Tell us a little bit about your family and where you’re from.
I was born and raised in Mount Vernon. Molly and I were married in July of 2007. We have been blessed with 4 kids – 2 sons and 2 daughters. We currently have two teenagers and two in elementary school…we’re busy!
When did you meet Jesus?
I met Jesus when I was in graduate school pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics. I’d love to tell you the story sometime. The short version is that I was raised in a Christian home, I was an atheist in college, and I met Jesus in the Fall/Winter of 2001.
I was doing a self-chosen research project so that I could tell my parents that I was never going to go to church with them again. The project was to read their stupid book from cover to cover (which is what I thought about the Bible at the time.)
But I had no idea what I was getting into. As I read the Word, I came to realize that what I was reading was true. For the first time in my life, I experienced something that all my rationality couldn’t deny…when I would read that book, something was happening. I know now that the “something” was really a “Someone.” I was experiencing God’s presence. Eventually, I knew two things to be true:
- Jesus is God
- I have to give myself to Him
I really hope you’ve met Jesus too. If you’re not sure, I’d love to help.
What is one of your favorite Bible verses?
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
What is your current role with Lifepoint? How long have you been on staff?
I am currently the Lead Pastor of Lifepoint Church. My wife and I moved to MV to plant this church in 2012. We launched on February 17, 2013, in the local movie theater.
How do you hope your ministry will impact people?
I want to help people meet Jesus and love Him. I hope God uses me to help people increasingly worship Christ, trust Him, obey Him, and experience His joy and peace.
What experience/education/training has helped prepare you for your current role?
I think my academic background in math and physics gave me a great foundation for work in the church. I also think that spending 5 years as a high school math teacher (also coaching football, basketball, and track) really helped me prepare for ministry.
In terms of education and training, I have an MA in Theological Studies from Liberty University. I am a licensed marriage counselor through Prepare/Enrich. I am a professionally trained executive coach, I lead coaching for SEND Columbus church planting, and I’m also a Church Planting Catalyst with the SEND Network.
What are some of your favorite shows, books, movies, music, etc?
So many!
We like Seinfeld and The Office.
I love reading, it’s hard to pick just a few books…I enjoy spy novels. I love almost everything C.S. Lewis has written, especially Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. I’m a big Tim Keller fan as well.
For movies, I like action. Things like the Jason Bourne series or war movies.
For music, I’m eclectic. I love 90’s alt-rock, but I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t love 80’s pop or Led Zepellin or Switchfoot or Luke Combs.
What do you do for fun?
I love to spend time with family and friends. I’m competitive, so all the better if there’s a game with winners and losers. I like sports, especially football and basketball. I’m trying to learn to like golf. I like to get outside, especially in the woods. I love to learn, so I read a lot.