Pastor of Student Ministry
What is your job at Parkway Place?
I oversee the ministry of our church to our students, assisted by an excellent team of adult youth leaders. Along with the student ministry, I help to assist Allan and our staff with additional pastoral care to the overall ministry at PPBC.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is seeing students and adults growing in Christ, finding their ministry, and living that out. I love it when a plan comes together and is executed well.
How and when did you first come to Parkway Place?
Cool story. I came on staff at PPBC in April of 2005. I had previously served as the student ministry pastor in another church for 10 years. During that time I met Leslie Willis and worked with him on a student praise band for the Little Rock Reconciliation Rally of 1997. Leslie invited me to lunch shortly after the event and inquired about any interest I would have in coming on staff at PPBC. Honored, I didn’t feel it was the time to leave where I was serving as I loved the students there and had been on staff just a couple years.
I would later meet Nancy Greer through my mother’s class at UCA. I was a guest instructor there for a week a semester. Again there was an inquiry into my interest in coming to PPBC. Though appreciative, I still did not feel a release and felt it was not the right time.
In February, I was asked by brother-in-law, Mike Biggs, if I’d be willing to meet with a friend of his for lunch, PPBC member Steve Craig. Initially, I thought this was meeting over an interest in a non-profit called Poured Out Productions that I had with now PPBC member Zach Hinkle. We raised funds, promoted, organized, and conducted local benefit rock concerts on the side for various charities. When I showed up for lunch at Dixie Café prepared to talk about Poured Out Productions, it turned out to be a PPBC search committee for a student ministry pastor. I have to say that I was caught off guard but I felt led to listen more this time (and get a free lunch ha-ha). Shortly afterwards, I was contacted by Allan Greer who asked how my meeting went with his cronies and we set up a manly lunch date. Longer story short, it became the right time and the rest is history. I’m glad to be at PPBC!
Where are you from?
I am a Show Me State boy born and raised in Cape Girardeau MO. I graduated college in Olathe KS and spent my college summers in Detroit MI working for the Salvation Army.
Who is in your family?
My family includes my lovely wife, Lori, three electric Chihuahuas (children) Tyler, Trent, Emery and a silly Boxer named Ruger. My parents, Ted and Carolyn Kelley, my sister and her husband, Sarah and Vern Irvin, and a nephew and niece, Weston and Hannah Irvin, all attend and serve at PPBC. I also have another sister and her husband, Laurie and Mike Biggs, who live in Little Rock and attend Summit Church. I have 3 nephews and a niece from them – Christian, Ian, Patrick, and Kelley Grace Biggs.
Provide a short testimony of your relationship with Christ.
I received Christ into my life in May of 1989. He has held me in his hands every since. Even when I tried to pull away, He just squeezed harder. He is my Savior, Lord, and King.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 40:31 — “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
What was the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Any of the 4 RUSH concerts I rocked out to.
What is the best place you have ever visited?
I love Winter Park, Colorado.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Winter Park, Colorado (or Denver).
If you have a super power, what would it be and why?
If I could have a super power it would be to fly. Then I could really see what it would be like to soar on wings of eagles.
These are a few of my favorite things…
St. Louis Cardinal Championship Baseball. University of Missouri Tigers. Arizona (STL) Cardinal Football. Coaching my sons Tyler and Trent in Little League Baseball and Youth Football. Dancing with my daughter Emery. Snow Skiing @ Winter Park with Lori. Fantasy Baseball and Football. Riding my motorcycle. Reading books, going to movies, and playing music. Dressing up as a Werewolf for students. My unique Godzilla and Transformers collection. Mowing my yard, to name a few.
