Allen Yates

My journey of faith has been nothing short of non-typical. I have traveled the world and have witnessed the best and worst of the human experience. I am a non-denominational Christian who is not religious but has an extremely strong faith in our All-mighty God and the word of Jesus Christ. I am a veteran and a father and I love my family deeply. I have a strong spiritual connection with the world around us to include all living creatures great and small. I am a "dog" dad as well, and believe that God sent our four legged furry family members to teach us love and loyalty as well as watch over and guide us through our journey. I am non-traditional and non-judgemental. I officially started ministry when I was asked to officiate my nephew's wedding, however my path led to this a long time ago when I truly felt the hand of God as a young adult. Since then I have embraced the spirit of Mark 16:15 "Go into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

I was born in Ashland, Kentucky, and grew up between there and Waconia, Minnesota. My life has been shaped by a unique blend of experiences, including serving as a veteran and spending years traveling the country and the world. For the past two decades, I've called San Angelo, Texas, home. This journey, often feeling like that of a quasi-gypsy, has deeply influenced me as a person and helped forge my faith.

Growing up, my family identified as Christians but were not deeply religious. We believed in God but didn’t attend church or practice structured prayer such as at meals or bedtime. This laid the foundation for an unorthodox spiritual journey. By my late teens, I identified as an Atheist, believing faith had no place in my life. However, God had a different plan for me. Through a series of transformative events and encounters with a few profoundly influential people, I was graced with the opportunity to rediscover faith and step into the light. My journey has been one of growth, reflection, and an ever-deepening relationship with God.

With my online ordination, I hope to spread the word of God as Jesus intended—by walking as an apostle. My journey has been atypical and non-traditional, which allows me to approach faith from a fresh perspective. One of the challenges of organized religion is that its dogma often causes the true message to get lost. Priests and ministers sometimes struggle to connect with those who have faith but are not religious, often resorting to "preaching from the pulpit" rather than engaging on a more personal level.

Jesus did not confine himself to a pulpit or the walls of a church. He walked among the people, speaking the word to believers and non-believers alike in ways they could understand and relate to. He did not force anyone through the doors that God opened, but instead showed them that the doors were open, allowing each individual the freedom to choose to embrace His word and love.

Jesus was not a preacher, a priest, or a minister; He was an apostle. That is the path I hope to follow—to walk among people, share His word with compassion and understanding, and help others find their own way to the light.

What makes my ceremonies special as a wedding officiant is the belief that a wedding's sanctity and beauty do not require a house of brick and stone. A wedding is far more than a location—it is a sacred union between a man, a woman, and God Almighty. It is the celebration of love, commitment, and faith, witnessed and blessed by God’s presence, no matter where it takes place.

I approach weddings in the spirit of an apostle, focusing not on grandiosity or tradition for its own sake, but on the authenticity of the bond being created. My role is not to impose but to guide, to create a space where the couple and their love for one another are central. It’s about making the ceremony meaningful and reflective of their faith, their journey, and their values.

Every wedding is unique, and my hope is to bring a sense of peace, joy, and divine presence to each union, leaving the couple and their loved ones feeling truly blessed.

In addition to traditional ministerial services, I offer something that is deeply personal and unique—support for those grieving the loss of a beloved canine family member. I am a lifelong advocate for animals, particularly dogs, and firmly believe that God placed dogs on this earth to teach us how to love and care for one another with unconditional devotion.

There’s a paraphrase often associated with Hebrews 13:2 that says, “God said, ‘I will send them without wings, so no one will suspect they are angels.’” While not a direct quote, this sentiment reflects the incredible role dogs play in our lives as companions, teachers, and sources of endless love. I’ve been blessed with the joy of many canine family members and have also endured the profound heartbreak of their loss.

As a minister, I strive to provide comfort and guidance during these difficult times. While I am not a licensed counselor, my personal experiences with the love and loss of these amazing animals allow me to offer heartfelt grief support. Losing a dog isn’t just losing a pet—it’s losing a member of the family. I hope to help others navigate that pain with compassion, understanding, and faith.