About
At the tender age of thirteen, I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I remember it like it was yesterday. For two weeks, my mom, dad, little sister and I had been attending an old fashion camp meeting in South Boston, VA. I felt the Holy Spirit moving during one of the services but decided to wait before I made a decision. Before making a decision, I wanted to better understand things like the Trinity, atonement, and salvation. I didn't realize that belief is required before understanding. It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that we are saved.
After talking with my parents on the ride home from the camp meeting, I decided not to wait any longer. I walked to the back of our old barn, knelt down and asked Christ into my heart. Recognizing my sinful condition, I repented of my sins, and by faith, believed that Christ's death and resurrection paid my sin debt (Rom 6:10-11). Shortly after that, I was baptized in our Independent Baptist Church. Later, the Lord allowed me to go on a mission trip to Mexico during my senior year of high school. While I loved the work in Mexico, it became clear to me that the Lord wanted me to do His work at home in Virginia. At the time, His call seemed unusual. As I have grown older, the Lord has made this call more clear.
My dad and I, college graduation (1995).
I graduated with an economics degree from Liberty University in 1995 and began to work as a stockbroker with Morgan Stanley. The Lord blessed my career allowing me to earn titles, awards and eventually to work as a manager in the World Trade Center in New York City. Ultimately, I moved back to Virginia to manage a Morgan Stanley office in Newport News, Virginia.
Berry Hill Mansion, South Boston, VA Ben Taub 5k Easter Sunday
In 2003, I married my beautiful wife, Hillary. In 2005 my son Ethan was born and in 2007 Leila joined the family. My wife and children have brought unspeakable joy to my life. Hillary is a senior employee at a natural gas company in Houston. The kids both go to a Christian school here in Houston.
I became very active in my church. I attended and taught Bible studies and played trumpet in the church orchestra. By 2009, I felt the Lord calling me into full-time vocational ministry. Through His direction, our family moved to my wife's hometown, Houston TX, where I enrolled in Dallas Theological Seminary's Houston Extension in 2012.
Hawaii 2015 Hillary and kids in North Carolina
In 2012, I accepted a staff position at West University Baptist Church as an Outreach and Adult Singles Pastor. Additional duties included managing the churches Google Adwords account, pastoral counseling, hospital visitation, preaching throughout Houston, weddings, and funerals. Ministerial work in both Texas and Virginia has allowed me the opportunity to teach and disciple people from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds.
Teaching at Church Seminary Graduation
The Lord has been exceedingly kind and gracious. In 2016, I graduated with a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. "What is a Th.M.?" ask most people. A Th.M. is a 120 hour Master of Theology degree. The course is strenuous and usually, requires 6-8 years to complete. Four and a half years of Greek and Hebrew, Biblical exposition, systematic theology, and a thesis are a few of the requirements to complete the degree. Feel free to read more about the Th.M. here.
Through the trials of study, pastoral responsibilities, and family, God has never failed to reveal Himself in miraculous ways. With excitement and prayerful anticipation, seeking God's wisdom and guidance, my family and I look forward to the next chapter of His plan. To Him belongs all the glory.
Family Flood cleanup - Ministry Outreach
