Role at The Avenue

Lead Pastor

Tell us about being called to The Avenue.
God called me and our family to be involved in making Him known and helping others to grow as a Christ-follower. It happened through different opportunities and circumstances that God made it evident we were to be a part of making Him known as church planters, at a church which has grown to be called “The Avenue.”

Where are you from?
I am originally from Hereford, Texas, which is 45 miles southwest of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Leslie and I moved to Kansas City in 1994 to continue my education and we have been here ever since. We are lovers of the Midwest, Texans at heart.

Favorite TV Shows?
Heroes, 24, Smallville, The Biggest Loser, Lost, American Idol

Journey to Lead Pastor of The Avenue?
I was privileged to be a student pastor for 12 years in Texas and in the Kansas City area to well over a thousand middle and high school students. I also learned much as the Executive Pastor at The Avenue’s sending church, Lee’s Summit Community Church, for five years.

Where did you go to school?
I went to Hereford High School and graduated in 1989. I went to Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas for my Bachelor of Arts-Religion and moved to Kansas City to attend Midwestern Baptist Seminary for Masters of Divinity.

Favorite Movies?
Tombstone, courage Under fire, Sargent York, White Squall, Lord of the Rings trilogy

Favorite Books?
Bible, A Resilient Life, Tuesdays with Morrie, Mere Christianity

What are you "all about?"
I am all about finding God in all things, especially through nature. I am all about loyal, loving, fun relationships. I am all about celebrating life with others who are loyal, loving, and fun with me!


Tell us about your family.
I married Leslie Lynnette 17 ½ years ago. We met at a bowling alley on my first day at college. We have two kids, Brittany (11) and Tré (8)

What music you enjoy?
I love all music, but country is my favorite

What are you passionate about?
My Jesus, The Fam, Cowboys, Chicago Cubs, and Golf

What do you love about this area?
I love lot of the places around here: The Plaza, any Panera, softball fields with Britt, Longview and Country Creek Golf Course (any course will do!) The people of Kansas City, and the Midwest for that matter, our the best the world has to offer. We love the people because they are caring, loyal, and honest! I love Houston’s baby back ribs on The Plaza, McCormick and Schmicks, Tim’s Pizza in Independence, Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice, and BD’s Mongolian Bar-B-Q in Independence is a man’s dream come true

What excites you about using your role at The Avenue to impact God's kingdom?
To present Jesus in such a way that demonstrates to others to be lovers of Him, who become disciples, and disciples that become mature leaders who will in turn go into the world and make Jesus known.