In June 1978 John began his pastoral ministry
in Pryor, Oklahoma. He has served as senior pastor in three churches from 1978 to 2004. All three assignments presented their
own challenges. In each situation the Lord blessed with numerical and spiritual growth. Each church discovered the new work
Christ was seeking to make known.
Pryor, Oklahoma:
1978-1983. A small struggling congregation. The longest any pastor had served was two years, and the most the church had averaged
in attendance was 60. During the five years John served, the church grew from 40 to over 150, constructed a new sanctuary
and remodeled the existing facility. It was a great season of harvest as many unchurched came to know Christ and become involved
in the life of the church.
Spring (Houston), Texas: 1983-1987. A new church (five years old) in an exploding area
of Northwest Harris county. In a few years the church grew from 100 to 250, and tackled a large debt. It was a church challenged
by the transient nature of the community and the hectic schedule of big city life.
Lubbock, Texas: 1987-2004:
A traditional, older congregation. The church was started in 1909. The church experienced an exciting turnaround and celebrated
a new birthday through relocation. Changes in worship style and philosophy were initiated, and the church moved beyond its
denominational label and became a community church. Multiple doors were opened to engage and involve the community. A special
Christmas outreach connected with 5000-7000 people a year. Sports leagues and family conferences served as a connection point
to the community. At Lubbock John worked with multiple ministry staff and developed a strong lay led ministry. During this
time the church grew from 350-800, giving increased from $400,000 to $1.2 million. During that time the church engaged in
two habitat projects, multiple missions trips, and contributed nearly $1 million to missions.
2004-2008
Revivals, campmeetings and conferences.
2008-2011 Amarillo, Tx. First Church of The Nazarene
It was a privilege to
share the journey with the generous people of Amarillo First. It was a 'different' type of pastorate. I continued to live
in Lubbock and commute each week the 120 miles north to Amarillo. The need for new staff made it the right time to step aside
and let someone who would live in Amarillo come into the picture and bring together their own staff.
