Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, I went to high school at Great Atlanta Christian Schools, where my father was president. After high school, I enrolled at David Lipscomb College in Nashville and met JoAnn Denny. We were married after my graduation and moved to Peachtree City, Georgia, where I preached for a congregation of the Churches of Christ. While there, I began studies at Alabama Christian School of Religion and Georgia State University. During this time, JoAnn completed a B.S.N. degree in nursing at Georgia State.
In 1981, we moved to Madison, New Jersey, where I continued my graduate work at Drew University. Our two children, Laurel and Leah, were born while we were there. JoAnn ran the infirmary on campus. I had the pleasure of being the primary-care person for Laurel while JoAnn was at work, an experience that I treasure. I worked as the pulpit minister for the Bridgewater Church of Christ for part of our time in New Jersey. My work in archaeology began during my graduate work in Old Testament at Drew.
We moved to Montgomery, Alabama in 1987. I taught in a graduate context at what is now Southern Christian University. I finished my degree in Old Testament in 1988 and took on a position as Associate Minister for the Prattville Church of Christ. JoAnn worked as Director of Education at a local hospital and complted the M.S.N. degree in nursing at Troy State University.
We moved to Lubbock in 1993. JoAnn and I both teach at Lubbock Christian University. In 2000, JoAnn completed the Ph.D. degree in nursing from teh University of Texas, San Antonio. She is Chair of the Department of Nursing. I now chair the Department of Biblical Studies. In addition, LCU has encouraged my work in archaeology, establishing the Taylor Institute of Archaeology and allowing me to work as Co-director of the Archaeological Expedition to Khirbet Iskander, Jordan.
Our daughters are both seniors: Laurel, an Exercise Science major at LCU, and Leah, at Coronado High School. Laurel plans to graduate in December; Leah heads to Lipscomb in the fall. We are proud of the fine, Christian women they have become.
We enjoy Lubbock and love our work at LCU. I am particularly fulfilled in my role of preparing young men and women for ministry. I have a passion for teaching and enjoy helping students grow in their understanding of Scriptures and the world of the Bible - and in their relationship with God. Both JoAnn and I also work with the University Ministry of the South Plains Church of Christ, which is rewarding in the same way.
The Lord has blessed us with so many wonderful experiences. Our prayer is that he will continue to use us for his honor and glory.