Our Team

DIRECTOR

John is a pastor, husband, and dad. He served in campus ministry roles for 22 years before launching Peterson House. John wanted to create a place for people to gather and be shaped by our sacred biblical text. What came first was not the name, rather, a lot of questions- questions about whether how often you read the Bible matters to your spiritual health. The answers and research were clear. It does. John’s hope is that whatever Peterson House is offering is helping to give people good space in the text and that it is a way to help people follow Christ more faithfully.

John only met Eugene Peterson once and never has been to Flathead Lake (the actual Peterson family home), but he is trusting the Lord will guide him and this ministry to create a special place that will cater to those who also hunger to dig deep in God’s word and relish, amidst the movement and volume of life, a thinness where Christ always speaks.

You can reach John at john@petersonhousenc.org.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Janise is a wife, a mom to four kids, a PCUSA Minister and a Certified Spiritual Director.  She makes her home in Durham NC, where she spends her days caring for her four children, offering Spiritual Direction and enjoying every opportunity to preach, teach, and engage in spiritual formation.  She also keeps a blog at JaniseMatyasSmith.com where she offers thoughts on life, faith, and paying attention to God in the everyday.  She is a lover of God's Word, and one of her greatest joys is leading and guiding others in exploring Scripture and helping them listen to God's voice who is always speaking through His Word.  She is particularly excited to be a part of the Peterson House and it's work to create space to read, reflect and listen to God's Word, and lean in to the ways God is seeking to transform us as we gather and listen to His sacred text together.

You can reach Janise at janise@petersonhousenc.org.

Board Member

Jean is a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill. She is a catechist and scripture teacher. Jean is active in the Peterson House In Person Square One Group.

Board Member

Chrissy lives in L.A. where she is an art director. She has been a participant in our virtual Square One groups as well as helping increase Peterson House’s visibility on social media. And she loves her dachshund!

Board Member

John is a retired orthodontist who lives in Chapel Hill with his wife Donna. They are both active participants in the Peterson House In Person Square One group. You can often find John on his John Deere or tending to his garden that has the best tomatoes in town.

Board Member

Laura is the Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. She is a longtime participant in the Peterson House virtual Ministry Leaders Group.

Social Media Intern

Emily is from Charlotte and a student at UNC-Chapel Hill. She helps us tell our story and provide unhurried delight on a variety of social media platforms.