I was born in Charleston, West Virginia in
1966 into a wonderful musical family. As a child growing up, it was always
normal for there to be someone singing, whether it be my mom and dad singing in
the church choir, or my grandfathers, uncles and cousins pickin’ and a grinnin’
with their old time bluegrass. Church music was always a big part of my family
reunions at my parents farm in Renick, West Virginia. All throughout my school
years, I was involved in just about every music ensemble the schools offered. I
not only sing, but also play piano, trumpet, drums and I’m also learning to play
the guitar. Music is in my bones.
After graduating with my masters in music from Ohio University in 1993, I moved
to Nashville, Tennessee. Within a very short time, I joined the Christ Church
Choir and became involved in the music department. Besides singing in the choir,
I also played trumpet in the praise band and assisted in leading worship for
various classes at Christ Church. While in Nashville, I had the privilege to
sing on many recording projects, such as: Christ Church Choir, Pastor Danny
Chambers, Carman and various Gaither projects. I also played in a 10 member band
called “House of Revival.” We ministered to the homeless of Nashville.
In 2000, the Lord called me to be the youth pastor and worship leader at a
church in Wyckoff, New Jersey. While at Wyckoff Assembly of God church, I had
the opportunity to mature as a worship leader, singer, musician, pastor, and
most of all grow in my walk with the Lord. I had the honor of traveling with my
senior pastor, Pastor Kevin Jonas – yes, the father of the now famous Jonas
Brothers. We ministered abroad and ministered in Singapore, Malaysia and
Indonesia. I also led missions’ trips with my youth group to Mexico and
Guatemala.
In September 2006, I moved back to the town I love so much - Nashville,
Tennessee. Since then, I have joined the Christ Church Choir again. I sing on
the worship team on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights and I am also one of
the worship leaders for our new Sunday night contemporary service. God sure is
keeping me busy. With great excitement, I have recently partnered up with Regi
Stone’s new ministry, “Experience Worship.” This is a ministry to educate
people that worship is not just music on Sunday mornings, but that it is a life
style that you live, which is also a reflection of how you meet the needs of
those in your community.
About a year ago, Rob and Kevin came up and asked me if I would want to sing in
a quartet with them and maybe sing a song with the choir sometime. I said sure
and about 6 months later we got together to rehearse the song “When Jesus Lifts
the Load.” Well, the rest goes pretty fast. I am amazed how God has taken the
reigns and directed this group from that point on. I am a true believer that God
pays for what He orders and I believe that He has ordered Redemption Road to
minister in song and bring people into the salvation knowledge of Jesus Christ.
I hope that you enjoy Redemption Road, as much as we have enjoyed becoming it.