Our Pastor

Ministerial Experience

2010 – Present: Pastor, BCGV
2003 – 2010: Pastor, Point Pleasant Baptist Church, Point Pleasant, PA
1993 – 2003: Pastor, Willow Grove Baptist Church, Willow Grove, PA
1983 – 1993: Associate Pastor, West Shore Baptist Church, Camp Hill, PA
1981 – 1983: Seminary Intern, Central Baptist Church, Woodbury, NJ

Formal Education

MDIV: 1983 Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Theological Seminary
BS: 1978 Eastern University

Some Reflections from Pastor John

On the Church’s Mission

Jesus commissioned the disciples to go into all the world to teach and make disciples of others. While the church needs to provide opportunities for discipleship, fellowship, worship and training, our mission is to the world that God loves. We are to serve as agents of God’s kingdom in reaching out to all people with the good news of God’s love and forgiveness. It is imperative that we define ourselves and show the community that we are an inviting, caring church community that loves God and serves the world.

On Community Involvement

Wherever we have lived I have tried to find ways to become involved with the greater community. In Camp Hill, that led me to the Yoke Fellowship meetings that were held with inmates at the Camp Hill state prison. In Willow Grove, I was involved with a crisis intervention group that worked with three local police departments, then with the Community Policing Department in Abington. In Point Pleasant, I became the official photographer for the local volunteer Fire and Rescue Company. Currently I am a volunteer at the Audubon Center at Mill Grove.

On Worship

Worship as takes place as we open our hearts to God through praise, confession, thanksgiving and service. It depends less upon the details of the worship service than it does upon the preparation of the heart.

On Christian Education

There is great value in Christian Education not only from the standpoint of knowing and understanding the teachings of Jesus and the will of God, but also from the perspective of knowing the other believers of our church so we can support one another, and bear one another’s burdens.

On Pastoral Care

While it is the responsibility of the pastor to provide care and spiritual support during times of crisis, this should not prevent others from taking part in this important ministry.