Personal Information:
Born in Wichita, KS August 1, 1962
Married to Renata McCulloch December 3, 1983
Family, 4 grown children
Personal Testimony
I grew up faithfully attending church with my family. Some of my earliest memories are of Sunday School and Church, and singing the great hymns of the faith. In this environment my spiritual growth and understanding was nurtured, developed, and I came to believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior at a young age and eventually baptized in obedience. As I have grown and matured I am continually learning what it is to be follower of Christ. By God’s grace I can see how God has guided and protected me in my endeavors. Philippians 1:6 tells us “….that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ…”
Call to Ministry
Following College graduation I began a career in education, teaching music at most every grade level and type of vocal and instrumental ensemble. Over time I developed respect and recognition as a successful music director. During the 2002 – 2003 school year I began to sense I was not in the place God was wanting me to be and I was to make a change in my personal career goals. My previous experiences seemed to have been preparing me for and to be pointing toward pursuing a ministry in worship/music. After much prayer and discussion with my wife, I started to pursue this possibility in my life eventually resigning from teaching and eventually accepting the call to serve Minister of Music at Calvary Baptist Church in Renton Washington.
Doctrinal Beliefs
God: There’s only one true eternal God who has revealed Himself to us in the scriptures as being eternal, existing in three persons (the trinity), Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
Jesus Christ: The Son of God was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born to the virgin Mary and is true God and true man. Offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. Rose from the dead after three days, ascended to Heaven and will return again. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” Hebrews 4:15
Holy Spirit: The coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides the Christian with the power for living, and understanding of spiritual truth. At the point of salvation He permanently indwells every believer. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
The Bible: Is God’s word to us inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. God’s word is inspired, infallible, and the authoritative Word of God. “Profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim 3:16
Salvation: God’s free gift to us by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Worship Philosophy
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Go —this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Worship begins and ends with obedience, without which we cannot honor God. We are commanded to Love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind. We can do this by demonstrating this love by loving others. I know people who’s act of worship is ministering to prisoners, feeding the homeless, visiting the sick and the widows (and widowers). Sometimes they are demonstrative during our corporate times often not, but all are individuals who truly demonstrate understanding worship. Most churches devote a third or more of their weekly corporate time to music, and practically every Worship Leader/Music Pastor position has a music component to it. Worship music needs to be unifying, singable, and theologically sound standing up to scriptural scrutiny. The music portion of worship times are not a concert for the attenders, but a performance for an audience of one (God). Those leading on the platform need to have a sense of a calling to lead God’s people in worship. It is not a time for personal attention but to call attention to God’s glory and His worthiness. Music is a powerful and corporate tool. Something special can happen and lives can be changed when we lift our voices together as one proclaiming God’s glory, power, mercy and grace.