What do you do at Mid-Cities?

I oversee our large group and small group programs for our 6-8th grade students.

When did you feel called to ministry?

I felt a tugging at my heart even from a young age. God greatly impacted my life in high school, and I began to serve him through leading Bible studies at Permian, as well as becoming a student leader in our youth ministry at midcities. In college, I began volunteering every week with youth and served both as a small group leader and worship leader for about 7 years, all while finishing college and beginning a career in oilfield sales.

After working for 4 years, I was called to ministry full time. I began leading our junior high ministry at midcities from it's inception in 2008, and have continued to enjoy ministering to students and their families for the last 5 years!

When and why did you choose Mid-Cities?

My family began attending midcities in 1996. I was just a junior high student at the time, but I immediately felt like I belonged. The church welcomed us in and began to pour into our lives. We loved the authenticity of Pastor Russ and the staff, as well as the worship. As a teenager, I quickly connected with and enjoyed our youth group. Since then, I've continued to be amazed at what God has done through the spiritual family I have at midcities, and I can't wait to see what else He will accomplish!

What are you most excited about when it comes to your specific area of ministry?

Middle-school students are amazing! Yes, they are wild and crazy, and that part of ministry makes it so much fun! But what I enjoy most of all is watching young people-in one of the most formative times in their lives-begin to understand gifts that God has given them and purposes that He has for them. Seeing students learn to worship, pray, spend time with Jesus, and study His word is so rewarding! Thrive (our middle school ministry) has so much fun as we grow together as disciples of Jesus!

Who are you, really?

I love Jesus! I'm celebrating 5 years of marriage with my wife, Kara, and we have 4 children, Kaden, Adeline, and Etney, and Denver. I like hip hop, rock and roll, and oldies. Also enjoy leading worship and writing songs. I'm a big Lord of the Rings fan and also love comedies. I love watching and playing sports, especially football! I'm a fan of the Texas Longhorns, Denver Broncos, Chicago Cubs, and Dallas Mavericks!