Name: Taylor Sandlin. Also known as "My Little Preacher" by several senior women in the church.
Family: I have a beautiful wife, a precious daughter, a joy filled son, and a two small dogs.
Current Church: Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo, TX.
Height: Well, that's really none of your business, but let's just say Zacchaeus has always been one of my favorite Bible characters.
First sermon: When I was sixteen at First Baptist Church, Texarkana. I was so nervous, I never actually read the scripture text.
Education: B.A. in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University (the best preachers go to A&M!); M.Div. and D.Min. from George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.
Political Leanings: National? I do my best never to tip my hat. I hate preaching that mixes partisan politics and the gospel. That doesn't mean I think the gospel is apolitical, but that's a conversation worthy of its own post. Baptist politics? I don't mind showing my hand so far as it keeps things honest. I am what would be considered a moderate Baptist. My church participates with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. That's a helpful starting point for getting to know me, but hardly the end. I consider myself conservative theologically in the great scheme of Christian theology but take very moderate/progressive positions on women in ministry. At the most basic, I find most of our conservative/liberal labels the product of false dichotomies. On some things I'm liberal. On others I'm conservative. On many things I'm simply confused.
Favorite Preachers: I could listen to Barbara Brown Taylor preach all day. I'm always impressed with Haddon Robinson's sermons. Will Willimon and Walter Brueggemann make me squirm in the best sort of way. My own former pastor, Julie Pennington-Russell, has been a huge influence on me.
