I grew up in Columbus, Ga, graduated high school in Phenix City, Al, and met my wife at Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga. My granddad was an addict who became a pastor, my dad was a pastor, and God called me to ministry in 1999 when I was 15 years old. My wife, Erin, is a 2nd grade teacher at Chestnut Mountain Elementary in Hall County. I love preaching, teaching, coaching, and training.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Erin, teaches 2nd grade at Chestnut Mountain Elementary in Hall County, leads a girls Bible study, and leads an 8th grade girls small group at First Baptist Buford. When people see me “serving” throughout our community, she is really the one makes it possible! I have a 7th grade daughter at Buford Middle School named Emma. She cheers, is in chorus & theater, and is generally a pretty incredible kid. My 3rd grade son, Drake, goes to school with my wife at Chestnut Mountain. He plays baseball, basketball, soccer, and anything else he wants to try out for the day.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the Lead Pastor at First Baptist Buford. I came her from First Baptist Atlanta in 2011 as the Student Ministries Pastor. In December 2014 the church called me as their Lead Pastor. I love preaching. I love God’s Word. I love impacting eternity with the truth of who Jesus is. And I love just getting to serve people. In my time in Buford there have been a lot of heartbreaking opportunities to walk with families through tragedy and loss. I don’t like the circumstances, but I love being available for people in the midst of them. The hardest part about pastoring in Buford has been burying 13 people under the age of 35 and 8 under the age of 20. At the same time, the most humbling and honored times of pastoring in Buford has been the privilege to be invited into those times by parents, families, students, coaches, and administrators.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Bare Bones, Johnny’s, Rico’s, FishTales
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Almost 12 years…since May 2011
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have to give 2 couples. Gene & Cherie Durden and Benji & LeeAnna Hollis. I have seen these couples in their darkest moments, both after losing a child, and have been amazed at how they have loved and cared for people out of that loss. They literally breathe everyday by loving and serving others. Gene is the best girls basketball coach in the country. Benji is a VP for the Peach Bowl. They both have really “interesting” aspects of their jobs, yet they seem to live their lives so simply. Just love Jesus and serve people…even when it’s hard!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hawaii with my wife. She loves to travel and we’ve never been to the Islands.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The office is mine and my wife’s “mindless escape”. When we are dealing with anxiety or the weight of life it always brings us laughter even on hard days.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love Jesus and love people. It really is that simple. And kindness covers a multitude of deficiencies!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Take infield with Ron Washington.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Being a homer here, but I love listening to First Baptist Buford’s worship team on our app.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The old Waffle House that used to be next to the Hardees & Station 14. My daughter and I went there every Thursday morning after FCA from the time she was 2 until Kindergarten. Ms. Rhonda, our waitress, would start her waffle before we made it through the front door.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ron Washington. He’s one of the best “teachers” of the game of baseball in all of the sport. I love coaching infielders. I would love to pick his brain! Diesel…that’s my go to lunch meeting location.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people. We aren’t perfect people, but we are people who desire connection and try to love each other while tryin to navigate the pressure of success. The way this community shows up in their neighbors greatest times of need is unique.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Pastoring right here in Buford.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love Buford and love serving Buford. I grew up not knowing that Buford, Ga existed, but my granddad’s name was Buford.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Vancouver…mountains, ocean, & city can all be seen from the same window.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April, birthday, son’s birthday, Easter, spring break / Holiday…Christmas / Christmas morning
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being a dad.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Erin & my 12 yr old daughter Emma.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A fire.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Family, Safe