 After studying theology, musicology and folklore at University of Oslo ( MA degree in Religion and Philosophy), he worked as a teacher at Tryggheim Folk High School (1995-1997) and later as Director of Culture in Hå municipality (1997-1980).From 1980 to 1987 he was Director of Information and Public Relations at the Strømme Foundation, Kristiansand.During this period he attended intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, Los Angeles USA.