Elder Bio - Grace Bible Church

I was born in northern Ohio, but my parents abducted me and carried me against my will down to Florida. When you realize that I was only a child at the time, it’s not nearly as shocking as it sounds.

I’ve been part of Grace Bible Church since we moved here in the late 70’s. I terrified my Sunday School teachers. I exasperated the youth leaders. As a teenager I remember falling asleep during a communion service and dropping the glass communion cup to the terrazzo floor under the pews in the old building. Of course the glass very loudly shattered and we began using plastic communion cups shortly thereafter.

Despite my…shall we say…energetic and spirited childhood, I learned a lot about the Bible here at this church. While I had trusted in Christ at a young age at our former church in Ohio, the explanation and sound teaching came from Grace Bible Church. Eventually time catches up with you though, and I became a relatively normal adult, much to the relief of some, and the disbelief of others.

Vocationally, I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and have worked in various capacities in the corporate security field. I’ve also spent time in the electronics industry

In 2002, much to the disbelief of myself, and again probably the disbelief of others, I was brought onto the Board of Elders. In that time I have taught Sunday School and Bible Study classes, and even preached from the Sunday Morning pulpit on occasion. I’ve even taken on the job of the church secretary / office manager for a while.

Over the years I have developed a love of studying the scriptures, and trying to pass the fruits of that labor on to others. The Lord has really used my time in the leadership of Grace Bible Church to help give a direction and a purpose for my life. As such, I’ve been taking classes in Biblical Studies from Liberty University with the ultimate goal of possibly entering into the ministry someday. I’ll bet my old Sunday School teachers and youth leaders never saw that coming!

When I’m not working or studying, I play around with computers, design websites and hit people with sticks. Yes gentle reader, you read that correctly, I hit people with sticks. On first glance that sounds a bit harsh, but I’ve omitted the fact that it occurs in the cooperative environment of an organized martial arts class. I’m a student of the classical Japanese martial arts.

I’ve enjoyed spilling the beans a little about my life, so in return, let me know a little about you.

Clarence