Howdy folks! I'm Mike, and I'm the founding pastor of The Connection. I landed in the area in the fall of 2018, and am thrilled to call Edwardsville-Glen Carbon my home. I love this place, and may or may not have shed a tear when I found out I was only 25 minutes from Busch Stadium.
I have helped churches begin new ventures throughout my time in ministry in both Colorado and Illinois, and love consulting with other pastors and congregations on how to start new things for new people, as well. Some say I would talk to a coffee cup if it would listen, so feel free to give me a holler!
 I'm passionate about helping others know the hope and peace I've found in my relationship with Jesus Christ, so ask me questions, I'd love to chat! And when I'm not out and about enjoying all this community has to offer, I love spending time with family and friends, making music, and watching my St. Louis Cardinals win. 

Hi Everyone! I am happy to join the team! I am a mother of 2 small boys. We have 2 young cats, and we recently adopted a Basset Hound puppy that is full of energy. So, yes, my house is full of energy from the boys and from the pets. I grew up in Nigeria, but moved to the United States when I was 16 years old. I finished High school and started College in Louisiana, until Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
I used that opportunity to relocate, and I selected St. Louis to be my new City.  Shortly after arriving St. Louis, I joined the U.S. Navy and served for 7 years. I then came back to St. Louis region after my time in Service, until God called me back into service to become a Chaplain.
 I went back in to serve in the Missouri National Guard and began the lengthy process of becoming a Chaplain.  Searching for a Pastor to learn from led me to Pastor Mike and the Connections Faith Community. I am here to learn, grow and serve. 

Greetings! I'm from Saint Louis natively, but my connection to Edwardsville runs deep as an SIUE alum. I consider myself a versatile individual, always eager to embrace new challenges and continually expand my skill set. My journey has been shaped by a profound involvement in ministry, answering God's call to worship throughout my life.
Expressing worship has taken various forms in my life, including acting, writing, playing the piano, singing, initiating choirs, teaching music and Bible studies, choreographing praise dances, editing worship videos, and serving as a mentor and, above all, a friend to everyone I encounter. My passion lies in introducing others to Christ through innovative approaches to ministry.
I am particularly excited about the current and future endeavors of the Connection Faith Community, and I am actively involved in witnessing and contributing to what God is doing in this space. In addition to my spiritual journey, I am a proud mother to a wonderful daughter named Taylar and the doting caregiver of a longhaired Russian Blue cat named Princess Leia. Needless to say, my days are anything but dull.
It is a privilege for me to bring my blessings and talents to serve the Connection Faith family. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet you and share in our collective journey of faith.