Jesus called his vision of the world as-it-should-be the "Kingdom of God"--a world where God's love, justice, and mercy reign supreme. As people of faith, we are called to help make that world a reality. I believe the church is the creative space where we experience the transformational love of God and join in God's work of transformation in the world. I'm passionate about creating a church culture where people experience life change, grow in their faith, build meaningful relationships, and become transformational leaders who change the world.
These beliefs and values have grown within me over the years. My love of learning led me to Baylor University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion and later to Princeton Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity degree. The focus of my studies has always been on connecting the church with the community. I continue to learn and live out my deepest values today by serving as the Pastor of Vienna Baptist Church and the Co-Chair of VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement). In each of these roles, I help people become leaders and make positive change.
My dreams and my work are inspired by my family. My wife, Alison, is a professional world changer. A graduate of Duke Divinity School and an ordained Baptist minister, she lives out her calling as a Community Organizer for Washington Interfaith Network (WIN). We are the proud parents of our daughter, Zora, and are nourished by music, laughter and good conversations.