I was born in Cleveland, Tennessee, in Bradley County, a city that once felt like a tightly woven community where neighbors cared for one another and most people were known by name. Growing up in that environment impressed upon me the importance of relationships and the richness of genuine fellowship. When my family later moved to a rural area during my teenage years, I discovered a different rhythm—one marked by quietness, simplicity, and the beauty of God’s creation. Both seasons—city and country—taught me lessons that continue to guide me: to value people deeply, to cherish community, and to find God’s presence in both the busy streets and the quiet fields.

What shaped my early years the most was the steady influence of faith, community, and mentorship. My aunt and uncle made sure I was in church every Sunday morning, teaching me the value of worship and the importance of being part of God’s family. But it was the Boys & Girls Club that became a lifeline—a place that quite literally saved my life, both physically and spiritually.

At only five years old, I faced the devastating loss of my father to suicide. That tragedy left a deep void and questions no child should ever have to carry. Yet God, in His mercy, directed my steps through the doors of the Boys & Girls Club, a step that would forever change the course of my life. The Club became far more than an after-school program; it became the soil where hope could grow. Men like Col. Jim Tucker, Lonnie Groomes, Terry Walsh, and Phil Harris poured into me as mentors, showing me what it meant to be believed in and cared for.

In 1990, inside the gymnasium of that same Club, I experienced the greatest turning point of all. While helping distribute football equipment, I encountered the love of Jesus Christ in a personal and life-changing way. Right there, I surrendered my life to Him. The very place that had given me hope as a boy became the place where I found eternal hope in the Savior.

Those early influences—my family’s commitment to church, the mentorship of godly men, and the transformative ministry of the Boys & Girls Club—shaped me into who I am today. They remind me that God redeems every broken piece of our past and uses it for His glory.

I often describe myself as a lifelong student, because my learning journey has never really stopped. I believe that the day you quit learning is the day you stop truly living. My education began like most in kindergarten, but it has extended far beyond the classroom. I attended local community college where I pursued degrees in Computer & Information Systems and Business, and later graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Biblical Studies.

Work ethic was instilled in me early on. At just nine years old, I began working in a concession stand, continuing until I was sixteen, and those early years taught me the value of hard work and responsibility. Professionally, I served for four years as the Education Director at the Boys & Girls Club, an experience that deepened my passion for investing in young people. I then stepped into the world of technology, where I’ve served as an IT Manager for the past 30 years.

At the same time, God placed a call on my life for ministry. For the past 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a pastor, shepherding others in their faith. Altogether, my educational and career path reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, leading, and serving—whether through technology, community work, or the ministry of the Gospel.

I came to faith in August of 1990, at the age of fifteen, inside the gymnasium of the Boys & Girls Club. I was helping distribute football equipment when I overheard two women talking about a place called hell. As I listened, conviction began stirring in my heart, and I knew deep down that I did not want to be separated from God. Their conversation led me to start asking questions, and in that very moment those two women shared the gospel with me. Right there in that gym, I surrendered my life to King Jesus and asked Him to come into my heart.

Looking back, I can see how God was preparing me for that day long before. My aunt and uncle faithfully took me to church every Sunday, and sometimes I went with my grandmother as well. As a child, I remember receiving a little Bible and reading through the book of Genesis. Stories like Noah and the ark and the Tower of Babel left a lasting impression on me. Those seeds of Scripture, combined with the steady influence of church, set the foundation that ultimately led me to the moment of salvation.

From that day forward, my life was never the same. What began as childlike curiosity grew into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and He has been shaping my life and calling ever since.

When I look back over my life, I realize I’ve faced more than a few struggles that have shaped who I am today. As a child, one of the greatest challenges was losing my father to suicide—a loss that left a deep wound and many unanswered questions. Growing up shy and quiet, I was often bullied and made fun of, which only added to the sense of isolation I carried.

As I grew older, new challenges emerged. I’ve worked under leaders whose values clashed with mine, making it difficult to navigate the workplace with integrity. I’ve also faced rejection from groups who disliked or opposed the stands I take for my faith. Yet through it all, God has been faithful. The struggles that once felt crushing became the very places where He strengthened me, shaped my character, and reminded me that my worth is found in Him alone.

The inspiration for my ministry came through the Holy Spirit of God, who placed the right people in my life at just the right moments to guide and encourage me. During my college and career days, my pastor, Gary Thacker, was a tremendous source of encouragement, often stopping by my office simply to uplift me. One of my best friends, Brian Crisp—who also served as my pastor—was another strong influence in shaping my walk and my calling.

