I have been trained in several approaches to counseling. A Pastoral Counselor is trained to integrate current counseling methods with theological and spiritual reflection as needed. I value the unique ways life and beliefs have shaped each of us, and try to help sort out what is happening at this moment. I have personally experienced many different faith traditions, and have been greatly changed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Saying this, you need to know how much I love listening to people's life stories, and through many, many relationships, have learned to walk with people who may not agree with my own walk of faith.
I am an ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA. I graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity and a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling. I am currently a Doctoral Candidate (D. Min.) at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pastoral Care and Counseling, under supervision from a Psychologist, and two Licensed Certified Social Workers, and intend to graduate in the Spring of 2013. I hope to be licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor.
I have twenty-five years of full-time ministry experience in churches, and was ordained in 1989 in the Reformed Church in America. I have served in three churches in those twenty-five years. I am currently the founding pastor of The Journey Church in Johnson City, TN.
I have been happily married to Rhonda since 1985, and have four amazing children.