I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and came to faith in Jesus Christ as a very young man. That faith changed everything — the direction of my life, the priorities I set, and the person I wanted to become. After years of sensing a call to ministry and public service, I pursued theological training at Calvary Bible College and then at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, graduating in 2014. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Biblical Counseling at Trinity Seminary.
Before settling in South Dakota, I served as State Field Director for the John Birch Society in Montana, where I developed a deep passion for constitutional education and citizen engagement. I saw firsthand how much Americans — good, hardworking people — simply did not know about the founding documents that protect their freedoms. That conviction has never left me.
Called to Parkston
In August 2013, I became pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Parkston, South Dakota. Isabel and I moved our family here and have never once regretted it. Parkston is the kind of place where people still know their neighbors, where faith runs deep, and where community means something. For over twelve years I have had the privilege of serving this congregation — preaching the Word, walking with families through hard seasons, celebrating new life, and trying to be a faithful shepherd to the people God has entrusted to my care.
Family
I married Isabel Welch on August 30, 2003, and she has been my greatest partner in everything. Together we have built a large, loud, and deeply blessed family. Watching our children grow in faith and character is the greatest joy of my life. We recently celebrated the marriage of our son Michael to Daniela — one of those milestone moments that reminds you how quickly God’s blessings multiply.
Civic Leadership
I currently serve as South Dakota State Coordinator for the John Birch Society, working across the entire state to educate citizens, support local chapters, and advance constitutional governance. I also serve as a board member of South Dakota Right to Life, advocating for the protection of human life at every stage.
I teach Constitution classes nationwide through the Blueprint for Liberty (B4L) program via Zoom — covering the founding principles, the structure of government, the Bill of Rights, and what it means to be an informed, engaged citizen. I have also been active in South Dakota civic life, twice running for the State House of Representatives in District 19, advocating for landowner rights, constitutional government, and conservative values.
Bible Teaching and Training
I am a certified instructor for Thompson Chain Reference Bible Workshops through the Thompson Bible International Institute. I was trained in Malawi, Africa under Brian Balster of APT Ministries, and have had the privilege of helping teach workshops in Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Blantyre in Malawi, as well as in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. These workshops equip ministry leaders to study Scripture deeply using the Thompson Chain Reference system developed by Dr. John Jauchen.
Bible Quizzing
I am passionate about CMA Bible Quizzing in the North Central Division. I run our local practices and serve in the coach role day to day, and serve as quiz master at our quiz meets. Bible Quizzing is one of the most powerful tools I have seen for connecting young people to God’s Word — memorizing Scripture and hiding it in their hearts in a way that stays with them for life. Learn more at cmabiblequizzing.org.
What Drives Me
At the end of the day, everything connects. I call it the Four-Fold Blessing — the conviction that Christ’s lordship extends to every institution God has ordained: the individual, the family, the church, and civil government. A man whose spirit has been renewed by faith but who ignores his civic responsibility is only half engaged. A patriot who neglects his family has missed the point. A church that retreats from culture abandons the very institutions it was called to serve. When all four are ordered under Christ, real blessing flows.
I want to see South Dakota — and America — remain a place where families can thrive, where faith is honored, where government knows its limits, and where the next generation inherits something worth having.