CJ was born in Prince Georges County, Maryland and lived there until his family moved to Howard County in 2006. Although he grew up in his grandfather’s church and went to Christian school through 8th grade, it wasn’t until he heard a six week sermon series on repentance as a sophomore in college that he realized that he needed to make a decision to truly become a follower of Jesus. Hearing these sermons began a journey that culminated in his total surrender to Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. Prior to this, CJ thought he could live however he wanted because he had received his “get out of Hell free card” by repeating the magic words sometimes referred to as a sinner’s prayer.

CJ is married to Katie, who is also from Maryland and they met at Reservoir High School during their senior year Homecoming dance. They married on May 26, 2012. They have three children: Jade, Thomas and Clay.

God called CJ into full time ministry just one year after graduating from Towson University with a degree in Accounting, at the time, he was serving as an auditor for the State of MD. CJ attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his Masters of Divinity Degree in Christian Ministry in 2018. In his free time, CJ enjoys biking, basketball, hunting and fishing.