Mike came to Southside as pastor in 1984, after a five year ministry in
Illinois. He is a graduate of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary
(B.A , M.Div.)  He married way out of his league when he married his
high school sweetheart, Valerie, in 1975. The two have been wonderfully
blessed with three daughters, a son-in law and two grandchildren. Since
Mike was not raised in the church, he has a profound appreciation for
the new life that is found in Jesus Christ. He has never forgotten what
it means to be outside of Christ, and attempts to relate the Christian
faith to the average person in a way that they can fully understand. He
also believes that humor and joy should be a vital part of the
Christian experience, and be in abundance in the church. His interests
include books, music, church softball, the Andy Griffith Show, college
basketball, and the St. Louis Cardinals when they are winning.