I don’t think its chance that I’m posting today’s Tuesday Spotlight and it shines on one of my best friends…Michael Ferrigno. It’s crazy to think that we first met as interns here in DC over seven years ago. Now I officially feel old.
I’ve gotten to know Michael over the years as a true friend and roommate. He’s smart and can walk theological circles around me but he doesn’t take himself too seriously. There are only a couple of people in the world who have willingly wrapped themselves in saran wrap and danced in front of a group of people with me. Or that have accompanied me to obnoxious hardcore concerts with firecrackers being thrown at us. He came not because he liked the music, but because he’s just a good friend.
I’ve also walked with Michael through most of his single adult life, and now my words are next to this ridiculous picture!!! I’m so proud to call Michael my friend and I’m amazed that God found someone willing to put up with him!
Really though, in many ways I trust Michael more than I trust myself. I don’t have any kids, but I did entrust the Fantasy Baseball group to him this year (which was like my baby) and he simply knocked it out of the park.
To me, Michael is what NCC is all about. Not because he’s perfect, but because he is a servant, leader, and friend. He’s willing to fill any role necessary and just cares about people.
How long have you attended NCC? What brought you to NCC?
I have attended NCC for 5 ½ years. I came to NCC on a recommendation of a friend while I was an intern in college. After college I moved to the area and NCC has been my home church since.
Tell us a little about the small groups and/or ministries that you lead and how that experience has impacted you.
I’ve led a few different types of small groups at NCC. Currently I am co-leading a men’s small group in the Ballston area. It’s a topical group in which we are studying different areas men generally struggle with and are concerned about. NCC small groups have helped me internalize and rediscover the truths of Christ while I learn alongside others. NCC small groups have given me lifelong friends who have carried me through some difficult and scary times. I have also had the great privilege of playing on the worship team during my time at NCC.
Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
If I’m not playing on the worship team, I’m usually at Union Station. I hop between the 9:30 am and 11:00 am services.
When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I started following Christ around the age of 5 and was baptized as a child. As most children/teenagers, I went through some dry seasons, but God showed His faithfulness and grabbed a hold of me the last year of high school. The pinnacle of my early spiritual walk was during a back packing trip alongside the Three Apostles in the Sawatch Range in Colorado . It was time to recommit myself to Him before I left for college and the safety of my parents’ home.
Since joining NCC, another spiritual turning point was during my latest job search. God challenged me to truly trust him to provide for all my needs according to His will for my life. Up until then, I talked about trusting God but didn’t learn to take hold of the peace of God when it came to a career. The turning point of that lesson was in the main floor at Eb’s. (I don’t find that ironic).
Tell us a little about your background…
I am from Littleton , Colorado . My family moved there when I was in the 2nd grade and I lived there until I moved to Ohio for college. I am the youngest of four and am the proud uncle of six. My parents and my sisters still live in Denver , while my brother lives in Indonesia . I went to Cedarville University in Cedarville , Ohio to study political science. During my time a Cedarville I studied mostly impractical subjects in terms of getting a job (music, philosophy, and Bible), so I went to law school at Catholic University of America in DC. But most importantly, while in DC I met the love of my life, Sherie Dawn Grove and we are starting a new chapter in our lives on April 14, 2007!!!
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
What are your favorite books?
The Lord of the Rings, Moneyball, Of Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order by Robert Kagan, Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger, The Count of Monte Cristo, and anything Terry Brooks writes.
What are your favorite movies?
The Godfather Part I & II, Rushmore, Ocean’s Eleven… I could go on forever but I won’t.
What is your favorite fast food?
Probably Taco Bell
What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?I am actually pretty good at ping pong and I’m addicted to board games.
Tell us a little about your day job. What is your dream job?
I’m currently practicing law with a boutique law firm in Tysons Corner. I practice in the litigation group where I am focusing on real estate and construction litigation. My dream job would be being a conductor of a large symphony orchestra. What a great job.
Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)?
After last week’s message, the Apostle Paul… wow. I would have to say that each member of my family are my heroes for different but meaningful reasons. Also, the greatest quarterback in my lifetime, the immortal John Elway.
What do you do in your free time?
I spend most of my time catching up with Sherie’s busy schedule. In the fall, I watch my Broncos play… here’s the schedule. I also enjoy going to new restaurants and spending time with friends. Oh, also enjoy beating Rick Shaffer in Settlers of Catan.
In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?
ME: Al Pacino of course. PM: John William “Will” Ferrell (Without the drinking and streaking problems)
Terry Brooks?? Hilarious! I used to read him back in college (when I had time to read fiction). Great stuff!
Ryan Z
November 21st, 2006