Hickory Grove Church of God
Richton, Mississippi 39476
(601) 964-3203

• Education: I graduated from Mid-America Bible College located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. My Bachelor of Science degree is in Specialized Ministries. My specialization areas are in Christian Education as well as Youth Ministry. I also took a personal focus on classes related to Pastoral ministries, as well as Family-life ministries. I am looking forward to getting into our new facility so that I can begin working on my Masters and Doctorate degrees.
• Experience: I grew up in the Church of God. Being the grandson of a "Preacher-man" I learned the ropes of ministry early on. I took an active role in our Church before I moved to OKC, to begin my work on my degree. I should explain that the Church of God (Anderson, IN) is a Wesleyn-Holiness movement, that began with great men of faith such as D.L. Moody, John Wesley and many others.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: Never take anything for face value. Dig in the word to find something. In Jeremiah 31, God tells him that he will show him, "GREAT AND UNSEARCHABLE THINGS". Don’t ever be afraid to go outside the box. I love to use props or drama or anything I can to get my point across. Also KISS. Keep it simple Stupid. If you can get across one point to them in the fifteen to twenty five minutes you have them, celebrate.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: I will place this sermon on here someday so look for it. It is one of the most moving experiences that one can have. I love telling the story of the prodigal son (simply done) then coupling it with a personal testimony of how we too have been prodigals. Haven’t we all! Then we conclude by presenting the group, congregation...etc, with a physical cross, nails, and hammers. They are then invited to come and nail their concerns, or own prodigal story to the cross. Powerfully moving.
• One of my favorite illustrations: Too many to list.
• Family: I have been married to my wife Michelle for almost six years. Our daughter Morgan is three and is already planning a singing career.
• What my parents think of my sermons: They haven’t heard that many, so I really don’t know.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She let’s me know honestly. I am my own worst critic, so she usually does damage control on Sunday afternoons.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: The first time I ever preached in front of our Home church, my father introduced me, and at the same time provided advice. He said, "I’ve always told my son, whatever you have to say, say it loud and say it proud, and with that I’m going to shutup and let him say it" WOW! So, I say to you, "Say it loud, and say it proud"
• Books that have had an impact: C. Peter Wagners stuff is great. I am also drawn to Hank Hannegraaf’s books. Hank provides wonderful stuff (Resurrection, The Prayer of Jesus, Christianity in Crisis), and still stays true to the word of God. I also remember a book titled "Joshua", I can’t remember the author. Of course, Lucado, and Maxwell have had an impact. I also enjoy Wiersbe’s stuff. Especially "Making sense of the Ministry"
• Hobbies: My hobbies or desired hobbies are way too numerous to mention. My first love is basketball. I played at our college, as well as leagues, tournaments...etc. I love Kentucky Basketball! I also enjoy: Bowhunting,golf, tennis, swimming, playing with my daughter, and every other sport you can think of. I have recently taken an interest in playing paintball with some of our youth. It is a fun game and makes me feel still somewhat young to run with the young ones.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Repent and be saved, Let’s eat!
• Something funny that happened while preaching: Haven’t had anything too horribly embarrasing (perfectionist), but I almost fell of the stage one day. I also commented to myself, on the sermon I had just massacred, only to find out that my mic was still on when I said, "That was stupid".
• What I want on my tombstone: Loved God with all his heart, and did unto others as he would have...him.