Michael is our lead pastor. Along with preaching, Michael oversees the staff, elder board, and small groups. Michael says his mission in life is to glorify God through the ministry of preaching, leading and shepherding people in a local church.
Michael has been married to Stacy since May 25, 1990. They have three children – daughters Sam and Alex and a son Mac.
Michael claims two hometowns: Saltillo, Mississippi and Atlanta, Texas. Michael and his family moved from Pittsburg, Texas, to Ames in May of 2009.
Michael has an Associate Degree in Mid-Management from Texarkana College; a Bachelors in Religious Education from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas with a minor in Business. He also has a Master of Arts in Family Ministry from Hardin-Simmons University with a specialization in counseling. He has also done further educational work at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and through The Christian Counseling and Education Foundation.
Michael says, “One of the things that shaped my life was my parents’ divorce. This created much uncertainty and insecurity in my life. One of the greatest lessons it taught me is that God is the perfect, faithful Father who will never leave or forsake me. It was His drawing me to Himself and opening my heart to the gospel that has transformed my life. I still have my struggles but I realize that God is a Father that will never leave me. He will never leave me or forsake me because God sent His Son to be forsaken in my place and for my sin on the cross so that I can inherit the precious gift of knowing and loving God as my Father. It is Christ’s rising from the dead that seals my adoption as His son.”
Michael’s hobbies include: reading, hunting, fishing, playing golf, and hanging out with his family.