First in my family

I grew up in a small rural community in East Texas, between Kilgore and Overton. My family didn’t have much connection to faith. Then one Sunday when I was 14, I rode a bus to Willow Springs Baptist Temple. I couldn’t tell you exactly what drew me there. Maybe curiosity. Maybe an ache for something more.

That morning I heard the gospel, and I gave my life to Christ. I was the first believer in my family. Over the years, through many prayers and a lot of patient love, my parents, my siblings, and even my grandparents came to know Jesus. Now I know why God put me on that bus.

A heart for the church, a career in tech

I studied Christian education and Bible at the International Institute in Lewisville, Texas, and taught in a Christian school. Recording studios led me into audio and video, and that led me into technology. I spent most of my career at Microsoft and later at Extron Electronics, designing systems and leading teams.

But my heart always beat for the church. For more than 20 years I served as a small group leader, board member, deacon, technology coordinator, and part of a church planting team in Raleigh.

Deep valleys

My story isn’t without them. I walked through a painful divorce and saw leadership fail in churches I loved. For several years I raised four kids as a single dad. I wrestled with God. I questioned. And by His grace, I found healing.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Psalm 147:3, ESV

I’ve needed that verse more times than I can count.

A second chance at family

In 2013, God brought Shelley into my life, another single parent. We married, blended our families into six kids, and walked together through the joys and challenges of raising teenagers into adults. Shelley is my most trusted friend, my greatest advocate, and my most honest critic. Where I lead through teaching and vision, she leads through presence, hospitality, and care. Our home has become a place of refuge for college students and anyone who needs a seat at the table.

Saying yes to ministry

While we served on the Hosea Church plant, I kept finding myself in counseling conversations and leading discipleship in our home. Mentors confirmed what we were sensing. In 2023 we moved to Nashville, and in 2024 I stepped away from engineering to serve at Belmont Church.

I’ll be honest: I came from a world that measured success in results. God has been teaching me that faithfulness matters more than fruitfulness, and that ministry is about presence and obedience, not performance.

What I care about now

Coming alongside people who have no hope, have lost hope, or are losing hope, and helping them reconnect with Christ. Equipping people to walk boldly in their gifts. Making disciples who make disciples.

Education & training

• B.A., Christian Education, International Institute, Lewisville, TX
• Certificate in Theological Studies, Calvary College
• Certificate in Church-Based Counseling, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Board Certified Mental Health Coach, American Association of Christian Counselors
• Board Certified Addiction & Recovery Coach, American Association of Christian Counselors