Brad Finch of North Palm Beach, who hails from Taupo, New Zealand, has recently (Jan, 2023) taken the helm of the popular Sons of BBQ men’s ministry at First Presbyterian in North Palm Beach. The outreach ministry, which provides spiritual support, fellowship and volunteer opportunities for men, serves up savory BBQ at local events all over Northern Palm Beach County. Serious. BBQ.
First Presbyterian North Palm Beach (FPNPB), an ECO church, has been a long standing beacon and steward in the community. Located at 717 Prosperity Farms Road in North Palm Beach, the well staffed and equipped church, pastored by Jared Ayers, is home to approximately 1,000 members, plus many more visitors and guests throughout the year. Ministries include a preschool and children’s ministry, weekly services, student ministries, overseas missions, a senior ministry, their famed various music ministries, and well attended seasonal theatrical productions.
The mouth watering ministry, Son’s, was founded by Ken Coleman and the late Pastor Tim Gooley. Tim, a then time mentor to Finch, challenged him in 2011 saying, “You need to be an SOB!” In context, SOB stands for Sons of BBQ, which Gooley and Coleman created as a fellowship for men. Brad said “yes” and got involved. Son’s men strengthen and support each other spiritually, meeting one another just where they are, creating a trusting safety net of “brothers” with whom they can walk through and celebrate life. Additionally, and fortunately for First Presbyterian and surrounding communities, and I say this from experience, they cook some of the best BBQ you’ll ever taste!
The ministry has been serving up their slow cooked, BBQ goodness for over a decade now. The Son’s team provides their delicious, no hassle, delectable BBQ fare at parties, holidays, special events, and seasonal activities such as football.
The events started initially with the Son’s cooking for 200-400 men and hosting a speaker who would share their testimony at FPNPB. Over time, they decided to bring their top rated cuisine to the community cooking for the Heritage Festival, Anchors Away Fishing Tournament, and the Hot Car and Chili Cook off; annual events held in the Village of North Palm Beach. Their efforts boast multiple first place awards.
Branching out further, they started transporting a small cooker to underserved communities and cooking for the families. It’s a special mission, using the many talents of the volunteers as an opportunity to show the love of Christ to surrounding areas, one in which they will do to this day; they serve up food, fun, love and spiritual support.
When Tim Gooley left to be with the Lord, Bill Inman, a North Palm Beach resident and nurse at Jupiter Hospital led the Son’s for many years. Bill, who is still involved, then passed the torch to Finch. Of Inman, Finch exclaims, “He put in a solid 10+ years!” And of Gooley, he reflects, “We miss him, and we talk about him at every event we have.”
Ten to twenty men from Sons of BBQ serve at the events. Curt Fonger, former news anchor for WPEC, was among the volunteers who founded and served in the initiative. Finch explains, “…somehow God knows just what we need, and people show up and get the job done! The regular menu is pulled pork, ribs, chicken and our ‘famous’ beans!” The group has been blessed with donations to upgrade their main smoker, aptly named “The BIG Johnson.” The smoker was built in Texas and provides the surface space needed for their many large gatherings. That, coupled with the men who offer hours of volunteer time to navigate this vessel, among many other responsibilities, are the main ingredient in creating the BBQ’s perfect deep, smoky flavor.
Finch encourages everyone to get involved, “Our actions speak louder than words, and God plants mustard seeds through us!” Finch is also thankful. Thankful that he’s developed life long friendships and says he’ll continue as long as he can. And he’s thankful for many more things. One being, his “yes” to Gooley all those years ago.
Tim Gooley and Ken Coleman planted more than a few mustard seeds that have grown into some pretty big trees.
For more information, to volunteer, donate or book an event:
Sons of BBQ –
[email protected]
717 Prosperity Farms Rd, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408
First Presbyterian Church North Palm Beach-
[email protected]
717 Prosperity Farms Rd, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408
