- Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Atlanta, but grew up in Fayetteville, NC. I went to college at Davidson and afterward taught school for four years. After realizing God had been calling me to ministry for most of my life, I headed for seminary at Columbia Theological in Decatur, GA. I was also able to spend a year studying in Scotland. I have served churches in Norton, VA; Welsh, LA (where I also did pastoral counseling for 5 years); Corbin, KY; Ellendale, ND and now Sturgis, SD. I met my wife, Susan, in Louisiana at a restaurant called Randal’s where I asked her to dance. We got married on December 31, 1998. We had our son, Benjamin, on February 29, 2000. Susan has two children from a previous marriage. She is a clinical social worker and does counseling. Benjamin is starting his sophomore year this fall at Dakota State in Madison, where he is studying computers and game design.
- What drew you to explore and accept the call to serve the congregation in Sturgis?
The Sturgis PNC and I hit it off from our first video/phone conversation. I have had some experience in church renewal and they were interested in what I had done. After visiting with them, our meetings together led to a deeper connection, and they enjoyed my preaching. After more conversation and another visit, we decided it was a good match. Now after being at the church for about two and a half months, I have found the congregation to be full of joy and to have a very positive spirit—both of which I find to be refreshing and enjoyable. We are just finishing up a week of serving breakfast every day at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and I have been impressed with their drive and compassionate spirit. The people they fed have also been impressed with their caring and positive spirit—as well as the excellent food.
- What are you most excited about as you begin your ministry?
So far I have enjoyed getting to know the people at FPC in Sturgis. Again, they are committed and positive about life in general and about serving others in the name of Christ. I am spending my time simply getting to know them for now, and I hope that as I do, I will be guided to a vision of what the future of this church will be. I am excited about planning that future with them, guided by the Spirit of God. Besides the positives about the church, my family and I are excited to live in the beauty of the Black Hills. We have enjoyed some hiking and hope to do a lot more. I also hope to play some of the beautiful golf courses in the area. Susan and I have been blessed to buy a nice home, and we welcome anyone to stop by and see us.
- How can we be praying for you?
Pray for God’s guidance in creating a vision for FPC Sturgis. Pray for my preaching and for my efforts to develop meaningful relationships with my people. Pray for Susan to find a counseling position in the area that she will enjoy.