About
From the Hill to the pulpit.
Patrick hails from Bartlett, Tennessee — a place that gave him a love of barbecue, SEC football, and vibrant worship. He earned a B.A. from Harvard and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin, then spent seven years as a Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill and nearly six years practicing law in Columbus, Ohio.
When he sensed God calling him to do more with his gifts, he answered — earning his M.Div. with honors from Andover Newton and being ordained at Richmond's First Baptist Church. He went on to serve five years as Pastor in Cedar Rapids, a tenure that began amid a pandemic and a derecho that tore a hole in the sanctuary roof. God, as Patrick likes to say, was faithful.
His passions: the Bible, music, mystery novels, travel, and helping people find the humor in life.
1992
Harvard University, B.A.
John Winthrop House Public Service Prize
1993–2011
Capitol Hill & Public Policy
Legislative Assistant; United Way of America
2001
University of Wisconsin Law, J.D.
Wisconsin Law Review; Commencement Speaker
2017
Andover Newton, M.Div. (honors)
Jonathan Edwards Honor Society
2019
Ordained, Richmond's First Baptist
Following a two-year Pastoral Residency
2020–2025
Pastor, FBC–Church of the Brethren
Cedar Rapids, Iowa