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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. John is currently serving as Sr. Pastor of First Church of The Nazarene in Amarillo, Tx. (since 3/09)
(onenaz.org).
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.
The churches in Pryor and Lubbock could be labeled 'turnaround churches'. God
opened multiple doors to birth His new work in each location.
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