Charlie grew up in a non-Christian home, but did attend church regularly with some friends. The church was so legalistic and religious that by the time he went to college he was turned off to the things of God, although something inside him was still searching for the truth. Finally at the age of 24, Charlie heard the Gospel of Grace presented and He was immediately drawn to the church again and committed his life to Christ. After two years of living for the Lord, Charlie felt a call to ministry and was hired as a part-time pastor at the church he was attending, while still maintaining his full time job working with mentally handicapped children. In 1989 his plans for marriage and going into full time ministry were abruptly interrupted when he was struck down with a severe genetic illness. Charlie was completely disabled for the next 10 years. In 2000, God miraculously provided the finances and enough health for him to go back to school for the next three years at Philadelphia Biblical University to obtain a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling. In February 2005, he was hired as a full time pastor at The Rising and was able to resume the calling to ministry that God has placed upon is life.