I remember at an early age I had a passion to play drums. I was always beating on something. Around five or six years of age, I would put out Sears catalogs and use them like a drum set to play on. As I grew, my parents bought a snare drum for me. They also signed me up for drum lessons. I think they were fed up with the banging and actually wanted to hear something that sounded like music. I remember starting lessons with a guy named Craig. I still remember my first lesson and Craig asked me if I saw myself being dedicated to a craft. As a child, the only craft I knew was the Kraft macaroni that my mom made and I was dedicated to eating as much as I could. As an adult, I look back and laugh. Craig, I’m sure, had no idea how this little kid sitting in front of him would use these lessons and the gifts God had given me. I worked through books of rudiments, learning the fundamentals of drumming.  Craig started from the very basics of how to hold sticks and the techniques of how to use those sticks. I looked forward to every lesson as a child and the interest in doing something new. As I got older, the books and the material began to get more difficult. I would practice and practice to meet the expectations of a drum teacher. I never thought that God would use drumming as a way of ministering to people. I am beyond thankful to Craig for all the times that he pushed me to learn new things and develop my craft.

In May of 2003, I was blessed with the opportunity to start playing in a live worship setting. I had played drums all through High School. I played in symphonic band, marching band and even in the Fine Arts productions. But there was something different, a nervousness, about playing in church. I grew up where drums were used in the church in a very tasteful way. I had an example, but I knew that I was not that kind of drummer. I am very appreciative of Duane and the willingness to step out to use a very green drummer in the church setting. Our journey would continue for several years. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and without that time, I would not be where I am today. As seasons of life change, playing opportunities change as well. Cindy and I were pregnant with our first child and moved churches to be closer to home and work. Our son was born in 2008 and we were definitely in a different season of life. From 2008 to 2010 I took a sabbatical from playing drums. Planned or unplanned, it was a time, again, to work on my craft.

I was consumed with the craft but I knew there was more to learn about playing in church. Duane, while I was at FBC Conyers, had always let me speak into songs and planning a worship service. I had been a part of planning to playing, but looking back, I had not learned to drum and worship. In my time off, I began to explore the idea of worshiping God from behind the drums. I quickly began to realize it’s not about the fancy fills or the complicated grooves. I’ve always been told that I have a gift, but I always thought that gift was playing drums. The older I get I have begun to realize that people watch and listen to what you play. The gift, I believe, is to worship first and that encourages others to worship in return. In 2011, I had the opportunity, once again, to sit behind the drums and be a part of a worship service. But through schedules and other complications, I was back on the sidelines evaluating drums and worship. Looking back, I believe it was God working in my heart to attack the issues of pride and humility.

In 2015, I was asked to be a part of the drumming rotation at Bethlehem Church, where my family and I currently attend. I am blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to drum for one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation for two consecutive years. Bethlehem has afforded me a chance to explore my gifts and share them via social media and YouTube. Bethlehem, as a church, is an awesome group of people that love God and love others. This philosophy or theological ideal is part of the reason I make worship videos and have the Friday Fruitt series. God tells us to be His witness and share the hope of Christ. I believe, through this website and these videos, making disciples of Christ will be accomplished.