AJ serves as the Lead Pastor of Discipleship at Evergreen, overseeing both the Creative and NextGen departments, as well as leading the church’s discipleship culture and The Venue service. He joined the Evergreen staff in 2014 as an Associate Youth Pastor, later becoming the College Pastor where he launched REACH, followed by roles as youth pastor and, in 2022, Discipleship Pastor. AJ holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Leadership, both from John Brown University. He married his high school sweetheart, Ashley, in 2012 and they have three children. AJ first stepped into ministry by leading worship at a church as a college student, which eventually led to his first role as a Youth Pastor in 2010. He enjoys spending time with his family, lifting weights and running, and cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder. If you would like to hear more of AJ's story click here to listen to his Grove Podcast episode.