Author

The Making of a Minister: From Brokenness to Leadership

The author's journey to ministerial leadership began in challenging circumstances. Born to a 14-year-old mother and a 35-year-old father with limited education, he grew up in a family of seven struggling with insufficient resources. His father battled various issues, including substance abuse and abusive behaviors, until the author's mother left him when the author was eight years old.

These early experiences left deep emotional scars, expressed in the author's poem "Sad Little Boy." After leaving his father, his mother worked multiple jobs to provide for the family. As the eldest male, he took on significant responsibilities at a young age.

At twelve, the author began attending Fellowship Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. This experience introduced him to positive male role models in the form of older deacons. During high school, he excelled in sports, with coaches becoming influential figures in his life. Despite a baseball scholarship offer, he chose to stay home to support his family and became the first in his family to attend college.

At 24, the author joined the Arlington Police Department, serving for 20 years and retiring as a Sergeant. This career provided him with valuable training and leadership experience. Concurrently, at 32, he answered God's call to ministry, becoming a Baptist Preacher and earning a bachelor's degree in biblical studies.

The author and his family started a home bible church, "Arlington Baptist Church," and opened a family-owned funeral home. However, the demands of multiple roles led to burnout, causing him to step back from ministering for nine years. During this time, he pursued further education, earning a master's degree and a Doctorate in Theology.

Throughout his journey, the author's wife, Dr. Sharon Wright, has been a constant support. They met at Fellowship Baptist Church at eighteen and have been together for 42 years, facing challenges together and both achieving doctoral degrees.

The author's life experiences, including his challenging childhood, career in law enforcement, educational achievements, and personal growth, have all contributed to his preparation for ministerial leadership. These experiences have provided him with the maturity, training, education, and perspective needed to serve effectively in his calling.

Now, with grown children, a well-managed funeral home, and retirement from police work, the author has returned to the pulpit at Arlington Baptist Church. He approaches this new chapter with gratitude for his journey and eagerness to continue serving God and His people.