We asked Joel 10 Questions
Joel Grewe is the Director of Generation Joshua, he is married to Christie Grewe, and they have three little boys. He is a native of Washington State, and a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
1. What was your first job?
My first paid job was to file medical records for a doctor. My first full time job was a grounds keeper at a cemetery. (It was a lot less creepy than it sounds, unless I had to work at night, then it was legitimately creepy.)
2. What book are you currently reading?
Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda, by Henry and Richard Blackaby.
3. What is your dream vacation destination?
England or Rome, I can’t decide, but I really want to stay in (or own) a castle.
4. Where are you most likely to be seen dining when you want a great meal?
A steak place, somewhere quite, comfortable, and with really good food.5. What is your favorite professional sports team?
Professional? *sigh* ok so I can’t root for the Gonzaga Bulldogs then? (Glenn, "NO! Its not a professional team, it’s a college team.") OK, well in that case the Seattle Seahawks.
6. What is one way you have seen serious growth in your faith as an adult?
I have learned that risk is part of a life of faith. What I’ve learned is that serious growth in faith is predicated on small growth in faith. God often asks us to trust him in a series of small steps. It may not seem like much sometimes, but that is often the path He uses to prepare us for greater work.
7. What’s the most impacting story you read/watched in your youth?
Wow, that’s an incredibly challenging question, I LOVE stories. Ask my staff. If I could just read and tell stories all day I would be happy. I couldn’t pick my favorite, but as a kid one of the stories I reread over and over was Wings of Dawn by Sigmund Brouwer. It’s a great, fun adventure and I still enjoy it.
8. What motivates you to continue when life gets crazy?
The assurance that at the end of the day, no matter how crazy life gets, Christ is with me. Sometimes he calms the storm and sometimes he asks me to take a walk on the waves with Him, regardless I’m with Him and He loves me.
9. What were you most surprised about when you started serving with Generation Joshua?
I was amazed at what I saw high school students accomplish. I had seen incredible things before, but the sheer number of students across the nation doing amazing things was breathtaking.
10. What’s one piece of advice that has helped shape the course of your life?
Know your strengths and weaknesses. There are far too many people leading who don’t have any idea what they do or don’t do well. If you have an honest analysis of yourself and God moves you into leadership you can surround yourself with a team that can fill in those gaps.