Madison, GA

Madison Baptist Church Questionnaire

What would your ideal church environment look like for effectively carrying out your ministry?

An ideal church environment is one where believers are deeply committed to learning from God’s Word and centering their lives around the life of the church. I envision a congregation that prioritizes discipleship, mission, and genuine community. I would also hope for a staff and leadership team unified around the Great Commission, strategically aligning their efforts to reach our specific community with the gospel, leveraging their unique gifts, resources, and passions. Additionally, I value a church with established rhythms for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual ministries, creating opportunities for ongoing growth and mission.

What do you like most about ministry? What do you like least about ministry?

I have a deep passion for teaching God’s Word to the Bride of Christ, whether through preaching or small group discipleship. I also find great joy in connecting with people in the community for evangelism and discipleship, and simply fellowshipping with fellow believers. These relationships are the heartbeat of ministry for me. On the other hand, while I understand the importance of administrative work, it is my least favorite aspect of ministry. I am a relational pastor at my core, always preferring to spend my time ministering to people rather than being behind a desk.

What have you learned from past congregations that has made you a better pastor?

I have learned the importance of handling conflict through direct, humble conversations. I strive to be a good listener, to assume the best in others, and to approach every situation with grace and truth.

As a pastor, what resources, methods, or tools do you typically rely on to prepare your sermons?

In sermon preparation, I rely on a combination of commentaries, biblical software, and other theological works that provide insight into the passages I am preaching. I also benefit greatly from conversations with fellow pastors and church members, gaining diverse perspectives on the text. Additionally, I plan my sermon series to work systematically through books of the Bible, ensuring a balanced spiritual diet for the congregation.

How would you describe a successful worship service?

A successful worship service clearly communicates the gospel each week. It should include Christ-centered singing that invites the congregation to participate, the reading of Scripture, prayers for the needs of the body, the regular administration of the Lord’s Supper, and the baptism of new believers. At its heart, it must include the faithful preaching of God’s Word, calling people to repent and trust in Christ.

How does the role of music, the reading of Scripture, and prayer work together during a worship service?

I believe music, Scripture, and prayer work together to prepare people to hear and respond to the preaching of God’s Word. One helpful approach is to structure these elements around the rhythm of revelation and response—God reveals Himself through His Word, and the church responds in faith and worship. Scripture readings declare God’s truth, songs express our adoration, and prayers connect our hearts to His purposes, creating a cohesive flow that draws the congregation closer to Christ.

Are you a proponent of an “altar call” or “call to action” at the conclusion of every worship service?

I believe we should consistently invite people to respond to the gospel through repentance, faith, baptism, confession of sin, and church membership. As Peter declared in Acts 2:38, we must be ready to call people to take bold steps of obedience to Christ.

What is your position on pastoral counseling?

I believe that we are fundamentally spiritual beings, and that God’s Word speaks directly to our deepest struggles and needs. Many counseling issues can and should be addressed through the clear application of biblical principles. Pastoral counseling, therefore, involves helping people see their lives through the lens of Scripture and experience the transformative power of the gospel.

What is your approach to personal and corporate evangelism? Have you had any success personally or in leading a church to engage in evangelism?

Evangelism involves both personal witness and organized outreach. I believe in contextualizing the gospel, much like Jesus did with His parables, to reach people where they are culturally and spiritually. Gregory Koukl’s Tactics is a valuable resource I often recommend for training believers to engage others effectively. In my experience, team evangelism is especially powerful, as it mobilizes the church to work together in reaching their communities. Over the years, I have led teams to engage in various outreach efforts, including coffee distributions on college campuses, door-to-door visits, and community service projects. These efforts have sparked meaningful gospel conversations and opened doors for further discipleship.

What responsibility do you feel the church has to serve the community?

I believe the church is called to be a blessing to its community. God’s common grace often flows through the compassionate work of His people, providing relief, rehabilitation, and long-term transformation. By loving our neighbors as image-bearers of God, we create powerful opportunities for gospel witness.

What are your major concerns for the Church today?

One of my primary concerns is the decline in faithful church membership. Many have developed habits that pull them away from regular fellowship and service, weakening the local church’s ability to disciple and equip its members for ministry. I believe a renewed emphasis on covenant commitment and church discipline is essential for a healthy church body.

What are your driving passions in ministry?

I am passionate about teaching, discipling men, equipping young leaders, and creating discipleship content for the broader church. I also have a deep love for missions and desire to see the church mobilized to pray for and reach the nations with the gospel.

What would be your immediate priorities upon being called to serve as Senior Pastor at Madison Baptist Church?

I would prioritize laying out a clear vision for teaching the congregation God’s Word, while also seeking to understand the unique passions, strengths, and resources of the church through personal conversations and observations.

What are your professional goals, and what are your goals for your family?

Professionally, I hope to publish more discipleship and missions-related content. For my family, we desire to plant deep roots in a community where we can serve the Lord together for many years.

When work wears you down, in what ways do you seek renewal for ministry?

I find renewal through meaningful conversations with friends over good coffee, running, watching college football, and traveling with my wife. I also benefit from ongoing theological education, which deepens my understanding and refreshes my perspective for ministry.