In 9th grade, I attended a youth camp at Glorieta Baptist Encampment in New Mexico. While there, a Southern Baptist Convention missionary shared his testimony, and in that moment, I felt the unmistakable call of God on my life. As Jeremiah expressed, the call to proclaim the gospel and the Word of God was like “fire shut in my bones.” That fire, that sense of divine purpose, still burns within me to this day. The mere thought of teaching the Bible, contributing to the growth of God’schurch, and reaching the lost ignites that enduring flame.

Throughout the years, it has become evident to me that I possess the spiritual gifts of Leadership, Teaching, and Exhortation. God, in His wisdom, has used these gifts as catalysts, steering people toward the vision of His kingdom. It appears that, over time, my ministry of teaching the Bible has left a lasting impact on thousands of individuals. A deep-seated passion for biblical literacy within the church propels me forward. In reflecting on my leadership and teaching gifts, I recognize that the undercurrent is one of exhortation.

Beyond imparting knowledge, I desire to encourage and uplift. I am driven by the fervent hope that my ministry inspires people to live their lives fully surrendered to the loving Lordship of Christ.

My preaching style is expository in that I like to take a passage of Scripture and make it come alive. I am a passionate speaker who works very hard to be precise theologically and relationally. My sermons are usually filled with challenge, humor, and substance.

I believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God and it is the authoritative guide for faith and practice in the life of the believer and the church.

My life in ministry revolves around a few core principles: prayer, dedicated study of the Word, preaching its truths, caring for and protecting the flock—beginning with my family. Everywhere I go, I strive to represent Christ authentically. Moreover, I lead the church with a fervent commitment to seeking God’s wisdom in our mission to reach and impact our community. These pillars guide and shape my journey in service to the Lord and His people.

My ministry philosophy revolves around  impartingthe entire counsel of God to His people. While this unfolds on Sundays, I’m equally convinced that it should extend to smaller groups, whether in a classroom setting or within intimate small groups. Yet, crucially, I emphasize the significance of helping the church comprehend the mission of God. It’s this mission that acts as the driving force behind our discipleship, and by understanding and embracing it, we equip the body of Christ for a more profound and purposeful journey in faith.

The Scriptures make it clear that “no one seeks God, no not one.” Mankind is dead in sin and is in desperate need of the Holy Spirit of God to open their spiritual eyes to see Christ for who He is. “The god of this world has blinded the eyes of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” The question is “Does God give salvation against our free will?” I do not believe that God would ever violate our free will. The moment of salvation is a mystery to a certain degree. Man is lost in sin and God in His great love opens our hearts to His love.

For me, discipleship is all about a steadfast commitment to learning how to follow Jesus. This has been the core of my journey for many, many years. It’s not merely a concept, but a lived reality where I consistently have several men whom I’ve intentionally sought out. I open up my life to them, going beyond structured classes or Bible studies. In both formal and informal settings, my aim is to teach them the profound promises of God and guide them in practical ways to live out these promises through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

First and foremost, the foundational principle is the doctrine of the authority of the Bible. Many younger Christians are undergoing a process of deconstructing their faith, often questioning the Bible’s authority. Without the Scriptures, our true identity and purpose become obscured. Our perspectives on creation, sexuality,  ethics, the purpose of human existence, marriage, and the sanctity of human lifeare derived from the Bible. This poses a significant theological challenge in today’s context. Secondly, there is a pressing need to assist the church in reclaiming the transcendence of God. God is characterized by His holiness, righteousness, majesty, glory, and might. Unfortunately, many individuals seem to have diminished the God of the Scriptures, reducing Him to an anthropomorphic therapeutic “genie in a bottle” whose purpose is to fulfill our desires. It is crucial for us, like Isaiah, to perceive God in His proper and awe- inspiring context. Lastly, there is a call for the church to re-embrace the theology of living the Christian life. Understanding that we have been forgiven, made righteous before God, and regenerated into new creationsis paramount. This realization provides freedom from shame and empowers us, through the Holy Spirit, to bear spiritual fruit that endures over time.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for me involves a combination of a balanced diet and regular gym workouts. I find joy in activities like golf, working out, andlong hikes. Family time is precious,  and
we often come together to enjoy meals, play ping pong, watch movies, and go on vacations. It’s a holistic approach to health that combines physical well-being with cherished moments spent with loved ones. My first and foremost congregation is the one I have at home, my wife and children.