I was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania in 1961. I grew up in a broken home.  We were casual, yet dogmatic Catholics. A friend shared the gospel with me in a public high school cafeteria. During the last week of October 1976, I trusted the Lord as my personal Savior.  In 1981, He used a vespers program about the life of Bob Jones Sr. to call me to preach.  It has been humbling, challenging, and exciting to serve the Lord in full-time ministries since college; working at various times as a Christian school principal, youth pastor, Christian daycare CEO and, especially, as senior pastor.  My heart is burdened for souls and the spiritual growth of our church congregations.

I married Georlene Hagan in 1984. She was an incredible wife, mother of five, and pastor’s wife. Georlene went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2012.  Her effect for the glory of the Lord could be seen in her funeral as people came from ten states to give honor. There were over 220 people in attendance.  

The Lord led me to marry Sylvia Johnston on July 19, 2013. She was raised in a Christian home, accepted the Lord at six years old, and had never married. My oldest son recently completed eight years in the Marines. Two of my girls and their families live in South Carolina. My oldest daughter lives in Massachusetts. We are proud grandaparents of seven. My youngest son is not yet married, and lives with us while working locally and attending First Baptist.