Heritage Baptist Church
Springfield, Massachusetts 1118
4137825433

• Education: I have a Graduate of Theology Degree and a Bachelor of Arts from Baptist Bible College, Springfield, Mo.
• Experience: I have served as the Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, Springfield, Ma. since 1981. I served as a Trustee at Boston Baptist College, Boston, Ma. for approximatelt twelve years. I was Trustee Chairman during the Accreditation process. I am currently the Chairman and State Representative for the Massachusetts Baptist Bible Fellowship. I have had a "Gospel Minute" on the local radio station which carries the Rush Limbaugh program for approximately fifteen years.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: If something I have said helps you to speak for our God, use it and give him the glory. If it doesn’t light your fire don’t bother. Remember God doesn’t need our help, except to show that it’s all of Him. That’s why Elijah made sure the altar was well soaked. Remember, God manifests His Word through PREACHING which is committed unto you. Titus 1:3
• Sermon or series that made a difference: "Sin Your Enemy" "Consider Him" "The Savior’s Seven Sayings" "The Fruit of the Spirit, series" "Christmas signs" "Intending after Easter" "How to Love Life"
• One of my favorite illustrations: A gem dealer noticed a blue violet stone the size of a potato at a gem & mineral show. He asked the vender, "You want $15.00 for this?!" The potential seller noticed that the rock wasn’t as attractive as the rest of the stones on his table said, "You can have it for ten dollars." The stone has been certified as a 1,905-carot natural star sapphire, appraised at $2.28 million dollars! It took a lover of stones to recognize the sapphire’s worth. It took the Lover of Souls to recognize the value of ordinary looking people.But, the full price of redemption had to be paid; it took the precious life-blood of Christ to purchase our salvation! Original ill. from W.Vassallo "Fresh Illustrations" Rowell
• Family: Cathy and I have been married since 1971. She continues to be an invaluable help in my ministry. We have three grown children and all are happily married to Christians. We have four perfect grandchildren. Our daughter, Jennifer is my office manager; her husband oversees several warehouses in New England. Our first son, Jared is a Policeman in Westfield. His wife is a Connecticut school teacher. Our second son, Justin is on staff as our youth minister and is beginning a basketball coaching ministry at his alma mater. His wife, Keisha is a Real-estate agent and a substitute school teacher.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My Mother used to listen to every one that was sent to her. Now that she has dementia, that is not possible. My Dad is proud of me, but is not into my or anyone elses sermons... except for Billy Graham. This makes me hopeful, since I was saved under Billy Graham’s preaching as an eleven year old boy. Also as a twenty-one year old man I was restored to a Christian walk when a ship-mate shared, "Peace With God," by Billy Graham with me!
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She is painfully blunt. When I’m not "On," she knows it. But, when I’m in the Spirit she affirms me.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Your introduction is to capture your OWN attention. If you’re not fired up, how will you inspire your hearers? Make your points your application! Always draw the net. If you don’t stay clean and confident with God through the week, how will you have God’s fullness to preach? Every sermon is to be a message from Almighty God; what we do is of utmost importance. If you don’t have a message from the Lord, why waste the peoples’ time?! Prayer and the ministry of the Word are the main things!
• Books that have had an impact: "Building Dynamic Faith", Jerry Falwell "Surprising Insights from the Unchurched", Rainer "The Purpose Driven Church", Warren "Why Men Hate Church" "The Spirit of the Disciplines", by Dallas Willard "Winning is a Choice", by Paul Meier "You can chage your Church for Good" by Brad Powell "Life on Fire," by Ronnie Floyd I love Spurgeon.
• Hobbies: I am a golfer.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: ..how worthy Jesus Christ is of being magnified in every life.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: Once I remembered that I had a sock with a hole in the bottom and took off my shoe and held it up as an illustration showing that my wife had failed to darn her husband’s socks. The point was made that expectations for a wfe’s duties have not stayed the same. She was still embarrasseed over my display.
• What I want on my tombstone: He finished his course.