Truth Church
arab, Alabama 35016
334-201-8562

• Education: I graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield Missouri with a B/A in pastoral studies. Lauri has her B/A in education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Bradley is about to graduate high school and plans on continuing his education locally.
• Experience: I started preaching at 17 years of age, so now at 48 I have 31 years of preaching experience. I have pastored for 21 years and served as a youth pastor for one year. I ministered as an evangelist during the summers home from school. I was fortunate to be raised in a church with Brother Crabtree as my Pastor, also Bob Gass, Coy Barker, Cortez Frazier and Frank Martin.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: If you will notice-in almost every sermon-there is an intro, title, background, points, illustrations and a close. Years ago some Pentecostal preachers said they just opened their mouths and let God fill it. But I believe God fills you during the preparation time, and blesses it during the delivery. Anything short of that won’t do.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: Sitting under the ministry of Bob Gass and Coy Barker made a strong impact on my life that preaching can make a powerful difference in lives. In many services under both of these men, I saw 20,30,50 or more respond to a salvation call. Bob Gass preached on the white stone of the saints, which is a classic. Coy Barker preached a sermon called, you aren’t getting any more peas out of my patch--and going a little bit farther than ever before--probably 100 people came to know Christ through these two sermons alone.
• One of my favorite illustrations: Kentucky farmer who entered his mule in the derby. When asked why, he said, thought it would do his mule good to run with some thoroughbreds. The point I get from this, if you want to be better get with those who will make you better.
• Family: My family consists of Lauri, my wife of 21 years this March, and my son Bradley who is 18 years old. They are both vital in my ministry through their gifts they have given to God. Also the love and support they give me as we try to follow the Lord’s leading for our lives. We now enter 21 years of Pastoral ministry and God has blessed us with many souls over these years. We have served Bethel for the last 13 years which means Bradley has been in the same school system his entire life, which is a great blessing.
• What my parents think of my sermons: Mom loves them all,(that is what mom’s do) Dad gives me instruction on how to be better--his best advice is to listen to your sermons, so that you can make sure the message is clear to anyone, even the unbeliever
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She married me before she had ever heard me preach one sermon. She is my greatest critic, but my biggest supporter. She, along with Bradley tell me when I have hit the mark, and occasionally when I miss it. Being a second grade school teacher she has given me this advice, if her students can’t understand it, it is probably too deep and should be brought down where people can get it.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: fill your sermons with the Word, you will stay out of error people’s minds can only endure what their seats can handle Lift up Jesus, it’s all about Him There should be a crimson flow to every message Give a sermon a title--if you can’t title it, people shouldn’t listen to it use a story or illustration to put some meat on your skeleton
• Books that have had an impact: Thomas a Kempsis--Imitation of Christ-- Reese Howell--Intercessor Smith Wigglesworth--all his books and devotionals. E.M. Bounds--all books on prayer Andrew Murray--all books on growing up in Christ Oral Roberts--devotional book Warren Wiersbe--Spiritual Giants also a video series--God’s Generals-- all of Kathryn Kullmans books and videos Oral Roberts Devotional, and P.T.L. devotional mostly--studying God’s Word--can’t go wrong there
• Hobbies: I love fishing, hunting and sports. I carry a 223 average in bowling and won a national team title in 1980 at Showboat lanes in Las Vegas. I go golfing with my son occasionally, but since he is a great golfer I try to take a beating only once in a while. Last time we played he shot 3 under, enough said.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: everyone Jesus touched he made completely whole--that wholeness is something this world can’t give you. The world can take care of your body, for a while, the world can ease your mind, for a time, the world can fill your heart for a moment, the world can even touch your spirit, but only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Tiger Woods, Donald Trump, Bill Gates, President George Bush or you and me, only Jesus can satisfy the soul. As my grandmother use to say, their is a place inside each one, that only Jesus Christ can fill. Until it is filled, their will always be an emptiness in any man, no matter who they are.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: too many to tell
• What I want on my tombstone: It wasnt’ the messenger, but the message, that made the difference.