About Justin

Dr. Justin N. Poythress is a writer and pastor seeking to restore rest and wonder to the worn out. He grew up in a loving Christian family, but in an environment shaped by the pressures of intelligence and success.

 Throughout his life, God has been teaching Justin to untangle his worth from his wins. This journey has involved rebelling and running away from God, failures both spectacular and ordinary, and God’s grace of redemption and rest every step.

Stories and writing always have provided a refuge. They remind us that God is not merely someone to be feared and revered, but He overflows with wonder, joy, and peace. Justin’s formative influences include his father Vern Poythress, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Augustine, John Piper, and Tim Keller. Justin wants to discover and share more of the rest and wonder God freely gives to those worn out with trying to earn their significance.

During undergrad at Vanderbilt, Justin studied education and political science, then he taught middle school for two years in Nashville before going to Westminster seminary in Philadelphia (M.Div; D.Min). He then pastored in Indianapolis, Fort Myers, and Boise. Throughout this time he’s written for various publications, including seven years as a fast food reviewer.

Justin lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife, Liz, and his two daughters. His pastimes include being disappointed by the Dallas Cowboys, finding good brunch spots with Liz, books on audio, character-driven sitcoms, and traveling.