Incoming Leaders

I was raised in church but fell far from God while serving in the Navy. I got deep into alcoholism, drugs, and promiscuity.

One day, I was walking from a liquor store past a storefront church. A man was cleaning the church and invited me in. He spoke with me for quite a while and invited me to church the following day, where I gave my life to the Lord. The next day, I went to the field for maneuvers with the Marines, to which I was assigned as a Corpsman (medical support). A few days before this took place, I took a random drug test and found out after coming from the field that I tested positive. I was arrested and confined for six months, which was the best thing that ever happened to me, as I was captive to reading the word and praying. After I was released, I joined the church where I received the Lord, eventually got involved in ministry, attended bible college, and got ordained. In 42 years, I have never looked back.

How did the Spirit guide you to your current ministry and what has God called you to do through your ministry?

The Holy Spirit guided me to Centerpoint Church, Murrieta, as a practical solution to my inability to continue traveling to my home church due to my illness. My home church was 45 minutes away, and Centerpoint Church was across the street from my house.

I am called to raise pastors at Centerpoint Church and beyond. I am currently serving in our Local Ministerial Candidate Program. We facilitate the process of practical training and spiritual formation for those who feel they are called to be Lay Pastors at Centerpoint Church and those who may want to continue their calling at a conference level as CMCs and Elders. In addition, I serve on the Board of Administration for the church. I also serve as a pastor at large when called upon.

In addition to serving at Centerpoint Church, I serve as Lead Chaplain for the Murrieta Police Department. I have a heart for law enforcement personnel. Depression, addiction, divorce, and suicide are rampant. As a military veteran and pastor, the calling fits me well. The Holy Spirit opened the door for this position. I am well known in my community as a city planning commissioner, charter school board member, and on other local boards and organizations. Having gained a reputation for integrity, I was invited by the Police Chief to the position.

I also own a business providing wedding and funeral officiating services and pastoral counseling at a local Christian Counseling Center.

How did you come to first be involved with the Free Methodist Church and why have you chosen to continue your ministry in the Free Methodist Church?

As mentioned, I joined Centerpoint Church as it was convenient, but my wife and I fell in love with it at the first service. We saw the love of God in the people, especially in Pastors John and Ann Hansen. Initially, we had no idea it was a Free Methodist Church. We had never heard of the Free Methodist Denomination! However, I was hooked once I started learning about the sound theological doctrine, its origins in the five freedoms, its mission, and its emphasis on community and discipleship.

I choose to continue my ministry as a Free Methodist Pastor for some of the same reasons I joined. My church family and conference family have been there for me and my wife during some very dark times when I was deathly ill for years. In addition, I see an obvious pathway to enlarging my borders to serve as a Chaplain and to raise pastors at the conference level. The Free Methodist “Movement” has become our family!