Michael was born and raised in suburban Toronto. After attending the University of Toronto, where he received an Honours B.A. in Economics, he pursued a Master of Divinity degree from Emmanuel College. Following his ordination in the United Church of Canada in 1977, he served a multi-point pastoral charge in Saskatchewan before receiving a call to Central United Church, Calgary in 1980 where he remained until his retirement in 2015.

During his thirty-five years of ministry at Central, Michael brought leadership to a declining, inner-city church and helped the congregation envision and pursue a new mission for its future - a mission which resulted in spiritual renewal, growth, and a passion to serve many of the diverse needs of the urban core.

As well, he was a founder of the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS), an innovative social agency offering integrated programs and services which assist the building of resilient lives for Calgarians facing the challenges of poverty and trauma. In 2017, Michael was the recipient of a Governor General's award for Meritorious Service as a result of his pioneering work with CUPS.

Under his leadership, Central developed one of the largest addiction/recovery ministries in the country. It was also instrumental in birthing "Inn From the Cold" and was an active partner with Woods Homes EXIT Community Youth Outreach Program.

Michael has also been a frequent conference speaker and facilitator for leadership events with the United Methodist Church in the United States, as well as speaking at 'More Franchises', a national United Church event, and working with many congregational church leaders.

Recently, Michael was named as an Honorary Associate Minister at Ralph Conner United Church, for which he is very grateful and very proud.

He is married to Barb and has two daughters, Jennifer and Melanie as well as two grandchildren, Ava and Leo.