Hi, I’m Joe. It is an honor that you have chosen to visit my site. While it is still very much a work in progress, I hope you’ll visit often and check out the changes and additions.
I am what could be called a cusper; not really a Baby Boomer but not quite a Gen Xer. As such, I find the world a bit of a strange place. I am not fully like the people a bit older than me, nor completely in sync (not the boy band) with those a little younger. It isn’t the worst place to live. I have friends from both generations and appreciation each of their contributions to my life.
I have been married to the wonderful, beautiful, talented, and gracious Carol Pritchett since 1987. As we age together, we find a love that is deeper than we ever imagined possible. For this, I am truly grateful. Carol went back to school a little later in life, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2013. She was quickly hired as a fourth grade teacher in a local elementary school and is thriving in the classroom. She amazes me with her creativity and passion for teaching. I’m happy to see where life has taken, and is taking, her.
Carol and I have three great kids:
- Emilee is married to Elliott. At the end of 2014, Emilee will have her degree in History from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. As of now, her plan is to move right into a graduate program in teaching at Colorado College with the intent of teaching high school Social Studies. She has a vast background in musical theater, is an amazing actor and singer, and hopes to direct high school musicals and plays in the future. Elliott manages the local coffee shop, obsesses about the Broncos, and generally makes everyone’s life around him better by being present with us.
- Aimee recently married David. Aimee is a wonderful writer and creator. She has an uncanny knack for making and keeping friends. At her wedding, there were bridesmaids from each “era” of her life (we have moved around a lot, so there are quite a few eras). I was so impressed with the way she tends her friendships and makes each one feel that she is a best friend. David is an awesome young man who came to us from Germany, doing a year of volunteer service in the States through our church. We have come to adore him in a short time–even if he is a soccer fan! David and Aimee will soon be moving to Germany to commence their life together.
- Cole will be super thankful to be finished with high school. While he doesn’t particularly enjoy the whole scene, he is a kind-hearted and respectful young man. He has some tremendous acting skills, loves playing video games, and enjoys pro wrestling. Where he got that last part, I’ll never know! Cole works hard without complaining and has a heart for helping others. I’m anxious to see where the road takes him in the future.
As for me, I spent 16 years doing “professional” church ministry. I served as youth pastor at Wiley Church in Marlton, New Jersey, for six years. After that, I moved on and served three different congregations in Iowa and Minnesota as lead pastor.
During and after that season of my life, I worked with a couple of nonprofit organizations in a variety of capacities. With The Saints Prison Ministry, I first served as a volunteer missionary athlete, playing softball and talking about Jesus in various prisons and correctional facilities. A bit later, I served as the Director of Discipleship for the Saints. In that role, I recruited and trained, as well as recognized and rewarded, our significant volunteer base. I also oversaw a correspondence Bible school that had well over a thousand men and women enrolled from prisons all over the country and around the world.
I also had a substantial role in the launch of PURELife Builders, which has since grown into CityLifeWorks, a ministry in the Twin Cities in Minnesota that does urban ministry, including assisting men who are transitioning from corrections and rehabilitation settings back into their communities. I was responsible for much of the original structure and for communicating the work of PLB/CLW as we were getting this wonderful organization off the ground.
Presently, I teach Public Speaking (and occasionally Interpersonal Communication) at two local institutions: Pikes Peak Community College and Colorado Springs Early Colleges. I have a deep love for working with students, helping them become better speakers, and hopefully better people. Each class makes an imprint on my heart and life. I truly love my students and have great affection for my colleagues. It is an exciting opportunity to touch lives.
My “other” job is Director of Communication for The Amoveo Group, a startup nonprofit working in some of our world’s poorest communities. You can read more about Amoveo here:
If you’re interested in contacting me, shoot me an email at josephdpritchett@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Joe Pritchett 