Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, while my dad was in the military and we moved to several places, including Midway Island and Puerto Rico. My early memories are of living in Jacksonville, Florida, until I was 7. But New Orleans is what was home for me since living there from age 7 until moving away when I was a young adult.
How large is the family you grew up in?
Besides my parents, I’m the youngest of three. I have a brother and a sister.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
I grew up in the Church. My mom is a very committed Christian, one of the godliest people I know on the planet. So I was always in church. But at the age of 9, while at a revival service, I came to a point where I understood what sin was about and that I was a sinner in need of salvation. I responded and accepted Christ as Savior.
What was the first job you ever had?
When I was in 9th grade, I worked in a janitorial-supply service company stocking supplies, loading trucks and tearing up shirts and cloth that people used for rags in the oil industry in south Louisiana.
Where did you go to college?
After graduation from high school, I went to Loyola University in New Orleans, where I received a Bachelor of Music Education with a specialization in Jazz Studies. From there, I went immediately to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where I received a Masters of Religious Education with a specialization in Youth Ministry. But I also did all my elective course work in the school of music.
When and to whom did you marry?
I married Annette Alford. We are both from the same hometown and grew up in the same church. After getting married, we partnered together in youth ministry for several years before moving on into worship ministries.
How many children do you have?
Two daughters.
How did you get into ministry?
I began sensing God’s call in my life as a young boy. Having been around music all of my life, I recognized that God was calling me into music ministry. I struggled with that call for five years, but as soon as I finished college, my home church asked me to come on staff as a part-time summer youth worker, which evolved into permanent part-time and then into a full-time job.
Have you ever done any long- or short-term mission trips?
My first-ever short-term mission trip abroad was to El Salvador where I did street and itinerant evangelism. I have been to Mexico, Germany and Thailand.
Where else have you served before coming to First Orlando?
I was in First Baptist Church of Marrero [in suburban New Orleans] for 6½ years, first as a summer worker in youth education, then in music and education. I then went to Calvary Baptist Church in New Orleans for 4½ years as the Minister of Music. I next worked at Calvary Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, for four years as the Worship Pastor. Next was First Baptist Church of Morristown, Tennessee, for 4½ years as the Worship Pastor. I then went to First Baptist Church of West Monroe, Louisiana, where I served alongside Pastor David Uth for five years as the Worship Pastor."
What brought you to First Orlando?
What brought me here was my partnership with Pastor David. God has really knit our hearts together as partners in ministry and gave us a vision for continuing to serve together and finishing our journey in ministry together.
What was the turning point of your life?
Without question, it came after five years of struggling with the call to ministry in fear and uncertainty as to all that would mean. The turning point for me came at the moment of surrender when I said, “God, whatever it is You have for me I will respond in a manner that reflects obedience and will do whatever it is You want me to do.” It was at age 17 that I started down my journey and in my early 20s when I said, “I’ll do it.”
What do you like most about your job?
I like working alongside the team to shape the vision that I believe will ultimately result in shaping the destiny of this ministry as we move toward trying to become a regional influence in Central Florida. I think we have potential not just to shape the influence here, but make a mark in the Southern Baptist Convention in the way we approach worship, church, reproduction, venue strategies and church planting. Those are the things that really excite me.
What is your most memorable moment in ministry?
There have been so many memorable moments, but I believe the most memorable of all have to do with what I consider the most significant part of my legacy, which is my family. The most special moments were when my children recognized who God is and came to a point where they received Christ and accepted Him as their Savior. Those moments far outshine any of the big productions we’ve done, worship services and mission trips.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage?
2 Chronicles 16:9: “The eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support the man whose heart is fully devoted to Him.” That is my favorite verse and my life verse.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Ever since I was 18 years old, I have been a boater. But in February of 2008, I sold my boat. So, for the first time since I was 18, I don’t own a boat. Now I ride a motorcycle. I like to take off and get away to where I don’t have to answer the phone and just have the wind in my face.
If you weren’t a pastor, what would you be doing?
Perhaps I’d be involved in the Christian music/entertainment industry. Also, I’m fascinated by law enforcement. Had I not been a pastor, perhaps that’s what I’d do. When I retire, I want to drive for a Christian artist, drive him or her from place to place.
Is there something about you people would be surprised to learn?
That I once had lots and lots of hair.