My story is one that is not uncommon. I grew up in a divorced home in the Bible Belt. We went to church every so often because that’s what everyone else did around us, and it was a check off of the checklist. If you were to ask me if and why I was a Christian, I would say, “Yes because most of my friends are and I do better things than them.” However, a major void existed in my life and I couldn’t figure out why it was there. I thought it might be because I didn’t do enough good things.

It was through a small group of friends my freshman year of college when I truly understood the gospel and my life changed forever. These six men’s love for each other, and me, was captivating. I had never experienced anything like it. It made me lean in to their lives and once I did they shared with me that one can’t work his or her way to God. The only way to get there was by putting your faith in Jesus Christ and believing that his death on the cross served as the bridge to Heaven. I gave my life to Jesus on December 14, 2003, and while I still had questions, I knew that void had been filled. My soul wasn’t thirsty anymore.

My life has been enriched with the addition of my wife (Ashley) and two daughters (Lucy and Willa). It is in that order which my priorities lie, with Jesus being the canvas on which they are written. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve as a pastor at Graystone!