Beyond personal relationships, I was deeply influenced by the lives and teachings of many pastoral mentors and leaders whose ministries I studied for years. Men such as Dr. Jerry Falwell, Dr. Harold Willmington, Dr. Adrian Rogers, Dr. Tony Crisp, and Dr. Clarence Sexton, among others, modeled what it looked like to faithfully fulfill God’s calling and make a lasting impact. Watching their faithfulness inspired me—not to become them, but to be who God created me to be, and to make the impact He designed for my life.

All of these influences worked together under the Spirit’s leading, and in 2009 the Lord laid on my heart to begin His Vision Ministries. It was born out of a desire to encourage others to pursue God’s Word, to equip believers to live faithfully, and to continue running the race of life with endurance for His glory.

What I value most in life begins first and foremost with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is nobody like King Jesus. I treasure the privilege of going before the throne of grace every day, knowing I can pray anytime and anywhere, and hear from God through the Holy Spirit, through His Word, and through the people He places in my life to guide me.

Second, I deeply value my beautiful bride, Kelly. I truly believe God made her specifically for me. Outside of my salvation, she is the greatest gift I have ever received. Together we are one in marriage, called to be vessels in God’s work until the Lord calls us home. She is both my biggest supporter and my most honest critic, and I love her all the more for it.

Third, I value my family. I love them dearly and will always be there for them. Family has a way of keeping us grounded and reminding us of what truly matters.

Fourth, I value my church family and ministry calling. Every congregation I have served has felt like family, and in many ways, you remain a pastor to those people long after God calls you forward. Ministry is not just a role—it’s a lifelong relationship.

Finally, I value where God has me in this season of life. Balancing a career in IT with the calling of ministry is not always easy, but I often say I have the best of both worlds. I love what I do, and even with the daily challenges, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Two verses from Romans have become the bedrock of my daily walk with the Lord. Romans 8:28 reminds me that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” No matter the situation, I can trust that God is at work, weaving even the hardest moments for my good and for His glory. Romans 8:31 follows with the assurance, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” That verse gives me courage to keep moving forward in obedience, knowing that as long as I am doing what God has called me to do, the opinions of others cannot derail His plan.

Alongside these verses, I’ve drawn strength and direction from memorable quotes that continue to shape how I live and lead. Jesus’ words, “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you,” remind me of the power of persistent prayer and faith. His reminder in Matthew 6:34 to not worry about tomorrow grounds me in the present. I also appreciate wisdom from leaders like Ronald Reagan, who said, “Don’t be afraid to see what you see,” and C.S. Lewis, who declared, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

From Rev. Jerry Falwell’s challenge that “the idea that religion and politics don’t mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country” to Dr. Adrian Rogers’ powerful reminder that “we ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon,” I’ve been shaped by voices that call me to boldness, faithfulness, and urgency in living out God’s truth.

Together, these verses and quotes form a guiding compass that defines my perspective: to trust God’s plan, live with integrity, and pursue each day with faith and purpose as if eternity is right around the corner.

The impact I hope to make through my life and ministry is rooted in a simple but profound desire: to lead people into a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and to see them grow into fully devoted followers who impact their communities for Him. My heart is to teach God’s Word faithfully—whether to adults or children—and to encourage believers to deepen their faith, bond with one another, and live out their calling in passionate service to Christ.

My passion for ministry extends beyond the pulpit. Over the years, I have served as both a church planter and in church revitalization, and God has given me a particular heart for missions and discipleship.Each of these opportunities allows me to live out the conviction of Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Through trials and blessings alike, I’ve learned to echo Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11, being content in whatever state I find myself. Yet even in that contentment, I carry a burden. I am deeply concerned that our nation—and even many of our churches—are drifting into compromise. That conviction has compelled me to write "Staring in the Face of Compromise", a book intended to confront these issues and awaken believers to the danger of settling for less than God’s standards. My prayer is that this work will stir hearts to stand firm in these perilous times.

At the end of the day, my greatest hope is that my life and ministry will point people to Christ—that through teaching, discipling, serving, and standing firm on God’s truth, others will come to know Him, grow in Him, and live boldly for His glory.

Outside of work and ministry, I find great joy in a variety of interests that keep me both grounded and refreshed. I’ve always loved studying and reading, especially when it comes to history, biblical studies, or ministry. The most powerful book I own will always be my Bible, but I enjoy reading so much that my personal library has grown to over 12,000 books.

When it comes to hobbies, I especially treasure time with my wife. Each year we take a two-week sabbatical in Sanibel, Florida, and we also spend time in our “home away from home” in Townsend, Tennessee, where we can enjoy God’s quietness and creation. Whether it’s kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, playing golf, or flying drones, I love just about anything outdoors. And yes—I’m a die-hard Tennessee fan, and I like to say my blood runs orange!

One of the rhythms I enjoy most is Friday night date night with my wife. Every week we set aside that time just for the two of us, no phones, no interruptions—just the joy of being together. For me, those moments are every bit as life-giving as the books, the travels, or the hobbies.