Tell us about your family.
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia, before moving around a bit throughout my middle and high school years. After high school, I would move to Cleveland, Tennessee to attend Lee University in their music program. On the first day of class, I met who would one day become my wife. Mallory was a quiet presence in the classroom, but a fierce competitor on the softball field. As our friendship grew, I knew I had to make her mine. In August of 2016 I did just that, and we became a family of two. We soon after picked up an addition in the form of our 6lb. Maltese-Bichon-barking-machine, and now we are excited to grow our family even more with the addition of baby Mertens, coming March 2021.
When/How did you begin your relationship with Jesus Christ?
I am fortunate to say that my parents had me in church for as long as I can remember. At the age of seven I felt ready to make my own commitment to follow Jesus. I was baptized soon after.
How did you come to Lonoke Baptist Church?
A mentor of mine is a board member at a church staffing organization. As I finished my graduate program at Lee, I was put in contact with LBC through that organization. I wasn’t exactly taken by the idea of moving to AR with no relatives, but after meeting the staff and church members, we knew it was what God had for us.
What is your favorite scripture?
Among others, 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love getting together and singing with one-another. There is something very powerful about being unified with others while you sing about God.
What is the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
Most anniversaries, Mallory and I visit the Capital Grille and I order a Prime cut bone-in ribeye with 20year aged balsamic. It’s all the proof of God’s existence that I’ll ever need.
What is your favorite TV show/movie?
TV: The Office
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
What are your hobbies?
I love to golf, play video games, and of course make music
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Mallory and I LOVE all things Disney and Pixar. Disney+ is usually on in our house, we try to visit Disney World at least every other year, and my most listened-to album of 2020 was the Frozen 2 soundtrack.
If you weren’t doing your job now, what job would you have?
I left the pre-law program at Lee to pursue ministry, so I would imagine that I might have gone on to be an attorney.