BACKGROUND
I am a North Carolina native and certified pastoral counselor. I earned my bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University; my master’s degree from Duke Divinity School; and a doctor of ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary.  Prior to accepting the call to Myers Park Presbyterian in 2002, I served as pastor at the following churches: Moyock United Methodist, Moyock, N.C.; First Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, Va.; First Presbyterian Church, Morganton, N.C.; and Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Mount Pleasant, S.C.  My wife and I have three young adult children and two grandchildren. 

FAITH

Faith is not something I conjure up -- it is a gift from God.  It is a way of knowing, not just believing.  “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…” 

THE CHURCH

Not only was the Church God’s idea, but it belongs to God. It is a privilege for us to step out in faith to achieve a God-sized vision in the world.  We often need to be reminded of that!

MINISTRY

After 30 years of ordained ministry, my major focus is helping our congregation discern God’s purpose for their lives, not as volunteers, but as disciples.  Think of it as an internship in ministry with Christ as your teacher and the world as your classroom. 

SERVING AS SENIOR PASTOR

Our church is well organized and has plenty of leadership.  The challenge is to stay focused and to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us.  Sometimes our strength can be our liability.  The major focus of my position is preaching and the general oversight of the ministry.

MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN

Our church has plenty of challenges and even more opportunities.  The staff, elders and deacons make an exceptional team.  I thank God for this ministry and the privilege of serving in this place at this particular time.