I am a lifelong United Methodist from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, having attended East Stone Gap United Methodist Church while growing up, and then First UMC (Alcoa) while in college and in my early 20's. I am a 1999 graduate of the University of Tennessee, where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Media Arts. I am currently working on my Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Theological Seminary, where I am a full-time student.

God showed me the early signs of my call to ministry in 1991, while I was a teenager serving on the Conference Council on Youth Ministry. In August of 2003, I was called into ministry and became an active volunteer until receiving the opportunity to become Director of Youth Ministry at Central in early 2005. I completed my candidacy studies in the Holston Conference in 2006 and have been appointed to Central UMC as Associate Pastor while having the opportunity to continue working with the student ministries. I am working towards becoming an ordained elder in the UMC, which is the direction that I discern that God is leading me.

I am married to my wonderful wife Rebecca, who was previously the Director of Youth Ministry at Mountain View UMC. Together, we have planned numerous retreats and trips, organized lock-ins and mission trips, led small groups and large, and have spent numerous hours in > prayer for our youth. I am excited about what the Holy Spirit is doing in my life and in the lives of the students of our church!