Hometown: Deer Park, Texas
Present City: Dallas
Education: Texas A&M University, BA in International Studies
Profession: Owner of an IT staffing and consulting firm
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to Melissa Burns for 21 years, and our two children are Jack, 12, and Kate, 10. Jack attends J.L. Long Middle School, and Kate is a fifth grader at Lakewood Elementary. We’ve been in Lakewood 11 years, and we love East Dallas.
How about your work or volunteer life?
Outside of work, I work with other men who are trying to get sober and are seeking freedom from addiction and alcoholism.
Any favorite hobbies?
I play pickleball several times a week. I also enjoy barbecuing and playing games with family and friends.
What’s your favorite place to travel?
The Caribbean. Melissa, Jack and I are all scuba certified.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
We started attending about a year and a half ago, after our son, Jack, attended as a guest of Wilson Cole. The Coles live on our street, and Jack came back from Wilshire talking about how much he enjoyed it. Melissa and I decided we would come see why he loved it so much, and after just a couple of services, we knew Wilshire was special.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
We attend Labyrinth Class, and Jack is part of the youth group. Kate attends Sunday School as well.
What’s surprised you about Wilshire?
The open atmosphere where all are welcome and the fantastic music. I grew up in a church with incredible music, and that was important to me. I have also been surprised by how intellectual and caring the congregation is. Wilshire checks all the boxes for what we were looking for in a church home.
What do you think God is up to in your life?
I think God is teaching me that I’m not in control, and my life is much better when I surrender to God’s will for me. God has a better life planned for me than anything I could come up with.
Tell us about your faith journey.
Melissa and I grew up in Presbyterian churches, and when we moved to Dallas in 2007, we attended First United Methodist downtown. We hadn’t been attending church until Jack came to Wilshire. Since that first visit, we have become regular attendees and have found Wilshire to be a place where our entire family can grow in our faith journey in a warm, welcoming environment.