About Us
In the beginning.....
Thursday Mornings with Alex and Don (TMAD) was born in September of 2021. Don had just accepted a temporary position as pastor. This show was Alex’s plan to trap him in West Chester FOREVER. Alex’s curiosity and Don’s wisdom developed into an opportunity to share our faith with the world. Every week we (mostly Don) answer listener questions. Don doesn’t get to see the questions beforehand. We believe this offers a more honest conversation. And we do change our minds from time to time. We answer questions about the Bible, religion, marriage, relationships, and how to sleep in church without getting caught.
Don
I was born and raised on a farm east of Newton, Kansas. I graduated from Bethel College in Newton, Kansas with a BA in Speech, Drama and Secondary Education. I graduated from the Seminary with an M.Div in Pastoral Ministry. Over the years I have specialized in Leadership, Conflict Mediation and Family Systems Counseling. We have pastored three congregations full time, three congregations as interim and one youth pastorate to this point.
My Wife, Sharlene was born and raised around Elkhart, Indiana and we met while I was studying at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. We were married in 1980 while I was the Youth Minister at Castle United Methodist Church. We have three living children: Dwayne and his wife, Michelle live in North English and have four children; Adrienne and her husband Drew live in Charlottesville, Virginia and have three children; Jeff and his wife Emmalee live in Traverse City, Michigan and have three children.
Alex
I was born in Iowa City and lived there during my early childhood, along with my younger sister Dana. After my parents separated, we lived in Tiffin and Oxford until my mother married my step-father, Rob Stout. I gained 4 more siblings, Carissa, Emily, Brian, and Amanda. I attended Mid-Prairie and graduated in 2007. I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State and Kirkwood, but eventually left when I was given the opportunity to farm alongside Rob. I am currently a farmer in Washington county Iowa, raising hogs and growing crops. I met the love of my life, Karly, and married her in 2015. We have 2 young sons, Charles and Bennett. I love my church in West Chester, and have always been called to serve my amazing church family.