Fire-Forged. Shepherd-Shaped. Strengthened to Serve

Tony’s story is one of horrific childhood trauma met by supernatural grace. Millions have been moved by it, never realizing how deeply his emotional and mental wounds still ached. Like the blind man who needed a second touch from Jesus, Tony’s soul still bore scars that time and ministry had not healed. If you know his story, you understand why.

After 29 years of helping hundreds of thousands connect with Christ’s salvation, Tony made a courageous decision: to step away from ministry and seek God’s remedy for his inner brokenness. For two years, he committed to twice-weekly counseling, extended seasons of fasting, and rigorous spiritual disciplines. The process was not without pain or setbacks, but it yielded profound breakthroughs and a supernatural work of healing. At last! 

Next, God set out to make Tony a better servant to pastors. To do this, He called Tony to walk a mile in their shoes. He became pastor of Oak Leaf Church — a small-town congregation in Canton, Georgia. For five years, as the only full-time staff member, he lived the pastor’s life — shouldering the weight, navigating the pressures, and savoring the sacred joys of shepherding God’s people. He’s been bit by stray sheep, attacked by wolves,  and invigorated by love from the flock. 

As a result of this journey, a deeper level of humility marks his preaching, tears flood his prayer closet, and empathy fuels his ministry partnerships. Then God called Tony back to his primary gifting as an Ephesians 4:11 Evangelist. His heart is ablaze and deeply serious about serving you — and the people you shepherd — with the same grace that transformed his life, the pastoral experience that reshaped his heart for ministry, and a fire-in-the-bones passion to prepare people for eternity.