How long have you served at Front Street UMC?
My wife, Sarah, and I moved to Front Street at the end of June 2017. We hope to be here until Jesus comes back.
What’s your favorite thing about working here?
So far it’s been the cookies! Did you know we have cookies and punch after worship every Sunday?!
Actually, I have truly enjoyed getting to know the wonderful Staff, and the congregation has been very welcoming.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you here?
Nothing terribly funny…yet. But stay tuned. This is a church, after all. The funny will come!
Where were you born and raised?
I grew up in Danville, VA. And little did I know that the woman I would marry was growing up just over the NC line in Yanceyville, NC. We met at my first job out of college.
Where did you go to school?
I’ve been educated beyond my intelligence at the following places, and enjoyed them all.
-
BA in Business/Economics; Minor in Religious Studies from Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA.
-
MBA from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
-
MDiv from Duke University, Durham, NC.
How many children do you have?
Sarah and I have two lovely daughters, Becca and Mary Catherine.
Becca is a graduate of Appalachian State University, and lives in Charlotte.
Mary Catherine is a student at UNC-Wilmington.
Any pets?
The self-proclaimed queen of the house is our gray tabby, Zelda. (Yes, we also think that’s an interesting name. But it’s the one she came with when we adopted her.)
Charlie is our semi well-behaved black lab mix. He enjoys chasing the squirrels in the backyard, and drinking from his water bucket and dribbling it all over the kitchen floor. Oh, how I wish God had made dogs with lips to keep the water in their mouths.
What is most important about your work at FSUMC? What drives you? What is your passion?
Since we are called to make disciples, and not church members, I think growing disciples who walk in the footsteps of Jesus is most important. Helping people move from a consumerist mindset about church to living as disciples in love with Christ is what drives me.
What are your favorite books, movies or songs?
I enjoy movies. Anything with John Wayne is good. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched The Quiet Man. I also like the wit of Cary Grant.
As for songs, my favorite hymn is “Lift High the Cross.”
Secular music? Yes! Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett, the 70’s and 80’s. When I’m in my car, I seem to be stuck right now on “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” by Lobo.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy messing around in the yard. I like photography, but don’t get out as much as I used to. Hoping to change that.
And, of course, I like to do anything that allows me to spend time with Sarah.
If you weren’t a minister at FSUMC what would your profession be?
Good question. Can you get paid to watch Duke basketball?
What’s your favorite food?
I’m pretty sure that as a minister I’m supposed to say fried chicken. I actually do like fried chicken. I’m also thinking if you dropped a Key Lime Pie on the floor I would holler “5-second rule,” and help you get it up so we could eat it. (Can’t waste a perfectly good Key Lime Pie!)
Where do you like to vacation?
Sarah and I love to travel when we’re able to. We enjoy the beach and the mountains. We also like to travel abroad. We’re hoping to get to Scotland, Ireland, and Greece sometime. We’re also looking forward to leading a trip back to the Holy Land as well.
