At Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association, we’re more than just an organization; we’re a vibrant community of Southern Baptist Churches united by a common faith and a shared purpose.
At Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association, we’re more than just an organization; we’re a vibrant community of Southern Baptist Churches united by a common faith and a shared purpose. Our roots run deep in the rich soil of Central California, where our churches come together to work as one body, fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Our mission is to empower and encourage our partner churches in Fresno and the surrounding counties, guiding them to make a profound impact on their communities.
We are committed to five core priorities: Church Starting, Church Health, Pastor/Leadership Development, Missions/Ministries, and Fellowship/Encouragement. These priorities drive our actions and underscore our unwavering dedication to fostering growth, spiritual well-being, and unity within our community of faith. Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association is not just an association; we are a fellowship, a family, and a force for spreading the love and teachings of Christ. We invite you to explore our mission, meet our passionate leader, and discover how you can become a vital part of our journey toward a more profound spiritual impact in Central California and beyond.
To achieve our overarching purpose, we have charted a strategic course by emphasizing five fundamental priorities. First and foremost, we are deeply committed to church starting, recognizing the vitality of birthing new congregations to extend the reach of the Gospel to uncharted territories. Secondly, our dedication to church health stands as a cornerstone, ensuring existing churches thrive and remain steadfast in their spiritual mission. Equally essential is our fervent investment in pastor and leadership development, nurturing the growth of individuals who guide and inspire their congregations. Furthermore, missions and ministries constitute a vital aspect of our mission, enabling us to serve and engage with both local and global communities. Lastly, we cherish the bonds of fellowship and encouragement among our churches, for we believe that unity and mutual support are essential elements in our collective journey toward fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. These five priorities serve as the pillars of our commitment to strengthening the spiritual fabric of Central California.
After being mentored by pastors in the Fresno area, I was encouraged to pursue further theological education. My wife, Megan, and I moved to Louisville, KY a week after our wedding in order for me pursue an M.Div at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I graduated in 2014. While studying at Southern, I received my first call to pastor at New Salem Baptist Church in Cox’s Creek, KY in August of 2012.
After serving at New Salem, the Lord called me to serve as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Oakhurst, CA. I began serving at FBC Oakhurst in August 2014 after finishing my degree at Southern Seminary. I had the wonderful task of shepherding God’s people by preaching and teaching the inerrant Word and discipling our members. I began a PhD in Preaching from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and I am in my dissertation phase.
While serving at FBC Oakhurst, I saw the benefit and blessing of our local Mid-Valley Baptist Association. I served on the board of the association for six years. While serving on the association’s board, I was a part of a local cohort of pastors from our association.
I believe cooperation among Southern Baptist Churches is one of our greatest strengths. We are truly better together. As The Baptist Faith and Message says: “Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom” (BFM 2000, Article XIV). Southern Baptists are at our best when we work together to send missionaries, train pastors, plant, replant, and revitalize churches in order to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. I want to encourage pastors and help churches carry out the mission that God has given us.
I am looking forward to serving the churches of Central California as we seek to labor together for Christ’s Kingdom.
Our association is committed to nurturing the growth of churches and fostering collaboration among them. Discover the values that guide us and the vision we hold for Central California. Together, we are dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission and making a positive impact on our communities and beyond.
