Leadership

My passion is discipleship. I have no greater joy than to lead others on the adventure of knowing Jesus more deeply. My life mission is to "help people take the next steps on their spiritual journey." I'm competitive by nature and love sports and board games. I also love sharing God's Word through preaching, teaching, and my Next Steps Bible Reading podcast. 

I have been in ministry for almost 40 years and have had the privilege of serving in nearly every role in the church and in every type of church. My greatest passion is diving into God’s Word to discover the next precious jewel of truth that can shape lives and strengthen His people. 
Whether in urban, rural, country, big-city, or small-town settings, I’ve seen that the greatest churches—regardless of size or location—bear the unmistakable mark of Christ: humble leadership that puts others first.

My life mission is to help families know Jesus more deeply and to walk alongside them in every season of life and faith. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve here and to see lives transformed by the gospel.

At home, my greatest joy besides time in the Word is my bride Katherine and our four children and their spouses. I also kind of like our dog—though I’ll admit he can be pretty annoying at times.
I’d love to connect with you as we take next steps together in following Christ. Feel free to say hello before or after service—I’m always glad to talk about the treasures in God’s Word or life in St. Pete.

The desire of my heart is to teach the Bible.  I was saved later than most in life and by God’s Grace I had two Bible teachers to come alongside of me to help me on my journey.  Through their encouragement and some formal training, I too became a Bible teacher.  And so today as an Elder, I disciple others by leading and encouraging others to take time to know God by reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God.

It’s a humble blessing to serve as an Elder. While I embrace all areas of Biblical leadership, I am particularly passionate about protecting the flock. Both spiritually and physically. I am also a strong advocate for right relationships. First with God our Father through Jesus and then with each other. I tend to not say much, but that’s only because I’m generally more interested in what others have to say than hearing myself speak. I like riding motorcycles and enjoy classic/sports cars. I’m easy to find before, during and after church service. While some have said I can look a little gruff, don’t let that stop you from coming up to share what’s on your mind or just say “hi".

I have the joy of serving as the Worship Leader at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church here in St. Petersburg, FL. Each week, I get to help lead our church family in worship and create space for people to encounter Jesus through music and scripture. My heart is to see lives transformed by Christ and to help our church lift up His name with passion, excellence, and authenticity.

Outside of church, I’m a sports fan and love cheering on my favorite teams, spending time with my wife, Brittany, and finding the best local coffee spots around St. Pete.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

I truly enjoy working as Office Coordinator for Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. The church congregation is warm and the doctrine sound. My family includes my husband, Joe, who is part of the church’s worship team, two Chihuahuas and a Maine Coon Cat. After 22 years apart, God led me and Joe back to each other through a beautiful story of marriage restoration.
 
Besides my involvement at church, I create mixed-media abstract art for my faith-based art business.  

This verse always brings me peace: “For unto us a child is born, a son is given and the government will be upon His shoulder, and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6 

I was born on a small island in the Caribbean and moved to the United States with my family when I was eleven years old. After a short time in New Jersey, we settled in Florida, where I have lived ever since. I am the oldest of five siblings and have been greatly shaped by my family, may faith, and the people God has placed in my life.

One verse that has especially encouraged me through life’s joys and challenges is:  “For we live by faith, not by sight.” - 2 Corinthians 5:7
 
God led me to Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, where I began serving as the Office Coordinator and now work in Finance. It has been a blessing to be part of the church family, and I am grateful for how God continue to guide my path.