Allen is passionate about a few things: God, his family, and a life that includes good barbecue, bluegrass music, hiking, college sports, and stock car racing. In that order: God, family and a full life of joy.
Talk radio is a natural fit for Allen. He loves to talk, and he loves people. Plus, he is full of opinions (and maybe a little wisdom too). Allen was a Methodist pastor for nearly 20 years, including 8 years at one of the largest Methodist congregations in the world (between 4,000 - 5,000 people attending each week). That has taught him a lot about faith. As a former businessman, he has experienced a lot of life. As a father of two teenage girls, he has learned a lot about real life and faith. In January 2008, Allen converted to become a layperson in the Catholic Church.
Allen was born at a very young age (ok, I think Allen thinks he was funny when he told me this, just laugh along). He grew up in the mountains in Brevard, North Carolina, and then graduated from high school in Lakeland, Florida. As a kid, he loved baseball and all things athletic. He memorized baseball box scores and NCAA tournament pairings. But the Church has usually (but not always) been a significant influence in his life.
Before entering the ministry, Allen worked in business and wandered away from God's plans for a while. Allen quickly discovered that a life serving himself, his own pleasures, and his own plans did not result in much. One day, while entering a Wall Street high-rise in New York, Allen stepped over a homeless man lying on a subway grating for warmth. At that pivotal moment, God taught Allen that it was time to leave behind his own plans and embrace God's plans for his life. A life of serving others and following Jesus. Allen then became a minister. And he has never looked back.
Allen and his wife, Anita, met in college at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Along the way, Anita helped Allen earn a Ph.D. in New Testament from Yale University. Together, they enjoy a life devoted to loving God and helping people discover God's purposes. They now have two daughters, SarahAnn and Griffin.
