CURRENT POSITION

First Assistant General Overseer/Ministerial Advocate

PERSONAL

Wife - Peggy R.

Children - Raymond II, Elizabeth Burroughs, Jessica Baird

Grandchildren – 7

EDUCATION

B.S., Lee University

M.A., California Graduate School of Theology               

D.D., Lee University

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Psychology, Sociology, Christian Education, Counseling

Butler University, Sociology

Samford University, Psychology

Bill Gothard Seminars

Institute of Church Growth

Master Christian Service Training Diploma

Graduate Ministerial Bible Institute Program for Church of God

Instructor Ministerial Bible Institute for Church of God

ELECTED GENERAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

2016-2024 First Assistant General Overseer

2012-2016 Administrative Bishop to Alabama

2008- 2012 General Overseer

2004-2008 First Assistant General Overseer

1986-1990 Church of God Executive Council

1992-1996 Church of God Executive Council

1998-1902 Church of God Executive Council

2014-2016 Church of God Executive Council

HONORS

Member of Lee University Board of Directors - 1980-1992

Chairman of Lee University Board of Directors - 1990- 2004

Chairman of Church of God General Youth and Christian Education Board - 1978-1988

Recipient of Academic Achievement Award from Upsilon Xi, Lee University

Lee University Hall of Fame

Lee University Class President and Student Government Leader

Recipient of the highest award offered Church of God State Youth and Christian Education Leaders (seven of eight years)

Numerous Special Awards for Leadership in Youth Missions Education, Youth Leadership and Christian Education Leadership

"Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award" for 1988 from Upsilon Xi of Lee University

Listed in Outstanding Young Men of America

MINISTRY

Began in 1965             

Ordained by the Church of God, Cleveland, TN, 1975

Evangelist

Associate pastor, Buford, GA

State Youth and Christian Education Director, Northern California, 1972-1973

State Youth and Christian Education Director, Indiana, 1974-1976

State Youth and Christian Education Director, Alabama, 1976-1980

Traveled extensively throughout the world; featured speaker at numerous conventions, camp meetings and convocations

Speaker at the Church of God General Assembly, 1970 and 1982

Conducts numerous ministerial seminars on church growth and leadership

LOCAL MINISTRY

Founding Pastor of Riverchase Church of God which is now Metropolitan Church of God, Birmingham, AL

Organized in July 1980 with 18 members; its membership was over 3000 in 2004 when elected by the 2004 International General

Assembly to serve as First Assistant General Overseer

PUBLISHED WORKS

Lifestyle to His Glory, Pathway Press

Search 66 - "A Journey Through the Bible" Old and New Testament

 Volume 1, Genesis-Malachi

 Volume 2, Matthew-Jude

 Volume 3, Revelation

Eldership Ministry Resource Manual

L.E.A.P. - Leadership Enrichment for Active People (three volumes)

Discipleship Training Manual

God's Top Ten for Men: The Ten Commandments

Motivation for Men

Numerous cassette albums, training and motivational materials

Former Managing Editor for denominational periodical, On Guard

Life Builders, Pathway Press

Power Living, Pathway Press

The Leading Man, Power Living Ministries

Understanding The Ministry of The Holy Spirit

The Quest for Trust

The Great Commission—The Solution

The Great Commission Connection

Discipleship 2,000