When A Baptist Pastor Joins The FBI
In 2002, I left the pulpit of my Western NY church to serve in the FBI for 24 years. My memoir, Irreverend, captures that drastic transition and the remarkable story of what happens when a preacher joins SWAT and becomes a breacher. Irreverend recalls the intriguing investigations and life-threatening scenarios from the perspective of a former minister.
about me
From One Calling To Another
Pastoring gave me tools I used regularly as an FBI Agent
I preached my final sermon on Easter of 2002. The next Sunday I was in Quantico to attend the FBI Academy. The Sunday following, I was preaching in the FBI Chapel because they were down a chaplain. And that is how a new story began.
Over nearly a quarter century, I used the practices and principles I learned in ministry to connect with victims and witnesses, and even to break through to criminals. Whether confronting terrorists, rescuing teen sex workers, or developing informants, the skills from my earlier life were put to use in my law enforcement career.
From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI
During my FBI career, I investigated drug cartels, gangs, public corruption, and civil rights in Chicago. I finished my career back home in the Cleveland Division (Toledo, Ohio, office), handling cases in organized crime, crimes against children, financial crimes, and national security, with a stint in Human Intelligence and 15 years as a SWAT operator.
This book recounts many of these investigations with humor and an inside look into how agents operate. It covers everything from stopping mass shooters and interrogating a fellow pastor to indicting a cadre of sociopaths and operating high-value informants. There is death, drama, and a fair bit of disgust.
speaking
Engaging Stories. Practical Lessons. Lasting Impact.
After practice in the pulpit and years spent instructing agents, I have a natural ability to connect with people. I am available to speak or present, drawing on stories from my life and both careers to highlight lessons learned.
media
Pulpit to FBI: Stories from the Front Lines
I am available for podcasts, interviews, and media conversations
substack
Engaging Stories. Practical Lessons. Lasting Impact.
After practice in the pulpit, followed by years instructing agents, I have a natural ability to connect with people. I am available for speaking or presenting, taking the stories from my life and careers to bring out lessons learned.