I've told this story many times, but it's truly the story that ignites my passion for Youth Ministry, so here I’ll briefly tell it again.

I was somewhere around 9 years old in church with my mother. It was the end of the service so the Pastor was "opening the doors of the church." I leaned over and asked my mother to walk with me to the front. Despite being unsure of my reasoning, she did just that. My mother ushered me to the front of the church to receive...something.

Once there, the pastor has a brief conversation with my mother and then prayed over me.

After the communal “Amen” that ended his prayer, my mom and I began our trek back to our seats.

Yet as we walked, I suddenly felt like whatever happened at the altar wasn't "it" nor was it "enough."  Yet, my childhood ignorance led me to believe that whatever happened at that altar should have been enough. It also led me to believe that there was something inadequate about me for not getting “it.” So I continued my journey towards my seat and didn't explore that feeling again until I was a 21-year-old senior at Florida A&M University (FAMU, Go Rattlers!). 

Over the years, as I've grown in my faith, I now know that moment at 9 years old was the very first time I felt God calling me to ministry. That moment also played a tremendous role in shaping my approach to Youth Ministry.

After graduating FAMU, I ventured up to Atlanta, GA to study at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where I earned a Master of Divinity in 2009. While at Candler, I was ordained an Itinerant Elder (Reverend) in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since 2006, I’ve served as both a Youth and Next Generation/Family Pastor in the South East, USA. 

Now, I am blessed to work alongside some of the most gifted youth pastors, writers, and speakers at Orange. There, I support Youth Leaders all over the world as a Youth Ministry Coach & Consultant and have had the opportunity to do some amazing things!

In 2023, I launched BOON - The Black Next Gen Network, the first National Network of its kind. Through BOON, we to equip Black churches & leaders to cultivate thriving Children’s and Youth Ministries by providing inclusive community, culturally responsive ministry strategy, & opportunities for amplified influence. Head here for more info on how to get connected.

My mission and life’s purpose is to transform the lives of today’s youth, so God may be glorified. I’m extremely grateful for the many ways God is constantly evolving what that looks like and is using every part of me to make it happen.