About

Hello, I’m Pastor Wesley N. Carey, and I’m honored to serve as a pastor, evangelist, teacher, and leader devoted to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My journey of faith, ministry, and service is rooted in a lifelong desire to understand and teach God’s Word with clarity and conviction.

Childhood and Faith Roots

I was born in February 1984 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while my parents were attending Tennessee Temple University. Growing up in a ministry-minded family, I have vivid memories of traveling to different churches with my family—singing, supporting my father’s preaching, and witnessing the power of the Gospel firsthand. These experiences taught me early on the importance of studying the Bible for myself rather than accepting man’s word alone. This foundation of personal Bible study and reliance on Scripture continues to guide me today.

Education and Mentorship

I graduated as a homeschooler in 2002 and am currently enrolled as a freshman at Victory Bible College in North Augusta, South Carolina, part of its inaugural online class. My upbringing included learning from some of the most influential evangelical minds of the 80s and 90s, which has fostered a deep, thoughtful approach to Scripture. I am especially grateful for mentors like my grandfather, Dr. Roy L. Chestnut, and my father, Dr. Chris M. Carey, whose spiritual guidance greatly shaped my walk. Bryan Baggett, my pastor during my military career, has also been a vital influence and steadfast friend on my journey.

Adult Life and Military Service

Before dedicating myself fully to ministry, I served in the U.S. Army for 13 years, including time in the 1st Special Forces Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. As a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, I learned discipline, boldness, and perseverance—qualities that now underpin my ministry. My military service challenged me to serve with courage and conviction, transforming my perspective from serving a nation to serving the Kingdom of God.

Marriage and Family

In 2004, I met my wife, Leila—affectionately known as Lady X-Ray—in Pensacola, Florida. We married in June of 2005, just a month before I shipped out to basic training. Together, we have four wonderful children: Tank (17), Boudica (12), Ziggy (11), and our little “General” (4). My family remains my primary ministry, and their love and support inspire me daily to serve faithfully.

Calling to Ministry

I officially began preaching and teaching in May 2021, driven by what I describe as an undeniable, tender call from God. My messages often focus on spiritual warfare, the importance of the family, and authentic Biblical masculinity. I believe that reaching men is vital for influencing families and communities—when men follow Christ, their families will follow their example.

Authors and Podcasts

In addition to preaching, I have authored a commentary on the book of James titled Grit & Grace: Cultivating a Faith that Fights, which is the first in my ongoing series, A Soldier’s Commentary. I also hosted The King’s Guard Podcast for two years, where I discussed biblical manhood and masculinity. These platforms allow me to broaden my outreach and share messages of truth and strength to believers across the United States and around the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Church and Community Involvement

Currently, I serve as Associate Pastor at Lawton Street Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, alongside Pastor Bill Freeman. I lead the music, discipleship, and youth ministries—serving to equip believers and reach our local community with the Gospel.

Salvation and Theology

My salvation story begins at age four during a Wednesday night prayer meeting, under the teaching of my grandfather. That night, I felt an overwhelming pull to surrender my life to Jesus Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross and His gift of grace. Today, I hold to the truth of free grace theology—believing salvation is a gift, received by faith alone, and secured through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, not by our works. This doctrine has radically transformed my life and ministry, deepening my confidence that salvation is entirely by God’s grace.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. My prayer is that through my preaching, teaching, and writing, others will see the love and truth of Christ and be encouraged to stand firm in their faith.