A Bit About Me
I've always been passionate about creating communities that balance academic and spiritual growth, which has led me down some unique paths in both education and ministry. As someone who has founded and led Lyell College, achieving accreditation candidacy with the Association for Biblical Higher Education, I’ve learned firsthand the power of perseverance and vision in building something that helps people gain an intimate walk with the Father. Today, I serve as the Academic Dean at Heartland Biblical Leadership Seminary and as the founding Rabbi of Beit Simcha (House of Joy), Wes Smith (FB Profile), and the Association of Torah Pursuant Communities. My heart is in helping people connect deeply with the Torah, especially in ways that bring out both faith and critical understanding. It’s been a journey of balancing tradition with fresh perspectives, and it’s this balance that I strive to bring into every teaching moment, sermon, or discussion within the community.
On a more personal note, I see the beauty in equipping people with a solid foundation, both spiritually and practically. Whether it’s guiding our local Torah Pursuant Fellowship, here in Waldron Arkansas, or preparing the online community to face challenges with self-sufficiency, I’m constantly reminded of how vital it is to cultivate resilience and readiness. With a background in non-profit management, biblical studies, and music ministry, I bring a blend of skills that help me connect with others from different walks of life. While my academic background has been incredibly formative, the real joy comes in watching our fellowship grow—together embracing G-d’s commands, holding to the testimony of Yeshua, and moving forward with a purpose that prepares us for the arrival of the Messiah.
Work Experience
2017 - present (Seminary)/ 2020 - present (Torah)
As the Academic Dean at Heartland Biblical Leadership Seminary and the founding Rabbi of Beit Simcha ("House of Joy"), I guide theological education, leadership development, and spiritual growth within our community. At Heartland, I oversee academic programs, develop curriculum, and mentor students, ensuring that our teachings align with the Foundational Values of the Rural Shepherd's Network. In my role as Rabbi and Pastor of Beit Simcha, I lead Torah study, provide pastoral care, and foster a welcoming, supportive environment where our members can grow in their commitment to G-d’s commandments and the testimony of Yeshua/Jesus. Through both roles, I aim to build a resilient, spiritually enriched community that’s well-prepared for the practical and spiritual challenges of today’s world.
2017 - 2019
Music Educator and Children's Choir Director, Stillwater Christian School, Conservatory of Music, Kalispell, Montana
2012 - 2016
Founding Director, Vermont Boychoir, Colchester, Vermont
Founding Rabbi, Wes Smith, and Beit Simcha Torah Pursuant Fellowship, Waldron, AR | 2020-Present
Led Torah study, provided pastoral care, and fostered a welcoming community environment, guiding members in their commitment to G-d’s commandments and the testimony of Yeshua.
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Academic Dean, Heartland Biblical Leadership Seminary | 2019-Present
Oversaw academic programs, developed curriculum, and mentored faculty and students, ensuring alignment with Torah principles for impactful, faith-centered leadership.
Senior Internet Consultant, CPA Site Solutions, Winooski, VT | 2013-2015
Developed a successful SEO product and managed approximately 500 CPA firm accounts, boosting their online presence and visibility.
Founding Director, Vermont Boychoir, Colchester, VT | 2012-2016
Established and directed the Vermont Boychoir, managing all organizational aspects and enriching the community through youth choir music.
Founding Director, Palmetto State Boychoir, Florence, SC | 2008-2011
Established and directed the Palmetto State Boychoir, managing all organizational aspects and enriching the community through youth choir music.
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Choir Director & Organist, Various Churches in Montana, Vermont, and South Carolina | 2008-2020
Directed choirs and served as an organist in various denominations, enhancing worship services and fostering musical growth within diverse congregations.
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​Social Studies Teacher, Darlington Middle School, Darlington, SC | 2006-2010
Taught Social Studies to middle school students and led the district's ArtSummer Choir Program, enhancing student engagement in arts education.
President & Professor of Theology and Science, Lyell College, Fort Smith, AR | 2003-2006
Founded Lyell College, leading it to achieve accreditation candidacy with the Association for Biblical Higher Education, while teaching theology, science, and biblical studies.
Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith | 2001-2003
Director of the Center for Research in Science & Assistant Professor of Biology, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA | 1998-2000
Founded and Directed the Center for Research in Science, taught courses in biology and ethics, and engaged in interdisciplinary studies on science and religion.
Instructor of Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY | 1996-1998
Taught an Advanced M.Div. course on Science and Religion and assisted Dr. Marvin Anderson, the Director of the Advanced M.Div. Program.
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Computer Programmer, Eurasia Teen Challenge, Wiesbaden, Germany | 1984-1986
Provided IT support and developed software for Eurasia Teen Challenge, contributing to their mission work.
Education
My educational path has been diverse, allowing me to explore the connections between theology, science, and ministry. I’ve been honored with an ad eundem Ph.D. from Lyell College (2005) and an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) from Immanuel Baptist Theological Seminary (1998), which recognized work in the relationship between science and faith. After completing my Advanced Master of Divinity at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1996), I continued in doctoral coursework there (1998) and later studied Spiritual Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary (2004-2006). Oxford’s Wycliffe Hall (1998 - 2000) and Tyndale House at Cambridge (1996) also became part of my journey, where I participated in studies and seminars on the history of faith and early church teachings. Each step has enriched my understanding and approach to teaching, bridging knowledge with practical ministry to support others in their faith journey.
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Preparation for Ministry: My undergraduate studies culminated in a B.A. in Biblical Studies/Ancient Languages from Ouachita Baptist University (1992). Additionally, studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary led to the M.Div. and Ph.D. studies (ABD) in Theology, Philosophy, and Church History. Doctor of Ministry studies (ABD) at Fuller Theological Seminary gave me the necessary skills in Spiritual Formation. Additional studies at Jerusalem Seminary and Hebrew University improved my skills in Biblical Hebrew. Finally, I spent two years studying under a Beslover Chasidic Orthodox Rabbi who believes in Yeshua (2020 - 2022).
My credentials include ordination from the Southern Baptist (1992), the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (2005), and the Rural Shepherds Network (2019) which continues to recognize my work as a bridge builder between Jews and Christians.
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I am qualified to offer rabbinic or pastoral credentials via an authorized Beit Din to Torah Pursuant Rabbis, or via a Pastoral Council to Torah Pursuant Pastors; and, to offer congregations a membership in or affiliation with the Association of Torah Pursuant Congregations (ATorahPC). These credentials and affiliations are annually renewable.
1992 - 2005