In prior pastorates Les led declining churches back to health, experiencing both spiritual and numerical growth.  This has also been true at St. Matthews Baptist Church--a growing, regional, “five-generation” congregation noted for its 100+ ministries.  Les often speaks from the heart about “Local-Global” missions.

Les writes in the areas of Christian faith and practice and has contributed to ten books and several periodicals.  He is also a contributing blogger at makethedayscount.com.  His most recent book release was Christian Reconciliation Ministries: Healing Hurts and Building Hope.

Les is often interviewed by local media and is a frequent speaker for community and regional events.  He is a global strategist for Reconciliation Networks of Our World and a leader with the Baptist World Alliance, among other organizations.

Les’ wife, Vicki, is from the Texas panhandle.  She graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Music Education.  An accomplished musician, she also holds a Master of Divinity degree, with honors, from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Divinity School of Drew University.  Since 1996 she has served as Executive Director for the Wayne E. Oates Institute, whose membership consists of professional and lay caregivers in the fields of religion, nursing, pastoral care and counseling, medicine, social work and therapy.  She has served at St. Matthews Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, children’s choir director, counselor, and ministry team leader.

Truett Theological Seminary conferred upon Les and Vicki the honor of being named “honorary alumni” in recognition of their career work as ministers.