John has been serving as Minister of Students since May 22, 2005. He received his Masters of Divinity in Psychology and Counseling from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in December of 1998. He received his B.S. in Social and Rehabilitation Services from the University of Southern Mississippi in August of 1993. The day after graduating from USM, John married Melanie Rawls.

Melanie is a special education teacher. She looks forward to singing in the adult sanctuary choir and becoming active in the Women's Ministry.

John and Melanie have two wonderful children. Claire is seven years old and Corbin is four.