Rodney is originally from Hartsville, South Carolina. He was raised in a Christian home and his family was active in Lakeview Baptist Church. He became a Christ follower at the age of 8 but at the age of 12, he began to feel the stirrings of a call into ministry. That calling was not fully realized until September 21, 1987.
After graduating from college, Rodney moved to Ft Worth,Texas to attend seminary when he began serving churches in Fannin County. During that time he met his future wife, Crissi, and they were married on June 25, 1994.
After pastoring this church from 1994-1999, Rodney and Crissi were called to The Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, Virginia where he served as an associate pastor from 1999-2006. In 2006, he was called back to New Zion once again.
Rodney holds degrees from Francis Marion College (1991), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1995), and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (2010). He also a four units of clinical pastoral education from the North Texas V.A. Healthcare system.
Along with being a pastor, Rodney is also a hospice chaplain. Crissi is an elementary school teacher in Bells ISD so they stay busy. They also have two wonderful children, Zac and Zoe. Zac is a recruiter for Grayson College. Zoe is a student at Howard Payne University.
Rodney loves people and he loves being a pastor/chaplain. He also loves working in the yard, running, fishing, reading, writing, and spending time with his family.
Dax is a native of Oklahoma, but he got to Texas as fast as he could. Dax has been married to his wife Linda since October of 2006, and has two children Tarryn, their daughter, has finished her B.S. in Education and is the amazing mother to Case Logan (their grandson). Tarryn is married to Seth and they currently live in Oologah Oklahoma, Dax's son Jesston is a real estate agent and currently lives in Claremore Oklahoma. Dax is constantly nagging them to move to Texas, but time will tell.
Dax's path to ministry has been a bit unusual. He is an addict in recovery since 03/31/2007. Dax turned to selling narcotics to support his addiction, and in doing so was arrested on felony charges of manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. In March 2007, he cried out to God and was saved, after that day he never used drugs again and has lived with a grateful heart every day since. He embraces every opportunity offered by God and pursues them with maximum effort.
Dax answered the call to ministry while attending Gober Baptist Church in 2017, there was a need for a youth group leader and he felt compelled to fill the role. Dax found that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and lots of prayers he was able to relate to youth and teach in a way that was useful in applying scripture to their everyday lives. After five years of teaching and growth, it was time to move on, and that's when the call came from New Zion Baptist. God's timing is perfect, and it is not our place to question it.
So, Dax, along with Linda at his side is our Youth Minister that leads with the single goal to fulfill the purpose of all Christians and that is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
My goal is to make a significant positive impact on the lives of all that I come in contact with, all to God's glory. Linda and I are extremely excited to serve at New Zion Baptist Church and look forward to witnessing all of the great opportunities that have been provided by God for us to expand His Kingdom.
Blessings, Dax and Linda.