FAMILY:
I am married to my beautiful bride of 10 years, Jamie, who I met while going to school at Valley Forge Christian College. We are blessed with two great kids, Caleb (7), and Olivia Joy (3). We also have a dog whose name is Mink.
AREAS OF MINISTRY:
Lead Pastor and current worship leader.
EDUCATION:
I went to high school near Youngstown, OH and graduated from Austintown Fitch High School. Then I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree from Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, PA.
PREVIOUS LINES OF WORK:
While in High School, I began working for McDonald’s and even continued that while in college when I was home on breaks. In college I did some janitorial work at a local office complex. Following graduation, I took a youth pastor position in the Stroudsburg, PA near the Poconos for about 3 years. Prior to becoming the lead pastor here, I was on staff in Youngstown, OH at Bridge of Hope A/G (formerly Calvary A/G) where I was a youth and associate pastor for 7 years.
FAVORITE…
Book: There are so many I enjoy like: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Driven by Eternity, If You Want to Walk on Water Get Out of the Boat, and Cure for the Common Life.
Food: Spaghetti
Snack Food: Ice Cream (Any kind, it’s my weakness)
Music: Mainly praise/worship music of almost any genre
Movie: Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Place in the World: Disney World
Recreational Activities/Hobbies: I enjoy basketball, fishing, reading, playing with my kids, and trying to golf.
Sports Team: The Ohio State Buckeyes, The Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavs, and for college hoops, Duke Blue Devils.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE:
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
THREE PEOPLE I'D LIKE TO MEET:
Billy Graham
Jim Tressel
John Bevere
MY HERO:
My wife Jamie, I am in awe at all she can accomplish while being a full-time Mom and Pastor’s Wife. She is amazing!
MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THIS ABOUT ME:
I was in my high school marching band and started out my Freshman year as a cymbal specialist (not really that important J but it sounds good).
Articles & Resources for Church Workers
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Starting a Greeter Program
Four years ago I accepted the challenge of evangelism chairperson for our church. One of the first programs the pastor and I developed was the Sunday morning greeter program. -
Motivating the Right Person into the Right Ministry
One of the greatest challenges for most leaders is selecting and motivating the right people into the right ministry positions in hopes of minimizing turnover and frustration. Even in the smaller church with limited personnel, it is important to coordinate people and ministry as much as possible. -
“I TRIED, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME”
“I tried, but no one ever called me” are painful words for a leader who has much work to do and not enough people willing to do it. These words are painful for the person who wanted to contribute, but was never called. These are also painful words for a person who is committed to helping people connect and contribute in meaningful ways within the church.
