My name is Jared and I have been the pastor at Union Cross since February 2024.  Prior to this time, I served as the associate pastor for nearly five years.  More importantly, I love Jesus and want everyone to know him!  God has blessed me with so many wonderful relationships and experiences during my time in ministry.  

 

My journey:

I was saved around the 6th grade after a pastor had a conversation with me about asking Jesus into my heart.  I was loved, poured into and mentored by the church.  God gave me a passion to serve his kingdom.  I didn't know how that would play out as I wanted to be an attorney.  After completing my undergraduate degree at Catawba College, I had plans to go to law school, but God had other plans.  After running from his calling a couple of years, I answered the call to serve as a youth pastor and did so for many years.  During this time, God worked out the details to attend a small, nearby seminary and I was able to further my education.  I completed my master's degree and continued serving God through youth ministry.  I remain very passionate about young people being introduced and continually pointed to Jesus.  In August 2023, I answered God's call to go a somewhat different direction and serve as the interim pastor at Union Cross.  I guess I didn't scare them enough (haha!) as they accepted me as their pastor in February of 2024.  I love the local church and believe the church has relevance and meaning for our lives still!  I fully believe God wants us to exist in community together to sharpen each other and to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. 

 

My Heroes: 

I was married to the love of my life, Gwyn in 2016 and we had our spunky daughter, Elsie in 2021.  They are my world, my heroes and ministry partners.  We have a wild golden retriever, Reese (named after John Reese on Person of Interest).  We love the outdoors, spending time together, traveling and just being goofy.  Currently, we are on a mission to visit all 63 of the US National Parks!  You will often hear me talk about my love for Krispy Kreme donuts and Pepsi.  That's not going to change.  Ha!