About

My Story

In 1984, I enrolled at Cincinnati Bible College. I never once thought about making ministry a career. I went to this college thinking I would use one year at Cincinnati as a time to learn more about the Bible and then I would return to Virginia and finish my college degree at Radford University. Never say “never.” I did return to Virginia and I did enroll at Radford. But during that first semester, I spoke at a youth retreat and as I talked about Peter getting out of the boat and walking on the water, I realized that being in ministry was my calling. I can’t say that heard the voice of God but I did experience the presence of God that night in a way that confirmed what I needed to do next.

I finished that semester at Radford and in January of 1986, I re-enrolled at Cincinnati Bible College. Another life-changing event occurred when I arrived on campus. I met Rhonda Smiley. Now, there is more to what happened next, but I will jump to the good part. In the spring of ’86, Rhonda and I started dating. Now, when we started dating, she did say, “I will never marry a minister.” I will say it again – never say “never.” We were married in August of 1987.

When I met Rhonda, she was a deaf interpreter for a church in Connersville, Indiana. I started to tag along and eventually, I became a youth sponsor. Then, in December of 1986, this church hired me to be their youth minister at the age of 20 and here I am now, at the age of 58, still in ministry and searching for what comes next in where God is leading.

Rhonda and I have a son named Tyler. Tyler is married to our wonderful daughter-in-law, Madi and they have one son, our grandson, named Tatum. I have pictures if you ever want to see them.

The Book

I am now entering my 38th year of ministry and you could say I’ve seen some things. But in recent years, coming out of the pandemic, I felt directed by God to return to the basics of Jesus’ teaching. As I did that, the word “unexpected” kept coming into my mind.

Jesus himself was unexpected. The descriptor alludes to something or someone that is unforeseen, not anticipated, and even surprising. Jesus coming as the Savior of the world is the epitome of that definition. It is true that he was the expected Savior the world had been promised. But starting on day one, one word can be used to describe his life, his teachings, his example, and even his death. That word is UNEXPECTED.

The Approach

As I thought about this unexpected Savior, I thought about the world we’re living in today. If Jesus showed up today, he would still be an unexpected Savior. He would surprise people. And this means that if I’m going to choose to follow Jesus, my life should be unexpected when people look at me.

When people see me, they need to see Jesus. If he’s unexpected, my life should be unexpected. My life should look different from what the world expects. Yes, there may even be times when we surprise people. Hang tight—there is more to come on this one. For now, let me just say this: It is not only good for us as followers to surprise people, but it can also be a lot of fun!

For those who will read this book, we, too, are called to follow the example of the unexpected Savior and to be different in the way we live our lives. He has shown us the way—and his way is the unexpected way.

Before we begin, let me also say this to the reader who has picked up this book and has not yet chosen to go on a journey of faith with Jesus. First of all, I am excited for your interest in who I and many others consider to be our Savior, our friend, and our example for living our lives in this world. Secondly, would you give him a chance?

Together, let’s go on a journey of discovery and take a fresh look at the life and the ministry of the Unexpected Savior.