I'm Jay. I'm the youth dude here at Shallowford Presbyterian Church. I started here in August of 2006 and have loved almost every minute of it!. I grew up here in Atlanta, and attended First Presbyterian Church where I sat on the first row in worship every Sunday for about 15 years, was very active in youth group, sang in the choir, was a youth Elder, etc. I gave my youth minister a very hard time growing up but she loves me for it, and we taught each other a lot.

          I went to Wake Forest University and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, through which I learned I didn't want to be a politician and I would never make it through law school. I went to work at the church I grew up in as the Associate Director of Youth Ministry. I was there for three years as I learned the ropes and took on seminary.

          In 2006, I graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary here in Decatur, GA with a M.A.T.S. (Master of Arts in Theological Studies) Degree and have virtually been at Shallowford ever since.

In addition to young people, I have a great love for Australia, where I studied and lived for a semester while in college, and for Pearl Jam, who I follow as much as a poor, young, busy individual can. Other hobbies and interests include woodworking, which I somehow picked up from my grandfather, photography, traveling, and being with my dog Hobart.

          In my ministry, I try daily to walk the fine line between mentor and friend because I believe that is what makes youth ministry effecvtive. I like to have fun with the youth but also hope that we can teach each other along the way. Youth ministry played such a huge part of my life growing up, and it is my hope that our ministry here at Shallowford can be the same for our young people.