We find that that when people visit a church one of the things they want is some information on the pastor. So, here's everything you ever (or never) wanted to know about the pastor of Grace Point Presbyterian Church. Well start with the basic stats.

I was born in Richmond, VA, then the family moved to Jacksonville, FL when I was four. I was raised in Jacksonville, graduating from High School in 1981 and going on to the University of Florida in Gainesville. Yes, I am a rabid Gator fan. After college I worked for a few years as a Claims Adjuster for Progressive Insurance, in Jacksonville, Orlando and Gainesville, FL.. From 1989-1990. I attended seminary at Columbia Bible College and Graduate School of Missions, which is now called Columbia International University. I wasn't able to finish seminary at that time, but I was able to complete my seminary studies from 1993-1995_7" value="" /> at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. Since graduating from Seminary, and before coming to Grace Point, I have been the Youth Minister at Pinewood Presbyterian Church in Middleburg, FL, and the Senior Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, FL.

In 1987 I was married to the lovely and talented Lynette Wayne. We met while we were both attending the First Baptist Church of Orlando, FL. We believed that God had led us to each other when we found out that both of us felt called to serve in Christian ministry. God has given us three great kids D. J. (David Junior) - born in 1989, Michael born in 1991, and Rebekah born in 1993. Oh yeah, the kids would want me to mention that we have a golden retriever named Murphy and a cat named Lightning.

Those are the basic facts of my life, but the most important thing I want to tell you is about my spiritual life. When I was 16 years old, I was playing football for my high school team and we got a new head coach who, unbeknownst to me, was a Christian. He took a group of kids to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) camp during the summer of 1979, and although I didn't go, my best friend did, and came to know Christ at this camp. He came back and explained to me, as best he could, how to have eternal life and a relationship with Christ. I knew immediately that I wanted to have this relationship with Christ. So, a few days after this initial conversation, I called our coach and he led me through a simple plan of salvation known as  “The Four Spiritual Laws" over the phone. That night, I “received" Christ into my life.

After that, my coach began helping me grow by showing me the importance of Bible study, prayer, church attendance and witnessing. He helped me get involved in church and FCA and within a year or so of coming to Christ I began to feel called to the ministry. It took many years for God to make the way clear, but as He did I have had the privilege of serving Him in several places and am especially delighted to be serving Him here at Grace Point.

For those who are interested in knowing about my perspectives on ministry I would say that I am especially concerned that the church be rooted in the Scriptures, that the gospel be pre-eminent in all we do, be biblically and theologically sound in all of our practices, and be an outward focused church. Certainly there is more to say, but those things will give you an idea of where my heart is. I have been especially influenced in these areas by the ministries of World Harvest Mission, particularly their Sonship discipleship material, and by Third Millennium Ministries and Desiring God ministries. I mention these three to you because I think any time you spend surfing those websites will be time well spent.

On behalf of our elders and our entire congregation I want to invite you to visit us at Grace Point. We think you will find a friendly congregation that cares about you and that cares about exalting Christ.