Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dale Fredrickson and I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. My first departure from the Denver Metro area was an extremely cold and lackluster year in Chicago, although one of the highlights of my time in Chicago was being introduced to real pizza. I confess to an ongoing obsession with Chicago pizza, especially Giordano’s. Besides food, I enjoy hiking, biking, and playing basketball. All of these activities are made meaningful by the presence of my friends and family.
My second departure from Denver came last year in the summer of 2006 as I entered the exciting world of Southern California where I began a Ph.D. in Religious Studies with a focus on the New Testament at Claremont Graduate University. My educational background includes a double-major in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministries from Colorado Christian University and a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from the Iliff School of Theology. I am fortunate to be married to Stacy Marie who is an avid soccer player and California native, and I am also the proud father of an energetic two-year old boy, Trey Carl, known to me as T.C!
My particular academic interest is the historical use of the Bible in the life of the church and society. Or to paraphrase the prestigious Harvard Historian, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, the use of the Bible as a living force within the church. In particular, I am interested in Biblical interpretation that is culturally contextual or how faith communities make use of the biblical text. I have written a number of essays on the Gospel of John as well as the letter to James.
My passion for ministry arises from personal experience. Many thoughtful teachers, pastors, and friends nurtured, challenged, and informed my faith journey. I desire to be a minister deeply committed to an ethic of love who listens intently to the pains and joys of people. My primary responsibility at Anaheim United Methodist Church is to provide oversight and direction to all youth programs. I feel fortunate to be a part of a ministry team and denomination committed to justice and difference making within our community.