I am a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University (Henderson, TN) with a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies and have also earned a Master's Degree from Harding University (Searcy, AR) in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have completed half of the requirements for my Master of Divinity Degree at the Harding Graduate School of Religion (Memphis, TN) where I continue to study. I have been licensed to practice Marriage & Family Therapy in Alabama since 1998 and am credentialed by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor and an Advanced Clinical Sexual Addictions Specialist.
Presently
God has led me to a ministry which I have found to be a great blessing as well as a daily challenge that stretches me to rely on Him. As the Counseling and Involvement Minister at the Westgate Church of Christ (since 2002) I am able to serve both the body of Christ and the community of the Wiregrass Area.
Working in a church setting has afforded me the unique opportunity to access the most powerful and genuine support system in the world. The church family has been a greenhouse for accomplishing the biblical directive for growth as found in Ephesians 4, "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." I also am an author and speaker.
Previously
Served in the United States Marine Corps and was a combat veteran of the Gulf War serving with "Mike" Battery 2nd Battalion 10th Marines.
Was the first full-time youth minister for the Cabot Church of Christ in Cabot, AR.
Served as clinical manager of The Bridge, Inc. successful adolescent drug and alcohol adventure based treatment programs in Gadsden, AL.
Had a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Jacksonville, AL.
Personally
I was born and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee just north of Chattanooga. I am just a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. I married my wife, Traci, in 1992 and we have two beautiful daughters, Melanie and Rachel born in 1996 and 1998 respectively.
Eating sushi with Traci, hunting with Melanie, and fishing with Rachel, are my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy working in my yard, working my dogs (Biscuit and Gravy), and pretending that I am a carpenter. I believe my life experiences, my healing journey, and my educational background have uniquely prepared me for the ministry of counseling.
