Pastor John A. Evans, Sr. was born in Ravenna, Ohio and raised in Akron, Ohio. He is married to Teresa Lindsay Evans, the father of five children and grandfather of two. Pastor Evans began his preaching ministry on March 27, 1977 at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church – Akron, Ohio and was ordained on November 19, 1978 under the leadership of Pastor Bell Smith.
Education:
Pastor Evans received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree in June 2005 from the Saint Thomas Christian College of Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. John A. Evans, Sr. has completed the Doctorial of ivinit program at Masters International School of Divinity in Evansville, IN, graduating August 1, 2009. He also holds a Master of Ministry, and a Bachelors of Biblical Studies Degree from Masters International School of Divinity. Dr. Evans is a certified teacher for the National Baptist Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention,in Old Testament and Christia Stewardship. His religious education began in 1977 with biblical studies completed at Moody Bible Institute (Akron Branch) and matriculated at Florida Christian College, 1993-1997 in Kissimmee, Florida. Other religious studies include The Institute of Biblical Studies Liberty Bible Institute - Lynchburg, VA and International Seminary - Saint Petersburg Theological Institute 1998 - 2000. He is currently enrolled in the “Lifetime Scholar” Professional Continuing Education for Clergy Program.
Pastoral Experience:
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Present Pastor of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church – Saint Petersburg, Florida since October 1, 1997.
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Former Pastor of Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church – Kissimmee, Florida for Ten (10) years.
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Former Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church – Elyria, Ohio for seven (7) years.
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An anointed powerful Evangelist, Teacher, Preacher, Pastor, and Counselor.
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In 2007 Dr. Evans preached in Lagos, Nigeria.
Association:
(Present) - Assistant General Secretary of the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc., Second Vice Moderator for West Coast Baptist Association, Visiting Pastor for Westminster Nursing Home Ministry and 49th Street Jail-Prison Ministry. Pastor Evans is the First Vice Moderatr of the West Coast District Association and Assistant General Secretary of the Florida General Baptist State Convention.
(Past) - 2005 Host Chairman for the Florida General Baptist Conventin, Inc., Board Member of the Civilian Police Review Board - St. Petersburg, FL, Assistant Recording Secretary of First South Florida District Association, Recording Secretary of Progressive M & E State Convention “Pastor’s Conference,” Assistant Treasurer of Congress Number Two, former President of Elyria Ministerial Alliance, Vice-President of NAACP Elyria Branch, Auditor of Northern District Association, Board Member of United Way - Kissimmee, Florida, Board Member of Kissimmee Police Department Deadly Force Review Board and former Board Member of Kissimmee Housing and Development Community Board.
Awards:
Pastor Evans is the recipient of numerous awards, citations and recognitions by various religious and community affiliations including Congressional and Senate Proclamations. Awarded keys to the City of Elyria (Ohio), Kissimmee (Florida) and St. Petersburg (Florida).
Greatest Love: Preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Wife (Precious), children, grandchildren, family and Church family.
Favorite Hymn: “Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee.”
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23.
Motto: “If God Can’t Do It, It Can’t Be Done!”
