Brian Petersen grew up in San Diego County and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. He served in the Marine Corps and later became involved in youth ministry and music ministry while attending Azusa Pacific University. After graduating from APU, Brian moved to the Pacific Northwest and attended seminary at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Theological Studies degree. Brian has worked extensively in outreach ministries with homeless youth and helped to plant churches for marginalized people in Portland, Oregon, and New York City. He was received into the Episcopal Church in 2012 and began discernment for ordination as a member of Holy Cross, Carlsbad in 2018. Brian will be completing his Certificate of Anglican Studies at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in December. His heart is for missions, new ministries, and reaching out to those who might not feel comfortable in church. Brian has been married to his wife, Kelly, for 23 years, and they have three children.