For most of his life, J.R. has thought of himself as a businessman carrying out the great commission, to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Accepting Christ in third grade in a Lutheran church, J.R. has been a United Methodist since he was in college. As a consultant on social media and online marketing, J.R. has worked to build his consulting firm on Christian values. He has a BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, Dallas Campus, and a Master of Divinity from Emory University, Candler School of Theology.

As a Pastor, J.R. is called to reach the unchurched of our times through community engagement and spiritual-oriented activities. Examples include membership in the Chamber of Commerce, a constant presence at local coffee shops, and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and Jeeping. Being with others in a non-judgmental loving way is the best way to form relationships that lead to Christ. “My goal is to love people, where they are at, with no change needed.” This goes for people inside and outside the church. J.R. loves traditional hymns as well as contemporary worship music.

Pastor J.R. is also co-founder of Tech It Up, an educational program for kids 7-17 in which they learn to take apart and reassemble used computers in an uplifting and encouraging environment. At the end of the 6-week workshop, they get to take the working computer home with them.

J.R. and his wife, Stacey Atkins, live in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming where she serves as a Spiritual Director. J.R.’s son, Coleman, is a graduate of Texas State University, lives in Arvada, and coaches’ people in the art of bodybuilding.