John Harmeling joined the pastoral staff of Southside Baptist Church in 1989. He earned the Master of Religious Education (MRE) degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, and the Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) degree program at the Institute of Worship Studies in Orange Park, Florida. As Minister of Christian Formation, John's ministry cuts across the life of the church, working with every program and all ages to ensure that everything Southside does supports our mission of leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Born in Wisconsin, John has lived in Florida for 40 years. When he isn't at the church, he is usually spending time with his family: his wife, Kay, his sons, Jeffrey and Jeremy, and his daughter, Jessica. John has always been passionate about sports - especially golf, biking, swimming, basketball and coaching.
Before coming to Southside John was Minister of Youth and Activities at First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg, FL, and then Minister with Youth and Singles at Richardson Heights Baptist Church, Richardson, TX. John's call to ministry came while he was attending FSU. "I had the opportunity to serve as Assistant Minister of Activities at First Baptist Church of Tallahassee," he says. "During that time of service and spiritual pilgrimage the Lord called me into full-time Christian ministry."
His leadership and community involvement have included developing and implementing the Small Group Ministry at SSBC, acting as a Billy Graham Crusade Supervisor Captain, participating on the Associational Student Ministries Council, Jacksonville Baptist Association Recreation Committee, Jacksonville Baptist Association Youth Committee, and being a member of the Promise Keepers area leadership team.
One of John's life principles is what he refers to as "investing in people." He genuinely thrives on getting to know and understanding people, which is closely tied with his own ministry objective, "to lead people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by preaching and teaching God's word in a way that will help them develop core values for their lives and implement those values into a vision for their church."
John has been blessed by his ministry work, especially through small groups. "I love the accountability, the challenge, and the joy of working with small groups. Not only do they connect people and strengthen the church - they change your life forever."
John's Life Verse: "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 4:19
