Bio
Todd is the founding pastor of First Family Church in Ankeny, Iowa. Planted in 2004 from a core group of just 6 people, First Family has grown to several hundred members in multiple services and campuses, and has mobilized the efforts of its flock to plant 7 churches. Additionally, FFC has sent its own to numerous outposts around the world that have little to no access to the gospel. Todd is humbled to have the privilege of leading this faith family towards the vision of becoming a people ready to reproduce.
He is the author of multiple books and numerous articles, gives his time to serve as a church-based Church Planting Catalyst for the North American Mission Board (NAMB), serves in various ways with the Baptist Convention of Iowa (BCI), and is currently a member of the SBC’s Executive Committee.
Born and (mostly) raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Todd has roots in the south. It’s where he began his ministry as a youth pastor, and that continued even when he and his family moved to Iowa in 1996. In 1998, Todd founded Youth Leader Connection, a non-profit ministry that assisted youth leaders in smaller churches with hands-on help, curriculum, and programming. Then in 2004, he and a few others planted First Family Church where he serves as Lead Pastor today.
Married to Julie (Smith), they have four grown children: Brett, Bethany, Breanna, and Brooke. They enjoy recreation, traveling, and taste-testing new places!
He holds degrees from Tennessee Temple University (B.A. in Bible), Piedmont International University (M.M.), and Carolina University (Ph.D. in Leadership).