South Lake Presbyterian
Clermont, Florida 34711
352-394-2753

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Auburn University Master of Divinity, Austin Seminary.
• Experience: I’m a preachers kid -what an experience that was. As a layperson, I served as an elder, teacher, youth worker, worship leader, and small group leader. My full time ministry experience has included a stint leading a young professionals ministry, an internship as a hospital chaplain, and finally as a pastor for thirteen years.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: When I deliver a sermon, I rarely stick to the transcript.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: Jim Singleton’s sermons at Covenant Presbyterian Church in the Spring of 2000.
• One of my favorite illustrations: From C.S. Lewis work, the weight of glory... "Our God doesn’t find our desires too strong, but too weak... We are like children who would rather make mud pies in the slums because we can’t imagine what is meant by a holiday at the sea."
• Family: I’ve been married for almost twenty-one years. I have two daughters and two sons and one goofy hound dog.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My Dad was a preacher for 59 years. He heard me preach a few times before he died. He told me he loved my sermons and cried every time he heard me preach. The only time my mother heard me preach, she was dying of cancer. On that day, no one she was grateful and so was I. I was blessed by remarkably supportive parents.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She’s my biggest fan and most honest critic. If I messed it up, she lets me know. She gives the strongest encouragement when I say what no one wanted to hear but what needed to be said.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Little prayer - little power. Prayer matters more than preparation.
• Books that have had an impact: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Spritual Rhythm by Mark Buchanan, A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sitzer, Making Room for Life by Randy Frazee, Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, and .
• Hobbies: I love guitar, piano, children’s fantasy literature, biking, and spending time with my wife and kids.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: The amazing truth about this gospel is this: You and I are more wicked and sinful than we ever dare to believe AND more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared to hope - at the same time.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: I heard snores coming from the choir loft off to my right. I looked over and spotted the sleeper and said, "Wake up Bob. The sermon is pretty good today. I don't want you to miss it." The choir busted out laughing. After the service they told me that, while Bob had in fact been asleep, it was Dick who was snoring.
• What I want on my tombstone: Job 19:25-27