Hello!
I am the current minister for the Washington Church of Christ. I grew up in the small town of Moundsville, WV. While a student at John Marshall High School I met Amanda Rider who became my wife in the fall (our favorite time of year) of 2000.
I never imagined that I would find myself in ministry. After high school I earned my Bachelor degree in Biology Education from West Liberty University. I worked for a number of years as a Correctional Officer (that was…..an experience) and a Program Manager for Head Start. Prior to going into ministry I was working on my Masters in Educational Leadership at West Virginia University and Ohio University. During these years Amanda and I had three children; Hailey Jo, Zechariah Thomas, and Alyvia Faith. Yes, listen to your mother! – finish college and THEN get married – it would have been easier had I done so, but God blessed us through it all.
I grew up attending the Hillview Terrace Church of Christ in Moundsville, WV where I served as a deacon till we moved away. Brother Denver Cooper was the preacher at the church for a number of years and then became the Director of the West Virginia School of Preaching. He had encouraged me through the years to attend the preaching school. I was always uncomfortable speaking to crowds and never had the desire to become a minister. Through a series of life experiences and a desire to serve God and His Church, I took Brother Coopers advice and enrolled in the school. It was difficult to leave a job I enjoyed and gave our family stability to leave it all behind to pursue ministry. However with the love and assistance of a wonderful wife and loving brothers and sisters in Christ we survived.
There has been nothing more rewarding in my life than serving in God’s Kingdom.
In June of 2011 we relocated and began serving the Lord’s Church in Washington, PA.