Michael came to lead the Ridge Baptist Association in 2018.  Called into ministry and began pastoring at the age of 23.  He is a graduate of Brewton-Parker College (Bachelor of Ministry, '91), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, '97) and received a Doctor of Divinity in 2012 from Palm Beach Baptist Theological Seminary.  He has served churches in Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida.  He also served as Executive Director of Gulf Stream Baptist Association in Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, Florida and a Church Planter in Panama City Beach, Florida.  Michael has served in Haiti for over 20 years and is Founder and President of Show Them Ministries where he continues to lead short term mission teams connecting the First World Church with Third World Churches.

Michael is a native of Georgia where he and his wife, Sue, attended the same high school.  Michael and Sue have been married for 40 years and together have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Their daughter, Mallory, and her family are missionaries in the bush of northern Uganda, Africa.  Their son, Hank, is a Realtor here in Polk County.

Tracey joined the team in 2019.  She and her husband, Barry, are natives of Polk County.  They have a daughter entering high school.  Tracey and her husband are active members at Lake Shipp Baptist Church.