Nate grew up in Salisbury, NC prior to attending North Carolina State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, graduating magna cum laude. In 2004 he received a Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University Divinity School and in 2011 a Doctor of Ministry degree from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. Nate spent 10 years in student ministry prior to his call to serve as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Morehead City in January of 2013.

Nate has a true love for Christ, his church, and the lost. He has spent time preaching and serving the least of these in places as far away as Indonesia and Ukraine as well as rural Appalachia and his own backyard. Nate is passionate about preaching and teaching the Word. 

Nate has three children: Pierce, Creed and Selwyn.