Fred Kirstein

• Birthday: July 30
• Where do you hail from? Roselle, IL
• Any family? Married to Erica, No kiddos, want a dog
• Degree? UIUC, Finance '01
• Years on staff? 2ish
• Why did you come on staff with I-Life? For the money :). I didn't picture myself ever doing ministry after school, but God changed my priorities pretty drastically in my 4 years at U of I. Going on staff was a way for me to spend the most time pursuing what really makes me tick... seeing peoples' lives changed by God.
• Why are you still here? I'm still here learning and doing my best to stay faithful to the work I believe God's called me to.
• Major staff roles? SNG Manager, Teacher, Small Group Leader - Bromley Hall, Finance Team, Discipleship
• Are you available to hang out with students who wanna grab time with you? Yup.
• Favorite spots on campus? Espresso Royal - 6th and Daniel at one of the basement tables, or anyplace that serves burritos.
• Ideal activity or event on campus? Hanging out at a coffee shop. SNG.
• A few hobbies/pastimes? Reading (mostly non fiction), Frisbee, Basketball, working out.
• One experience that you wish every student would graduate with? I've noticed that a lot of people I meet don't drink coffee, and have no desire to start... what is that? Seems pretty ridiculous, everyone should appreciate coffee before they leave this campus. And on a more serious note: I wish every student left here with a sense that they experienced deep, intimate friendships so they know what to look for when they leave.
• What inspires you?  Good books, Good teachings (listen to a lot on mp3), and people who are "the real deal."
• Current favorite movies, TV, music, books, etc? TV: Lost, 24, The Office. Movies: Epics - Braveheart, Gladiator. Comedies: Anchorman, Nacho Libre. Authors: NT Wright, Rob Bell, Donald Miller. Books: Velvet Elvis, Wild at Heart (yup, still like it :) Musicians: I have no taste in music, but my I-tunes tells me I like Jimmy Eat World, John Mayer and Better than Ezra.
• Cubs or Cards? Da Bears.
• 3 places you want to visit before you die? Israel, Africa, the Moon
• Any other unusual facts about yourself? I originally came on staff to be a singer/songwriter for our worship bands, but I-life couldn't afford to buy a harp... and all my material was intended to have a harp or lyre accompaniment. It's hard to not be working within my true gifting, but I drudge on nonetheless.