assassin" by John Mayer

Actor: Cary Grant (killer style)

Actress: Liv Tyler

Store: H & M

Season: Fall in Chicago

Place in the World: Florence, Italy

Recreational Activities/Hobbies: rock climbing, backpacking, traveling

Sports Team: Chicago Cubs

Sport: Soccer

Place to Pray: the side of my children’s beds

Scripture: Micah 6.8 – …act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.