Essen is the founding pastor of Tabernacle. He was born and raised in Tidewater, and married Cathy, his high school prom date, after they graduated from JMU. They have four kids, Rachel, Sarah, Michael, and Lydia, and love taking family trips together (Maine and Florida are favorites!). Essen enjoys creating artwork, birthday cakes, and good dinners. He also has an embarrassing affinity for Star Wars Legos (Mat 7:1-2). He got his M.Div. and D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.
Contact Essen at essen@tab-pres.org