Lanny was born and raised in the Portland area. After three years serving in the armed forces, he attended PBC and completed his Bachelor degree. He has functioned on staff at the college since 1978 and has become a respected Teacher, Pastor and Elder at Mannahouse. In 2006, he graduated from Western Seminary with an MA in exegetical theology. He is known for having both wide and deep knowledge of the Bible and if anyone is considered an "expert" on the Bible, Lanny would fit the bill.