Serving Through the Good and the Challenging
Throughout my ministry, I’ve served in a variety of churches—some experiences were wonderful, while others revealed the struggles and imperfections that come with being human. We are all sinners, and even those with the best intentions sometimes fail to recognize their need for grace. I’m far from perfect, but my commitment has always been to preach the truth of God’s Word, even when it challenges others—and myself. After all, we all need to hear the truth.
Education and Calling
I’m a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where I earned a Diploma of Divinity in Christian Ministries in May 2011. While the diploma is equivalent to a Master of Divinity, my lack of a bachelor’s degree meant I couldn’t officially receive the title. My decision to pursue this path was born from a calling to ministry later in life, not a desire for titles or accolades. I was grateful to find a program tailored for individuals like me—those who desired formal training without delaying service to the church.
Ministry Goals
My ultimate goal in ministry is to find the place where my wife and I can invest our lives wholeheartedly. I believe that longevity in ministry is essential to building a unified church family and establishing deep connections within the local community. My prayer is to serve and grow alongside a congregation for the remainder of my ministry. However, we remain open to God’s plans, trusting His timing and direction.
Family and Ministry Together
My wife, Amy, has been a faithful partner in ministry for over 30 years. She has served in numerous roles, including teaching middle school girls in Sunday School, working with youth groups, leading AWANA programs, organizing carpools for college students, and participating in mission trips. One church member once described her as “the best pastor’s wife we’ve ever had.”
Our son, Isaiah, is married and has blessed us with two grandsons, Theo and Eli. Isaiah has followed his own call to ministry, studying at Midwestern Seminary and serving in music, drama, and multimedia ministries.
Mission Work and Global Impact
Amy and I have been privileged to participate in six international mission trips—five to Honduras and one to Romania. These experiences have been transformative, not just for those we served but also for us and our team members.
In Romania, we helped lead a pastor’s conference, children’s camps, and a week-long Vacation Bible School (VBS). I also had the opportunity to preach at various locations, while Amy played a pivotal leadership role in organizing the VBS team.
In Honduras, we conducted door-to-door evangelism, led children’s ministry events, and participated in services throughout the country. We’ve also supported building projects, feeding programs, and clothing ministries.
Every mission trip is an adventure, and we eagerly anticipate returning to the mission field soon. Our last trip was in 2016, followed by opportunities to visit the Holy Land in 2017 and 2019. These trips were life-changing, and we hope to lead others on similar journeys to experience the Bible coming to life and to engage in global ministry.
A Decade at University Baptist Church
In January 2014, I accepted the call to pastor University Baptist Church in Macomb, Illinois. Over nearly 11 years, we saw both challenges and blessings:
- We built a college ministry from scratch in a transient, college-centered town.
- We created a praise team and implemented live-streamed services, ensuring we never missed a Sunday—even during the pandemic.
- We launched the Macomb Personal Care Closet, a community ministry providing hygiene and cleaning products to those in need.
- We were blessed with an endowment that allowed us to expand the church’s property.
Despite these accomplishments, I stepped down in December 2024. The pandemic had brought about significant challenges, including growing apathy within the church. After years of battling depression and feeling isolated in ministry, I realized that the church needed radical change. Stepping aside was a difficult decision, but I believe it will allow the next pastor to lead the church into its next chapter.
Looking Ahead
As of now, Amy and I are seeking God’s direction for the future. We are exploring possibilities, including working with local ministries, planting a church, or even relocating. For now, we are taking time to rest, recharge, and strengthen our relationship as we prepare for whatever God has planned.
Our lives and ministry have taught us one vital truth: we are not here for our own service but “4 His Service.”
Will you join us in serving Him?