Pastor Chris’s journey to Christ began in what he describes as a spiritual fog. Though he occasionally attended Vacation Bible Schools as a child (mostly for the snow cones), he grew up largely unchurched. He briefly attended Sunday School but felt disconnected by the unfamiliar names and stories—Abraham, Noah, Moses—and eventually stopped going until he was old enough to join the youth group. There, he felt more comfortable and enjoyed the fun and friendships it offered.

While at the church building one day, Chris was presented with a version of the gospel that focused on choosing between the joys of heaven and the horrors of hell. Not surprisingly, he chose heaven and was led in a prayer. Shortly after, he was encouraged to walk the aisle during a church service, sign a card, and be baptized. He was told he was now saved—and he believed it.

For 14 years, Chris lived under a false assurance. Though there was initial enthusiasm—carrying his Bible, sharing verses with friends—his faith was not rooted in Christ. He had been presented a decision, not a Savior; a destination, not the holiness of God and his own need for redemption through Christ’s finished work on the cross.

But at age 26, while leading music at a revival service in Watts, Oklahoma, the Lord intervened. As God’s Word was being proclaimed, the Holy Spirit convicted Chris of his sin and his need for repentance and saving faith in Jesus Christ. That night, God saved him—regenerating his heart and radically transforming his desires. Soon after, Chris sensed a deep calling to vocational ministry.

For almost three decades, Pastor Chris has served in various pastoral roles: four years bi-vocationally, nineteen years full-time, and four and a half years as an intern at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. He is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary (Class of 2008). Upon graduation and following the wise counsel of one of his professors, he devoted the next two years to simply being a faithful church member, faithfully serving alongside another pastor and ministering within the body life of the local church.

In the years that followed, Pastor Chris joyfully served as senior pastor of Community Bible Fellowship in Tahlequah, Oklahoma for nine and a half years. In God’s perfect timing, the Lord then moved him to Grace Community Church of Tulsa, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. There, he served first as Associate Pastor for two years alongside Pastor Doug Heck, and then as the Senior Pastor for one year following Pastor Doug’s passing.

In 2022, through the providence of God, in the aftermath of a church split and upon resigning, a group of believers asked Pastor Chris to continue shepherding them. As a result, Anchor Bible Church of Northeast Oklahoma was established on September 11, 2022. Pastor Chris continues to serve as its pastor, joyfully committed to the faithful preaching of God’s Word, the equipping of the saints, and the shepherding of God’s people.

Chris has been married to his beloved bride, Hayley, for over 30 years. The Lord has graciously blessed them with five children—three sons and two daughters. Their three oldest are married, and they are now enjoying the blessing of four grandchildren.

To God be the glory!