John serves as a Spiritual Director with Soul Shepherding, bringing 17 years of full-time ministry experience, including roles as a Youth Pastor and, more recently, as the founding Lead Pastor of Lifehouse Church in Newport News, Virginia, established in 2017.

John holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from Manna University and has completed both the Soul Shepherding Institute and the Spiritual Direction certificate training. He is also currently enrolled in the coaching program with Soul Shepherding.

Feeling exhausted and nearing burnout, John was drawn to Soul Shepherding while searching for a “pastors retreat” online. After discovering that Soul Shepherding was led by Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, who are disciples of Dallas Willard, therapists, and experienced in diverse church environments, John attended an institute retreat in California. This retreat was transformative, marking the beginning of a season of emotional and spiritual renewal for him. Now, John is passionate about helping pastors and leaders experience the same renewal through the Soul Shepherding model of ministry.

John and his wife Kristen have been married for 15 years and are the proud parents of three boys, aged 13, 10, and 8, affectionately known as the “Ware Hurricane.”

You can contact John at John@lifehouseNN.com