My name is Zach and I’m passionate about holistic justice, radical inclusion, and the way of Jesus. I grew up in right-wing evangelicalism, but after getting kicked out of a youth group, two private Christian schools, and a conservative denomination, I’ve spent the last decade helping pioneer faith spaces centered on mutuality and flourishing for all.

I am the Lead Pastor and founder of Restore, a church in urban Austin, Texas. Since we launched in 2016 (what a year to start a church!), Restore has grown from a founding team of 5 people to over 1000 members. I recently finished writing my first book, Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing which releases on August 12, 2025 from Brazos Press and is available for preorder now!

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Hardin-Simmons University, a Master’s of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and I’m currently working on a Doctorate of Ministry from Duke Divinity School. I am also the co-founder of the Post Evangelical Collective where I serve as a board member.

My wife, Amy, met each other in the 6th grade, fell in love at 17, and got married at 21. And now we run Public Theology together! We love watching live music, discovering local Mexican food places, and playing with our two boys. 

Get in touch with me via email → zach@restoreaustin.org