First Baptist Church, Flora MS
Flora, Mississippi 39071
601-879-8022

• Education: Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College Master of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Experience: I served in Student Ministry for 17 years - 1982-1999. Pastor of Monticello Baptist Church, Monticello, MS - 1999-2007 Senior Pastor, Country Woods Baptist Church, Byram, MS - 2008 to 2020 Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Flora, MS - March 1, 2020 to present
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: I hope that you are encouraged personally in your walk with Christ, and helped professionally in your ministry. It’s all about Him!
• One of my favorite illustrations: Old Faithful illustration by Philip Yancey - Sitting in restaurant close to Old Faithful geyser. Clock on wall showed time remaining before geyser erupted. When clock got to one minute, all the tourists ran to window to see this great display of nature. Yancy glanced back to see busboys and waiters refilling water glasses and removing dirty dishes. Some were not doing anything. All while this great thing was happening just outside. We are too familiar with God, no longer in awe of who He is!
• Family: Married and have 3 kids, 7 grandkids, & 1 dog.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My father passed away in 2016, but was so supportive. My mother is a serious student of the Word & an awesome Bible teacher, & is a huge encourager to me.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She is extremely supportive and very encouraging in her feedback.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: "Smile, Jon! The Gospel is GOOD news!" - given to me by my preaching prof in seminary, Dr. Don Wilton.
• Books that have had an impact: The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan Holiness by Henry Blackaby Prayer by O. Hallesby
• Hobbies: Playing piano, working out, hunting, spending time with family, volunteer firefighter
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Love God with everything you have! It’s all about Him and nothing about us! Keep making much of JESUS!
• Something funny that happened while preaching: From the pulpit, I called a older lady named Fay, "Fay Dunaway."
• What I want on my tombstone: GRACE!

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