Michael grew up in the Hudson Valley region of New York State and married his high school sweetheart Marion. Today they have nine children, Abigail, Gabriel, Christian, Grace, Lily, Virginia, Israel, Benjamin, Ruby, and a hyperactive black lab named River. He holds a BS in Bible and Theology from Lee University, an MA in Theology from the University of Chester, an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Belhaven University, and a PhD in Theology from Forge Theological Seminary. Pastor Mike is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a certified counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.