John is a native and lifelong resident of Fort Smith. Called and ordained in 2011; in 2012, he became the church-planting pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith. John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas (’93), a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (’12), a Doctor of Ministry from New Geneva Theological Seminary (’17), and a Doctor of Philosophy from Columbia International University (’19). John published his first book, The Curious Conversion of Thomas Chalmers, in 2021 and continues to write regularly at planterpastorpreacher.com.