The journey so far
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, I moved to Kentucky in 2005 to attend Asbury Theological Seminary, where I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. While in seminary, I served in various food, housing, single parenting, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministries, which were influential in shaping my pastoral calling.
Following graduation I was appointed to St. Mark United Methodist Church in Campbellsville, Kentucky as a Provisional Member of the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. During my time in Campbellsville, I, served on the board of Green River Ministries, The Healing Place, and Greater Campbellsville United. I was the cluster leader for Taylor County United Methodist Clergy, as well as the “Tech” Person for the Columbia District. In 2012, I joined with a team of United Methodist Clergy and lay persons, and we received a grant from United Methodist Communications for an event called “Impact Taylor County.” In one day nearly 1,000 people experienced the church outside the walls.
In the summer of 2012 I was appointed to New Beginnings UMC in Stanford, KY where I continued to lead the church to meet the needs of the surrounding community. New Beginnings offered computer classes, cooking classes and more in hopes of providing job and life skills to help people live better lives and learn trade skills to make them more employable. New Beginnings also opened it doors to narcotics abuse counseling, AA and NA. During my time at New Beginnings I served on the Fort Logan Board, and began serving on The Kentucky Annual Conference Connectional Ministries Team.
In 2014, I was appointed to The Wesley Foundation at The University of Kentucky. The Wesley Foundation at UK is a campus ministry and a Christian Living Community. As the Director of the Wesley Foundation, I was responsible for both the residential and campus components of the Wesley Foundation. I managed a budget of $250,000+, and raised over $300,000 during my five years at the Wesley Foundation that allowed the ministry to make much needed repairs on the building and helped expand the ministries of the Wesley Foundation. Each year the Wesley hosted events where more than 400 students would attend and at the height of my time at Wesley more than 70 students were actively involved. I also oversaw the construction of a new roof, remodeled basement and remodeled bathrooms. During my time at the Wesley Foundation, I served on the Lexington District Committee on ordained Ministry, the Lexington District Operational Team, The Building and Relocation Committee, and The Annual Conference Higher Ed. Operational Team.
From 2019 to 2023, I had the opportunity to serve Burkesville First and Highland United Methodist Churches in Cumberland County, Ky. My main focus during my time there was to bring unity between the two churches and inspire them to think deeply about their identity and vision as a church and explore new ways to fulfill their mission.
In June of 2023, I was appointed to Versailles United Methodist Church, in Versailles, Ky. After many wonderful appointments, this is the first time I’ve felt at “home” in an appointment. It’s my hope and prayer to bring stability to a church that has experienced much heartbreak after losing half of its membership during the painful United Methodist disaffiliation vote. As VUMC continues to heal we are simultaneously beginning to work on our vision and making plans to be a vital church for many years to come.
I was six years old when I first knew that I wanted to be a Preacher/Pastor. Although I didn’t attend church from ages 10 to 19, through the grace of God, I returned to the church and began pursuing my life’s calling at the age of twenty-one. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am thankful to be a part of the United Methodist Church. In 2011, I was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church, and I continue to serve the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ locally and around the world.
William lives in Lexington, Kentucky with his wife and best friend Maria.
