Lakeview Baptist Church, Delray Beach, FL
Pastor
The challenges of ministering in a diverse and gospel-resistant culture had a profound effect on both my personal and professional growth. Many opportunities presented themselves, including directing the church’s weekday preschool, a mission trip to Haiti, two church plants (one domestic & one foreign), and service as the Chief of Chaplains to the Delray Beach Police & Fire-Rescue Departments.
Philosophy of Preaching The Puritans understood that excellent preaching is like a fire with both ‘light and heat’ – informing the mind and inflaming the heart. Our hearts can be inflamed for His glory when our minds are informed by His truth. My commitment to passionate, biblical, expository preaching demonstrates my desire to communicate the unchanging message of scripture in the ever-changing circumstances of life. Expository – Although a topical sermon may be appropriate on occasion, I am convinced that expositional preaching is the best method for regular preaching. Expository preaching builds its sermon outline & content based on a particular passage of scripture. Rather than simply “reading a verse and then departing from it”, expository messages seek to communicate what the Word of God actually says and how it applies to our lives. Often times, this may include preaching through a particular book of scripture over the course of weeks or months. Expository preachers are committed to preaching the whole counsel of God’s Word, and have great confidence in both the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. Doctrinal – Truth is important, and what we believe about God, the world, and ourselves will influence every aspect of our lives. Sound doctrine is vital to both personal and corporate spiritual health. Our hearts can best be inflamed for His glory when our minds are informed by His truth. It is unfortunate that some have wrongly divorced doctrine from devotion. Cold, sterile doctrine without a passion for God is impotent and lame. Fervent passion drifting in a sea of doctrinal confusion is empty and misplaced. I believe that both the heart and the head are important in our Christian faith, and in most places, the urgent need of the hour is a renewed emphasis on doctrinal instruction and precision. Evangelistic – As the great soul-winner, Charles Spurgeon, once said, “a sermon is neither fit for the land nor yet for the garbage heap unless there is a savor of Christ in it.” Different messages may have different purposes, but all messages should glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. While every sermon should not be for the sole purpose of evangelism, they should all point to Christ as the great treasure of the Gospel. I firmly believe that God is pleased “by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1.21). Rather than trusting the gimmicks and methods of men to try to compel “decisions”, we must faithfully proclaim the Gospel and trust the power of God’s Word unto salvation. Passionate – No one can please everyone. This is especially true in the area of preaching styles. Those who prefer a more reserved, conversational style of preaching may find my own style a little too engaging and intense. Just as I believe that both the heart and the head are important in our Christian faith, likewise I believe that both the heart and the head are important in the actual act of proclamation. The preaching act ought to be an expression of worship, arising from the overflow of the preacher’s personal communion and experience of God.
2002 - 2007
Antioch Baptist Church, Sevierville, TN
Pastor
Ministered in the resort area of the Great Smoky Mountains. Increased ministry demands, staff and volunteer coordination, and administrative duties furthered my ministerial development. Seminary graduation and ministry were interrupted when I was hit by a drunk driver in Knoxville, TN.
1999 - 2001
Oakwood Baptist Church, Milan, TN
Pastor
Following a church split under the previous pastor, I learned the importance of church unity and conflict resolution. We enjoyed a rewarding and challenging ministry as God healed old wounds and brought new life back to the church.
1996 - 1999
Oakfield Baptist Church, Oakfield, TN
Associate Pastor
As a staff minister, the Lord taught me many important things about ministry and teamwork. My primary responsibility was to develop and direct a strong student program. Other duties included community outreach, preaching, and pastoral counseling.
1995 - 1996
First Baptist Church of Morristown, Morristown, TN
Youth Intern
Work focused on youth visitation and the preparation of prospect files. The office work involved in this job stressed the importance of strong administrative skills in the ministry.
1993
East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, Knoxville, TN
Chaplain Intern
Led services on Wednesday nights for elderly patients on the Rehabilitation Ward. I learned to provide pastoral care to the aged and to the injured.
1993
Erskine Theological Seminary (Due West, SC)
[Current] Master of Theology (Th.M.)
Major in Historical Theology
Research interests center on Jesse Mercer and early Baptist history
2009 - Present
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY)
[2007] Master of Divinity (M.Div.), School of Theology
Concentration in Pastoral Studies
Presidential Scholarship awarded by Dr. R. Albert Mohler
Faculty Nomination for Clyde T. Francisco Preaching Award
Degree Delayed But Completed in 2007
1997 - 2001 (2007)
Union University (Jackson, TN)
[1996] Bachelor of Arts in Religion/Greek (B.A.) Summa Cum Laude
Minors in Management & Marketing and History
Student Government Senator
Ministerial Association Revival Team Leader
Alpha Chi Honor Society
Graduate Studies in School of Education (M.Ed.)
1993 - 1997
Carson-Newman College (Jefferson City, TN)
Attended for 3 semesters until transferring to Union University.
Elected BSU Evangelism Director
BSU Revival Team Leader
1992 - 1993
Oviedo High School (Oviedo, FL)
[1992] High School Diploma
Junior and Senior Class President
Varsity Football and Weightlifting Captain
President, FCA & FBLA
1988 - 1992
Philosophy of Ministry
A part of our Christian commitment involves a dedication to the welfare of the Church. To this end, we must constantly seek reformation and revival within the church (semper reformanda). The five “solas” of the Protestant Reformation are helpful guideposts to keep us on the right path. These five pillars are strong supports in building a healthy, God-honoring church.
"By Scripture Alone" (Sola Scriptura)
Is there any objective standard of truth? How do we know what we know? While tradition, history, and experience may be important, the Word of God alone is our final authority. This doctrine affirms the authority and sufficiency of scripture, and reorients our approach to life and ministry. Because God has spoken through biblical revelation, we can know the truth and trust the power of God’s Word to fulfill its purpose.
"By Grace Alone" (Sola Gratia)
Our works and self-righteousness cannot improve our acceptance by God. Salvation is fully and finally of grace alone. A biblical appreciation of God’s grace liberates us from the performance trap, helps us to rest in the unconditional love of God, and magnifies God’s work in our salvation. This doctrine reminds us that human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot replace what only grace can accomplish.
"By Faith Alone" (Sola Fide)
Our justification (being declared righteous in the sight of God) is received by faith alone. It is easy for us to trust in what we can do, but this truth challenges us to rest and rely on Christ alone for our standing before God. Faith is more than mere mental assent, for it involves the surrender of the whole person to Jesus Christ. It is the empty hands by which we receive what God alone supplies.
"By Christ Alone" (Solus Christus)
Christ alone is the object of our faith as He is the only mediator between God and man. There is no salvation outside of explicit faith in Him. The historical Christ revealed in scripture is uniquely and exclusively qualified as the savior of God’s people. This truth reminds us to give Him all the glory and of our grave responsibility to make Christ known to the nations.
"Glory to God Alone" (Soli Deo Gloria)
God alone deserves our highest devotion and praise. Because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, all that we do and all that we are must be to the glory of God alone. This doctrine frames our purpose in life – “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever”. Unlike the monastic separation of sacred from secular, we must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God, and for the glory of God alone.
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