Bio

I grew up in west Tennessee and north Mississippi and still refer to Slayden, MS as my hometown. I graduated high school from Mt. Pleasant Christian Academy in 1980, then Mississippi State University in 1983. At State I met my future wife, Ginny White, of Vancleave, MS. We have two wonderful children Carrie and Will. Our daughter Carrie is married to Buddy Kelley. They have given Ginny and me four grandchildren (Joshua, Levi, Olivia, and Caraline). Our son, Will, is married to Hannah Whitsitt. They live in Memphis and have given us three grandchildren, Ruby, Millie, and Jane.

I became a follower of Jesus in 1989. Soon afterwards our family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where I attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I earned two degrees from NOBTS, a MDiv and PhD in New Testament and Greek. I have served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia since 2005. Before Albany, I served as pastor of Arkadelphia Baptist Church (Bailey, MS), First Baptist Church (Greensburg, LA), and First Baptist Church (Poplarville, MS).

I count serving as a pastor-teacher of a local church as a blessing of God. I love leading the people of God to live beyond themselves as disciples of Jesus. Teaching God’s Word brings much joy as I find fulfillment in helping others to grow in their relationships with Jesus. There’s no greater experience than knowing Jesus and living out one’s personal relationship with Him daily.