Joseph, a multifaceted individual, is a pastor, artist, and filmmaker who is deeply passionate about sharing stories and utilizing film as a means to advance the Kingdom of Christ.
In 2011, shortly after their marriage, Joseph and his wife Stacie founded the Thorn Crown Project, with the aim of producing films. Two years later, they relocated to Colorado, where Joseph became one of the founding pastors of a church.
Born into a family of an Old Order Amish minister, Joseph's early life was characterized by the traditional features of Amish culture, including the absence of electricity, reliance on horse-drawn transportation, and distinctive attire. For many years, his father taught that salvation is achieved through good works and church membership. However, after conducting extensive Bible studies, Joseph discovered the truth: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) As his father began to preach salvation by faith, this caused significant conflicts with the elders of the church. Ultimately, when Joseph was fourteen, his family was excommunicated from the Amish church.
Prior to becoming a pastor, Joseph embarked on a journey throughout the US and Mexico as a gospel chalk art evangelist. During this time, he acquired valuable experience in storytelling and learned much about the effectiveness of audio/visual presentations in communicating truth. He also recognized the need for high-quality promotional film projects to inform supporting churches about the mission. In 2013, Joseph and Stacie spent three weeks in Peru filming a promo for a Christian school situated high in the Andes mountains.
Joseph believes that his faith significantly influences his filmmaking and is grateful for each film project that he gets to work on alongside his wife Stacie.
