NickName(s)
Wade
Top 3-5 Responsibilities
- Curating spaces of Welcome and Hospitality throughout events and services at TVC. - Leading leaders that serve in areas of Connections and Events. - Coming alongside people as they seek to take steps toward belonging and purpose via the Weekend Gathering, First Steps, Baptism, and Membership. - Demonstrating God's love by inviting all people to participate in the life of the church.
When and how did the Lord save you?
When I was 8 years old at a Easter service in my small home town in Texas - God was so kind to reveal to me that He sent Jesus to die for ME! Even though I gave my life to Jesus on that day, it was the pursuit of the Spirit who drew me in and even called me to ministry during the summer before my 7th grade year that would change the trajectory of my life.
When did you come to TVC and what brought you here?
I joined the staff here at TVC in December of 2020 after serving for 11 years in NorthWest Arkansas (Bentonvile). Brooke (my wife), who was also on staff with me as the Women's Director, and I had an abrupt and hard end to that season of ministry and we earnestly sought the Lord to lead us to a next assignment where there was a plurality of leadership, diversity was longed for, and the Spirit was alive through prayer. The answer to those prayers was The Village Church. While we were in Seminary in 2007-2009, Brooke was a member of TVC and served in the Middle School Ministry and I would come on Saturday nights to worship - so, there was a refreshing trust and familiarity that was so needed, and the Lord met us in that. God is so good!
Book/Movie/TV Show Recommendation and Why
The book I would recommend to others would be "The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World," because I believe that in our fast-paced world of drive through and hurried meals, automatic garage door closing, privacy fences, and online church. we are desperately missing the mark on the practice of hospitality in regards to loving our neighbors.
TED Talk Subject & Why
It would be entitled "What a WONDERful World," and I would talk about how we have lost the art of wonder. As a kid, I would get lost for hours in creating wonderful worlds I created via G.I. Joes and Hotwheels and it brought so much joy. As an adult, I often get lost in the ordinary and wonderful connections and beauty that exists around me. The opportunity for wonder and joy is all around us, but do we miss it because of busyness and stress?
Childhood Dream Job
I would be a sketch comedy actor on Saturday Night Live. Don't judge me, but from the age of 6 or 7, I stayed up ever Saturday Night to watch.
Fictional Character Friend & Why
I'd like to say Maximus Decimus Meridius from Gladiator, but it's probably more like Baloo from Jungle Book. He's fun-loving, has a big heart for others, and looks for joy in the simple things of life.
Favorite Hobby
I love spending time with my family. Going on adventures, coaching them in sports, traveling, and enjoying movie or game nights is where it's at!