I have four children that bring me much joy.  They are all believers and they love sports and hanging out with mom and dad.  Hannah is 15 and is an avid reader and loves music, drama and basketball as well.  Rebekah is 11 and loves to read, dance and play volleyball.  Caleb is 9 and loves playing video games, baseball and never fails to be a great source of sermon illustrations.  Micah, 7, is a gymnast who is working on her back handspring and loves to be the life of the party.

Shanna, my wife of 18 years and my best friend, manages the household and does a great job keeping everyone's schedules straight.  She is actively involved in the Student Ministry at Noland Road.  She loves to use her gift of hospitality by opening our home up for our small group and to others.  I received a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Central Missouri, formerly Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO in 1988.  I received my Masters of Divinity in Christian Education from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY in 1992.

My goal in ministry is to please God by helping people to connect to God and grow in their relationship with Him.  I fulfill that purpose by teaching and preaching and equipping His people for ministry.  My passion for ministry come from what Jesus commands all believers.  "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  (Mt. 28:18-20)  I am confident that whatever God calls me to do that He will help me and give me the strength, courage and direction to fulfill His purpose for me on earth and specifically at Noland Road Baptist Church.

Francis can be reached in the office during regular office hours or at e-mail prefix "francis".