I serve as pastor of Roots because I’m passionate about seeing lives transformed. This is my passion because my life was transformed. When I was a teenager, God’s love rescued me from gang life. Since then, I’ve served and led youth, young adults, and families in cities throughout the U.S., from Urbana, IL to New Orleans and from Boston to Los Angeles. In Boston, I graduated from Gordon-Conwell Seminary’s Center for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME) and started a mentoring program for at-risk youth. In LA, I served as a pastor of a multi-ethnic and multi-socioeconomic congregation that gathers near Skid Row. Wherever I’ve been called, I have endeavored to use the gifts God has given me to equip the church for transformative ministry in the local community. I love teaching, writing, and graphic design. My spouse, Osheta, is a gifted writer and podcaster. She has a new book called Shalom Sistas, on everyday peacemaking geared toward women. Together, we parent three children, ages 15, 12, and 11. Their names are Tyson, T.J., and Trinity. We love seeing movies, playing board games, and exploring the history and cultures of new cities.
