Tauren Wells

Background

Pastor at Whitestone Church in Austin.
Lives in Georgetown, TX.
Delivered a sermon on Palm Sunday, April 12, 2025, attended by Gary Sheng and friends.

Topic: "When Religion Loses Control"
Contrasted true relationship with Jesus vs. limiting/controlling religious systems.
Discussed the historical context of Palm Sunday and the Jewish people's expectations vs. Jesus' actual arrival/methods.
Identified characteristics of controlling religious environments (performance over being, image management, fear-based authority, discouraging questions, conditional grace).
Emphasized Jesus' focus on relationship, healing, service, humility, and freedom.
Highlighted the importance of personal testimony (like Lazarus) and blind faith (like Mary Magdalene).
Spoke about the need for Christians to engage the world, not isolate themselves.
Encouraged listeners to prioritize being with God over just doing things for God.
Shared personal testimony of knee healing.

Has expressed interest in educational initiatives related to Whitestone Church.
Works closely with Dr. Kevin on church leadership matters.
Has a team that includes Devin Poindexter, who manages his calendar and scheduling.
Was previously worked with Devin as his tour manager/assistant for about 2.5 years.
Described as having an "absolutely insane" schedule.
Often follows various diets (mentioned by Devin).
Enjoys steak (according to Devin).
Has background in music and performance (implied by his connection to tour management).

Attended sermons at Whitestone Church.
Has had brief conversations after church services.
Scheduled dinner meeting for June 2nd, 2025 at 6:30 PM to discuss educational initiatives.

According to conversations with Gary, educational initiatives have been "in the plans" for Whitestone but haven't been "overly prioritized" yet.
Has expressed some interest in exploring Alpha Schools collaboration.
Upcoming dinner meeting will explore potential for establishing a Whitestone Church school.
Longer-term possibilities could include more ambitious community development ("Whitestone village or city").

Devin Poindexter: Former tour manager/assistant, now helps with calendar management while focusing on artist management for other clients. Based in Nashville, TN.
Dr. Kevin: Works with Tauren in leadership capacity at Whitestone Church, involved in initial discussions about educational initiatives.

Was aware that educational initiatives have been "in the plans" for Whitestone but hadn't "overly prioritized" them.
Referred to as "Tor" or "Torin" by Devin Poindexter and others close to him.
Has a busy schedule that requires advance planning for meetings.
Has "amazing facilities" at Whitestone Church that could potentially support educational programming.

Establishing a school affiliated with Whitestone Church.
Faith-based educational initiatives.
Potentially broader community development concepts.
Exploring connection to faith-based initiative funding through White House/Paula White connections.