I grew up in Belmont, NC, just outside of Charlotte. Pastoral ministry runs in my family as my “Pop Pop” on my dad’s side of the family was a pastor in Lutheran tradition. I was raised by two wonderful parents, and I have two siblings who reside in Gaston County with their spouses. I grew up attending a Lutheran Church in Mt. Holly until my family joined First UMC in Belmont when I was in middle school. While at FUMC, I was very active in the youth group and our Boy Scout troop, where I eventually received my Eagle Scout rank. I felt God stirring something within my heart from a young age that led me to pastoral ministry. I attended Appalachian State University and received my Bachelor's in Exercise Science. I then enrolled at Duke Divinity School and got my Master of Divinity degree. Upon graduating from Duke, I became an ordained Deacon & Elder in the Global Methodist Church. 

That is a concise summary of who I am, but here are some other fun and interesting things about me:

• I am married to my “college” sweetheart. I met my wife Ashton in college. She immediately caught my eye, and we have been together since February of 2019.
• Some of my hobbies are attempting to play golf, snowboarding, exercising, hiking, and camping.
• I love watching college basketball and baseball, especially the Tar Heels.
• When I am in the car listening to music, my go-to artists are Luke Combs, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, and Christ Stapelton. I also love worship music by Chris Renzema, United Pursuit, and Maverick City Music.
• My favorite Old Testament book is Jeremiah, and my favorite New Testament book is the Gospel of John. My favorite passage of scripture comes from John 15:1-17. 
• Finally, one of my greatest passions in ministry is helping people, especially young people, understand the beauty of God’s grace in their lives. I also love all things discipleship and the Wesleyan doctrine of Holiness.