Mike began serving as interim in December of 2003 and later became the pastor in March 2004. He is married to Bridget, his high school sweetheart of 38 years. He has three children-- Michael, Joseph and Marion. Though Mike was new to the pastoral position, he and his family were not new to Lanier.  They attended Lanier from 1986 to 1998 during which time his wife and boys came to know the Lord. While there were a few new faces, it felt like they were returning home.

From 1999 to 2002, they attended Galilee Baptist where their daughter received Christ. It was here that Mike answered the Lord's call and surrendered his life to the Ministry. From 2000 to 2002 he filled the pulpits of many churches as a "supply preacher". On August 25, 2002, he was ordained into the Gospel Ministry and became the pastor of his first church, Cane Brake Baptist.