Some of the biggest challenges facing followers of Christ today:

Understanding the grace of God (on both the side of guilt and of apathy).

Prioritizing loving our neighbor in the midst of an individualistic, materialistic society.

Getting people to care again without being religious nuts.

The part of New Covenant’s BRIDGE mission I’m most passionate about:

Doing Justice and Embracing Diversity. I believe in it all, but believe we have so far to go in these two areas as a Church (with a capital C).

How and where I learned what I know:

There have been countless influences in my life that helped guide me throughout my life.  If I had to pick a few most important, most positive ones, it would include God’s word and heroes like my mom, Martin Luther King, Jr., Walter Payton, and John Perkins. I would also add Ron Simkins and Raymond Winfrey, both of which as pastors and men taught me a lot.

I’ve been connected to New Covenant Fellowship in some way since:

Around 1999 when I met with Ron to ask for support for FAITH Christian Peer Ministry, an African-American campus ministry at U of I.  New Covenant supported this ministry (which I have been heavily involved in since 1993) before there was any thought of me joining the staff (which occurred in 2001).

One of the things I love about the people of New Covenant:

I enjoy the love that the people at NCF exhibit for me and others. I appreciate the openness and relaxed atmosphere at NCF, as well.

Who I call family:

I have many families in my life. The most immediate one includes my wife and 3 children. I have much on the side of extended family and families of faith, such as New Covenant folks.

The book of the Bible I find myself turning to most often:

I don’t know if I have a particular book I go to, as different ones are good for different circumstances. I love reading the history of the early church in Acts, I enjoy the wisdom of Proverbs. I’m also inspired reading the gospels and learning more about Jesus.

Favorite non-biblical reading:

Chris Rice (Grace Matters), Max Lucado (In the Grip of His Grace), Robert Ludlum (Bourne Identity)

The type of food I crave most often:

Cool Ranch Doritos, Cherry Coke/Pepsi, Tacos from Chipotle, Flat Top Grill.

My favorite leisure activities:

Sports, puzzles, roller coasters, go-karts, walks

My favorite place/time to commune with God:

I love to sing in the car, I also pray every morning as I’m getting ready for the day.

What knowing God has done in my life:

A confidence in knowing everything will work out in the end, whether it be situations of injustice, the need for peace, or wholeness for every person. I have experienced many things in my life and have witnessed even more that could make any person bitter, angry, hopeless, and helpless. However, through the gift of faith and my experiences in life, I know God really does know what He is doing. That knowledge gives me a peace and joy in my life that I would not trade for anything this world could ever offer.