Rev. Straube says, “I have a passion for Unitarian Universalism. I know that it can save people--from shallowness, loneliness and meaninglessness. Our communities heal people. I have seen it happen hundreds of times. There is no greater privilege, for minister or lay person, than to be involved in seeking wholeness for ourselves and using our gifts to bring that wholeness to others.”

Before coming to San Diego in 2004, Rev. Straube served in Durham, North Carolina, for 20 years. When he was called to Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Durham in September 1983, it was a lay led fellowship of 170 members. Twenty years later, after three building projects, it is a church of 700 members with an associate minister in addition to the Senior, a diverse staff of professionals, and a large and active Religious Education program whose motto is: "Nothing less than saving the World."

Rev. Straube's bachelor’s degree is from Ball State University, his Master’s of Divinity from the University of Chicago, and his Dr. of Ministry from Meadville Lombard. He has been married to Sonya Prestridge since 1991. He plays golf and he cooks.