I was born in 1959 right here in North Carolina. Throughout my life, I have moved around the country quite a bit and spent some time abroad. The bulk of my professional experience has been in sales and marketing, spanning local, regional, and national endeavors. I have held ministry-related positions since I graduated from Bible School in 1982, where I completed a double major in theology and psychology.
Although I have been continuously involved in Christian ministry for most of my life, it has often been on a bi-vocational basis. For the last 20 to 24 years, I have served in various pastoral roles within the Quaker Church in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Due to numerous reasons, especially the more Biblically conservative viewpoint, I have long desired to return to my Wesleyan roots. My collegiate training was in the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition.
I am known for my high energy and strong work ethic. Among the books I have co-authored, I wrote a self-help book on positive thinking in 2014 that you might enjoy, and I would be glad to send you a copy if you’re interested. I am currently in the process of writing another book on the miraculous power of the 23rd Psalm, but it will probably be next year before I complete it.
I have been a martial arts teacher for most of my life and started my own Shotokan-based style. Over the years, I have trained many people, always with Christ at the center of my teaching. I am a fifth-degree black belt. However, I will be 65 this coming week, and I am trying to pass on the responsibility to younger students, though it’s hard to let go of such a passion and pursuit.
My wife Dawn and I were married about 20 years ago. I lost my first wife in a tragic accident in 1998, and Dawn lost her first husband due to infidelity. We have known each other since we were children, and God brought us back together to help each other finish raising our children, who are now all grown. I had two, and she had four. Together, we had quite the blend—a real modern-day Brady Bunch.
When I came here in December, I wasn’t sure if Dawn would immediately follow, although I knew she would be supportive. But because of the wonderful Christ-centered and loving environment here, we have turned over our home of the last 20 years to one of our older children, and now we both live in Sawyersville and work for the church.
To say that I am passionate would be an understatement. I love Jesus with all my heart, soul, and strength. I am His—365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. I wish I had found the full focus that I have now throughout my entire life in ministry, but there is no going back. God has certainly led me here. The church knows it, and so do I. I look forward to building His Kingdom here.