My Call to Ministry

God has allowed me to be surrounded by ministry my entire life. Having a pastor/father in a home no doubt exposed me to the heart and guts of ministry and church work from an early age. Seeing my father pour his life into ministry eventually rubbed off on my life and I began to develop the same desires and passions. I am certain that God allowed me to grow up in the family I did to help instill in me the desire for ministry.

During my college years I was able to spend summers working with the youth at NEBC. Though these times were very informal and primitive, the laid the groundwork for what would eventually be my present ministry. It was during those years that I learned how to disciple and counsel teens, interact with parents, and teach the Bible.

Following college, I was able to continue serving as a lay leader, now accompanied by my wife, Leslie. When I eventually made the decision to pursue vocational ministry, I enjoyed the full support of my wife, in part because she had seen me in action years before and knew my passion for the church and ministry.

In addition to being affirmed and supported by my wife, family, and close friends, my calling was also validated through many members of our church family.

My spiritual gifts are teaching, shepherding, serving, and exhortation— gifts that help to confirm my call to ministry. Without these specific gifts, I believe it would be hard to justify a man being able to capably lead the flock. I also believe my calling is genuine because of the great satisfaction and contentment that result from serving.

In short, I have a deep inner longing—a compulsion—to serve in the ministry!