1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Creating an environment where there is proper balance between people feeling fulfilled and appreciated as a servant leader and also being challenged to give their all to the ministry for the sake of Jesus and those we serve. It's not about me and you; it's about HIM and Them

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

In 1968 I attended a Youth Camp in Ridgecrest, NC where God called me into full time Christian ministry to students. In a matter of weeks our youth pastor left and I became the interim youth minister. Since that time I have led music, youth, and schools for now 55 years

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I get up early, spend time with the Lord, and follow a google calendar for appointments. I try to make myself available to my staff as much as possible. I am at school by 5:30am and I go home between 5 and 6pm. My wife and I eat, work through a Bible study and watch a couple of TV shows. I go to bed between 9 and 10:00.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

What you reward gets done, good or bad.
You attract who you are, so make sure you are who you want to have working for you.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Many of John Maxwell's books.
Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud
Death by meeting by Patrick Lencioni
These books have taught me to value relationships and people over position or tasks. They, and many others, have helped me through the years.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Keep your eyes on Jesus, your feet on the path, and keep walking. Taking your eyes off of Him will result in your fall; To veer from the path, even slightly will result in your failure eventually; and to stop going, growing, and showing the way will give place to the devil in your life and ministry.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

There are hundreds, but one would be the experience of Hurricane Katrina. Trying to lead into, through, and beyond the experience was one of the hardest things I have done. The devastation, loss, depression, and questioning that people experienced shook them to the core. God was, and is, good.