Peter was the Lay Chaplain at ECM House, serving the University of Oregon and Lane Community College students from 1996 to 2004, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. He left the chaplaincy to complete graduate theological studies at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 2005.

Peter is married to Leah Fones, a registered nurse. They have four adult children. His previous career was in state and federal law enforcement, serving in various sworn positions with the Oregon State Police and the US Coast Guard Investigation Service.