What are your experiences and areas of service that you believe will be valuable in your role as a General Conference delegate?

I recently helped lead 7 churches in north and south Georgia through disaffiliation and into the GMC and am currently in conversations with additional churches exploring denominational options. I have served rural and city, small and large churches throughout SGA for 29 years, including Forest Hills for the past ten. It has been my privilege to serve as a Presiding Elder in the GMC.

Growing up and attending college in Canada helped me develop a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Simultaneously, I have maintained a traditional biblical worldview that informs my identity and guides my decisions. Seven years ago, I partnered with Dr. Burns, a CME pastor, and started a multi-ethnic monthly worship experience. Our goal was to help tear down racial barriers in Macon through worship and fellowship. I have been blessed to serve alongside dedicated believers in Haiti, England and The Bahamas on various missions opportunities and witnessed firsthand how the Holy Spirit continues to do amazing things in our world. I am deeply excited about what God is doing in and through the GMC and I would love to help shape the future of our new denomination by attending General Conference.

Describe why you believe that God has potentially called you to serve as a General Conference delegate.

I grew up in the holiness tradition of the church, first in the Pentecostal Church of Canada, then in the UMC, now as part of the GMC. I surrendered to God’s saving grace as a sixteen year old and have been serving God ever since my conversion.

I felt called to ministry and responded by going to Eastern Pentecostal Bible College. I quickly discovered that I was not Pentecostal. I received a four year degree in theology, then moved to Georgia and attended Candler for a Masters of divinity. I quickly learned that Candler was not a good theological fit, but stuck with it. I enjoyed appointments throughout South Georgia until one church in particular left me feeling burned out. While getting ready to switch gears and attend law school, I looked into doctoral programs in theology. By God’s grace I landed at Asbury and completed a doctoral degree in spiritual formation and Christian leadership. At Asbury I found my theological home and God renewed my calling to the local church.

My academic journey and ministry career have brought me to the place where I have experienced the best and worst of church life, learned to surrender to and be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and cherish opportunities to serve God through the church I love. If elected as a delegate, I will pour myself into the research, conversations, and work of the GMC’s convening conference. I feel my experience and background may be helpful in this endeavor.