By Renee Targos
Photos by morgan bellinger
Darryl, president of the Phoenix Seminary, was raised in Los Angeles by a large French family that relocated from Louisiana. He says he was born “looking for a party.”
A former pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church for 26 years, Darryl now works at the Phoenix Seminary. He says his goal is to “influence the lives of young men and women who are preparing to share their gifts and talents with others through their ministry.”
Entering what he calls his fourth score (ages 60-80), Darryl’s passion is to train and invest in a new generation—and dwelling in a neighborhood of 20- to 30-somethings couldn’t be a better situation. With two sons in their 30s, the DelHousayes take a mentoring view of the community.
“We like to step in as a mom and dad figure for these kids,” says Darryl. “Anyone under 35 is a kid to me.”
While most young people come into the neighborhood for its nightlife, Darryl hasn’t seen much joy among those in the party scene. “I’m not interested in going to nightclubs; it wouldn’t be appropriate,” he says. “But from what I observe, many people are going out and are isolated. They are very much alone, trying to find enjoyment. I think there is more fun in relationships to booze, any day.”
Wanting to create some intelligent discussion, the DelHousayes are thinking about offering a Bible study at the Optima CamelView for their neighbors. “[We are interested] in getting to know folks on a deeper level,” Darryl says.
From people who are agnostic to those who think Christians lack for brains, Darryl embraces intelligent conversation. “I love talking to unbelievers,” he says. “They ask the most interesting questions.”
As for those who think Christianity is synonymous with hypocrisy, Darryl jokingly says, “The church is full of hypocrites, and there’s always room for more. Why don’t you come and join us?” But he continues, “Seriously, doesn’t everyone fall short of what they really want to be? I think of what Bill Maher has said in his tirade against Christians: ‘If Christians just acted more like Christ, I would be more open to what they are saying!’ I couldn’t agree with him more on that point.”
Ministry aside, the DelHousayes are regular folk. Holly, who grew up on an Iowa farm, is a talented writer and painter. When not working, Darryl says he’s in his chair watching his 42-inch-screen TV. “When I roll my body out of it from time to time, Holly and I do yoga and take long walks,” says Darryl. “I enjoy a weekly round of golf and a little racquetball. With our indoor basketball court, my goal is to learn how to put more balls in that hoop than bouncing off its rim.”
Some of the couple’s favorite restaurants are Roaring Fork and PF Chang’s. “One of our enjoyable things to do is to walk to Fashion Square mall, eat a great hamburger at Johnny Rockets, and take in a movie,” Darryl says. “We also have grandchildren who love the Build a Bear store and Libby Lu.”
One of the couple’s biggest adjustments to living in the area is CamelView’s open glass windows. “We’re getting a good look at our neighbors while they are getting a good look at us!,” he says. “We have rethought the concept of privacy and have thrown it to the wind. It’s really similar to Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Rear Window, where you can see all your neighbors. I was thinking today’s concept of privacy is only 50 to 60 years old. In villages, there was no such thing as privacy.”
While the new living conditions are forcing neighbors to get to know each other, Darryl says he welcomes the opportunity without fear.
“I have always been amazed at how many people are fear-based and let fear drive their lives. I have found that the Greek word for ‘joy’ actually means the absence of fear in embracing the future,” he says.
“People are people and we all are living our lives out as we think best. Sometimes it takes some time to process what works and what doesn’t. If I have grown in wisdom over these years, I would love to share it with whoever would be interested. If that is ever going to happen, my life better be out there to be seen. That’s what Jesus did, if I’m not mistaken.”
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“I love talking to unbelievers. They ask the most interesting questions.”
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