Also known as:
Summy, Summy Sauce

TVC Responsibilities:
I establish and lead the care process at TVC across all departments. I am responsible for a vision and strategy to execute general and pastoral care within the ministries of Redemptive Care, Marriage Care, Congregational Care, and Disability Care. I serve as a member of the Crisis Communications and Risk Mitigation teams. I oversee and create training, curriculum, and communication around Care ministries.

When and how did the Lord save you?
When I was 9 years old, my Sunday school teacher explained the basics of the gospel, and I knew I wanted to be forgiven of my sins and be with God forever. It was nothing flashy or fancy—just a regular Sunday with a faithful teacher who was telling a room of noisy kids about Jesus. I came home and told my parents. Eventually, my dad took me to a park and read through the “Romans Road” (a term for a set of verses in Romans that lays out the gospel), and I prayed and gave my life to Christ.

When did you come to TVC and what brought you here?
During the summer of 2003, I was home from college at Texas A&M, and a friend told me about a church called The Village that was supposed to have a great new pastor. I visited multiple times that summer and knew I would return after I graduated and moved back to Dallas. All of my adult life has been connected to TVC, and few places have shaped me as much as this local church. Serving now through a staff role of caring for the body of believers here and helping her continue to be a refuge for others is the honor of a lifetime.

If you had to give a TED Talk, what subject would you choose to speak on, and why?
“Small Talk and Witty Banter” – Somewhere along the way, an idea grew that small talk was annoying or shallow and that having “deep conversations quickly” was the superior way to communicate. This began growing in Christian circles, and while the motive is usually a quest for good things such as confession, authenticity, and transparency, it can get weird, y’all. Small talk is a wonderful way to quickly bond with others, open doors for healthy growing relationships, and be radically hospitable. Add a dash of witty banter, and you have a recipe for warmth, fun, and quickly making those around you feel comfortable—especially if they are anxious or new to a space.