Pastor Ness was called into the ministry New Year’s Eve 1981 while serving in the Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he attended Hyles Anderson College and received his training there. He met his wife Melanie who was a elementary education major. But they did not date at that time. Pastor Ness was hired to teach in a Christian school in Turner Maine, and Melanie was hired the same day. Two years later, they were married and served in a ministry there until 1996. Pastor Ness was called to Center Conway Baptist Church. They have two adult children who have grown up in the ministry here in Center Conway, Hannah Ross, and Caleb Ness.