Youth & Music Director
Michael was born in Syracuse, New York and lived there for 18 years. Through the bus ministry of the Buckly Road Baptist Church, he attended their Jr Church services and was saved at the age of 5. Years later, after graduating high school, Michael attended Heartland Baptist Bible College, where he graduated in 2014 with a BA in Missions and again in 2016 with a MA in Theology.
In 2016 he moved to Albany, Oregon where he married the love of his life and college sweetheart Lauren Lemus. Together they served at Harvest Baptist church, under the leadership of Pastor Jorge Lemus for seven years. During his time at Harvest Baptist, Michael served as the Children’s pastor and church pianist. He also wore a variety of hats, including serving as the Captain of the Patch the Pirate Children’s Program.
Michael has a deep love for music. He has played piano since the 6th grade and has taught piano lessons to several students. Sundays are made so much sweeter as he shares that love with his local church.
Michael came on staff at Valley Avenue Baptist Church in the Fall of 2023 and is looking forward to all the Lord will do in the future. Michael and Lauren are blessed with three children: their daughter Greylynn, and two boys Judah and Gideon.