John Michael is convinced he has the coolest job in the world. He delights in getting to know people and their stories. A native of Fayetteville, NC, he had plans of working with people with disabilities, but his experience with God altered his career path. He earned a BA in Psychology, an MS in Rehabilitation Psychology & Counseling, and an MSW in Social Work – all from UNC-Chapel Hill. He was trained as a hospital and hospice chaplain and then went to seminary (at Duke…but framed the diploma in Carolina blue).
JM believes the transformational love God offers us is most clearly encountered through community, as God cares for people through people. As we grow in grace, following the way of Jesus, we are changed from the inside out. Ministry, he believes, ultimately links individual spiritual formation with loving service that blesses others in real and practical ways. Beyond ministry, he loves spending time with his wife and daughter, cycling Wake County’s greenway trails, and excellence in pizza.