Over the last 11 years, I have passionately, yet imperfectly, pursued a life that loves God and loves others. I have tried to keep my hands and feet ready to serve others in need while offering grace and mercy in every way I can. There have been times I have blown it. There have been times I have witnessed God do a transforming work in everyone involved, including me. And there have been many times, maybe even more, when I have been cussed at, blatantly disregarded, taken advantage of, falsely accused, had my motives questioned, lied to, maliciously criticized, and mistreated by the very ones I was serving. Given as many time as I’ve been burned, disappointed and taken advantage of, one might think I would have learned my lesson. Well, I did. Except it is more of a reminder.
I am reminded over and over of all the times I have blatantly disregarded, taken advantage of, falsely accused, lied to, questioned motives, maliciously criticized, and mistreated the very One who has always stood ready to help me in my time of need and offer grace and mercy in abundance. Thankfully Jesus never gave up on me. How can I give up on being His hands and feet to them? Neither should you.
About Fred
Fred came to serve greater Williamsburg and WCC as lead pastor in October of 2010 and is grateful to be a part of the family. He is a husband, father, certified trauma professional, S.T.A.R. (strategies for trauma awareness & resilience) practitioner, community organizer, TEDx alum, founder of 3e Restoration, Inc. and co-owner of Philoxenia Culture LLC. He received his B.S. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and his Master’s of Religious Education in Missional Leadership from Rochester University. Currently he is a candidate for a Doctorate of Ministry in Contextual Theology in at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Fred also serves as an adjunct lecturer for William & Mary and has served as an adjunct professor for Rochester University and Regent University where he taught courses in philosophy, ethics, leadership, pastoral care, intro to Christianity, and ethnography. Fred has authored on book (Racialized Cultural Systems, Social Displacement and Christian Hospitality) and several curriculum offerings, including The FloorPlan: Living Toward Restoration & Resilience.
Fred enjoys hanging out with his family anytime, anywhere. He is deeply grateful for how God graciously works through the Church in all her various forms, despite our brokenness. He is passionate about seeing the last, least, and lonely of every neighborhood, city and nation experience God’s in-breaking kingdom, and come to know Jesus as King. Oh, and his favorite season is Advent and Christmas.
Fred serves on the advisory boards of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Bacon Street Youth & Family Services, and FreeKind. He is also a founding member of the board of directors for Virginia Racial Healing Institute, a member of Greater Williamsburg Trauma-Informed Community Network's Racial Trauma Committee and Training Committee.