Title: Director of worship/youth chaplain

Age: 40

How long have you been at Boys Ranch: 16 years

Other positions you’ve held here: My wife and I started in 2003 as houseparents. We houseparented for three-and-a-half years before I joined the chapel staff.

Relevant qualifications/experience for your position: I have led music all of my life. I played drums for my dad’s band when I was five years old. I have been in the ministry for more than 20 years.

Immediate family members: Lynn, my high school sweetheart and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. Our daughter, Adilyn Joy, is a freshman and my son Aaden, a fourth grader at BRISD.

What is the best part of your job: Having the opportunity to share my life with others. This might include leading worship on Sundays, throwing a football with a child, or showing up and supporting youth in their activities. It might include baptizing a resident and putting together a Christmas cantata for our entire community.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Balancing the music side of my work with being a youth chaplain for young people and being a friend and pastor for the direct-care staff.

Describe the moment you realize how important Boys Ranch is to the children we serve: Each week I continue to be humbled on Sunday mornings when I hear hurting kids, and kids that may not be at the point of believing the gospel, sing a song about God’s love and hope for them. I continue to realize how Boys Ranch makes a difference when I see Boys Ranch alumni still in contact with staff. I have had the privilege to officiate weddings for alumni who I once houseparented. This is very special. 

What inspired you to seek employment with Boys Ranch: I have always had a heart for those who are hurting and just need someone to care. 

What would you most like our youth to remember about you? I hope they know that I cared and loved them, just as Christ has loved and cared for me!