Pastor John

 

Back Row- Joshua, Pastor John, Seth, Zachery
Front Row- Tammy, Rianna, Adalynn, Taylor

 

Thanks for checking out our website! I went into full-time ministry in 1997 and became the pastor of Victory Baptist Church in 2004. Prior to entering the ministry, I spent ten years in the U.S. Navy, serving as a missile technician aboard the USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630, Blue), as well as serving at the Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic (POMFLANT) and SWFLANT DET, both in Goose Creek, S.C.

 

I gave my life to Christ in 1980 and within a month knew God was calling me into the ministry. I ran from that call, wanting to go to college to get a degree in education, with the goal of teaching in high school and coaching football. Fortunately, God was very gracious and patient with me. For 13 years, I ran from His call, first in college and then in the Navy. In 1993 at a church in Summerville, S.C., I finally quit running and gave in to God's calling. I was blessed to have completed seminary within three days of getting out of the Navy.

 

My wife Tammy and I were high school sweethearts, graduating from high school in Virginia, and we were married in 1983. Tammy is my best friend, greatest cheerleader and toughest critic. Whatever success I have in ministry and in life I attribute to Christ first and Tammy second. We have three wonderful sons: Zachery (wife Taylor), Seth (wife Rianna) and Joshua. We also have one precious granddaughter, Adalynn.

 

People sometimes feel as though a pastor cannot relate to them. Having traveled the road I have in life, spending some 17 years in the "real world" before going into the ministry, I haven't lived in what might be considered an "ivory tower" -- from seminary straight into the pulpit. I've worked side by side in the real world outside of the church. Because of God's grace and patience, I believe He has granted me insight, compassion and love for people I might not have gained had I gone straight from high school to college to seminary and then to a pastorate.

 

I invite you to check us out at Victory. We are a church family striving to be "real" with each other and in our relationship with Christ. We are not perfect, but we are trying each and every day to live out what Christ has called us to do. Join us on the journey!