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 the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. 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 but never entirely understood it. 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. Unlike my siblings, I met the woman of my dreams, who I also call my wife, in college. Ashton and I met in physics class. 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 (yes, I know I went to Duke).
• 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 book of the Old Testament is the book of Jeremiah, and my favorite book of the New Testament is the book 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 small groups and teaching others the beauty of the Holy Scriptures.