With humble thanks to Dr. Jim Benton for his love, kindness, and especially patience in guiding and teaching me, I was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree from the Theological University of America on August 1, 2002. I was born in Arkansas, graduated from high school in Newkirk, Oklahoma in 1950, I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Central Christian College in 1952 with a major in Bible and minor in Greek. While a student, the Department of Bible of Central Christian College presented me with Informal Ordination, a document required to perform marriage ceremonies in Oklahoma.
While still in high school I was the regular song leader for the Lord’s church in Newkirk and occasionally preached. While a student in Central Christian College I often went on Sunday afternoons to lead singing for evening services at small area towns and later began preaching on Sundays. I worked a two-week “Camp La Quinta” to introduce area high school students to the college and what it offered. In the summer between colleges I preached at Caldwell, Kansas. I was a student at Abilene Christian College in 1953 -1954 and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Practical Bible (Bible application) and minor in Biblical Bible (study of the text).
I met Patricia Johnson at Abilene Christian and we married 1953. For seven years I preached full time in Texas and Oklahoma. Because we were moving more than was good for my family I went to Lippert’s Court Reporting school in Plainview, Texas from 1962-1964 driving to preaching appointments on Sundays. Upon graduation we moved to Nacogdoches, Texas then to Lufkin, Texas where I completed 32 years as Official Court Reporter with 5 years in Nacogdoches 145th Judicial District Court and 27 years in Lufkin 159th Court. I have preached almost continuously with small congregations since 1951 as opportunity presented itself. I have been preaching or teaching at the Bald Hill Church of Christ for 41 years with my son now the minister.
I urge all aspiring to become preachers to follow the Biblical example and learn a trade in addition to Bible. Every apostle knew a trade. Paul was a tent maker, Matthew a tax collector, Andrew, Peter, James, John professional fishermen. I recommend and urge students to contact Dr. Jim Benton of the Theological University of America and go on-line while working and further their education since growing old is mandatory but growing educationally is optimal, make a better life while you make a living.