My faith story: I attribute much of my faith to my grandmother. Having worked on a farm and then living through the Jim Crow era of the south, she was a saint with unshakable faith. According to her I had two options: either I would go to church on my own or she would help me meet my Maker. One way or another, I’d meet God. So, I attended a church in southeast Houston alongside my family. It was through the vibrant community and biblical teachings of this small black United Methodist Church that my faith was formed, my understanding was challenged, and my belief matured. At the age of 15, I knew I was called to ministry and embarked on the journey of ordination in the UMC.

Along the way, my faith journey led me to the Wesley Foundation at Stephen F. Austin State University, a Church of Christ in Nacogdoches, TX, and eventually Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta holds a deep place in my heart for three reasons: It’s where my faith grew as I served incarcerated youth and pastored a historic black church; it’s where I came to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit; and it’s where I met my soulmate and life partner, Chantelle Hobbs.

My ministry: Currently I serve as an associate Pastor of Contemporary Worship and Adult Discipleship. My primary role is to preach weekly and help others mature in faith through Christ-centered community. Outside of the church, I am a commercial real estate investor and member of Emerging 100, a premier young professional and mentoring organization in the Houston market. Through these channels, I take the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the business world and share the love of God with inner city youth.

What I believe: I believe in the Holy Trinity, that the Bible is authoritative, and the only way to the Father is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, I believe salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in the resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ. God’s grace is greater than our sin, yet this revelation should lead us to respond in obedience to the will of God rather than be used as a license to continue in our sin. When we become children of God, we are empowered by His Spirit to both desire and execute the will of God. Lastly, I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and await his 2nd coming alongside all of creation and the Church.