Hidden Gems: Meet John Faison of Watson Grove Baptist Church

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Faison Sr.

Hi John, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I began my ministry journey at 17 as a senior in high school when I was licensed as a Baptist minister. I always knew that serving God would be a vital part of my journey. However, I also believed the military would be a key component as well. I attended Virginia State University on an Army ROTC Scholarship. Upon graduating with a degree in political science, I have commissioned an officer in the US Army. I served for five years on active duty, and three years in the reserves.

I loved that time serving in the military. I grew up as a leader; and I met some incredible people, many of whom are still friends. I had so many meaningful moments. I also had some very tough times, including separation from family and losing some good friends to war. But every experience provided immeasurable moments of value and growth. However, God made it clear in 2006 that my military career would be ending soon. I was sensing an undeniable call to full-time ministry.

In 2008, that calling was realized. I resigned from my commission as a Captain. I started seminary and returned to my college church in Petersburg, VA to serve as pastor of youth and young adults. For four years, I served there, loving every minute. In 2012, Watson Grove Baptist Church in Nashville extended the call to become their senior pastor. My family and I moved here in March 2012. I have had the honor of leading the amazing people of The Grove since that time, almost 10 years.

In ten years, God has blessed us to grow exponentially. Today, The Grove is a growing, multigenerational, multisite church with campuses in Nashville, TN, Franklin, TN, and a global campus that connects thousands with Christ and community every week. We are “A GROWING church for GROWING people whom Christ will use in GROWING His Kingdom.”

I have four passions around which my life revolves: Family, leadership, preaching, justice.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. I do not believe progress comes on smooth roads. This life requires us all to climb. Smooth roads are not helpful when climbing. You need rocks, hills, and ridges. That way when you slip, you have something to which you can hold on.

My high school sweetheart and I married in 1998. We were college sophomores, and she was pregnant. We decided to become a family and raise our children while attending school. That meant we had to work full-time and go to school full-time. It was hard. We were consistently struggling financially, and we were always exhausted. However, we push through together and both earned our undergraduate degrees. By the time that journey was over, we had three children.

When I moved to Nashville to lead The Grove, the whole family moved in 30 days. It was a move of faith. Everyone gave up their friends and networks to follow what we believed (and still believe) was the voice of God. Our family took a $53K pay cut in order for me to serve at The Grove. As a result, we struggled financially. We were very nervous at times. However, I never doubted that God was behind the assignment. That move changed everything. Furthermore, God kept the promise God made. Everything I gave up to follow God, God has given back hundreds of times over. Every need I have ever had has been supplied.

I am currently in a new season I never expected. I am recently divorced, which has added a new element of change to my life. Yet, I have learned that everything that ends did not fail. That relationship produced a lot of happiness, extraordinary development, and three children who are the joys of my life: John, Jr. (22), Ajah (20), and Jaden (17). One season ended so another could begin. My former wife and I ended our marriage as friends. She is pursuing her dreams and I fully support her.

Most importantly, our children are thriving. I have no regrets. God has been faithful. And I am grateful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Watson Grove Baptist Church?
Watson Grove Baptist Church (affectionately known as The Grove) is a growing, multigenerational, multisite church with campuses in Nashville, TN, Franklin, TN, and an online global campus that connects thousands with Christ and community every week. Our vision is to be “A GROWING church for GROWING people whom Christ will use in GROWING His Kingdom.”

The acronym GROWING in our vision represents our core values: God-centric, Relationship, Outreach, Word of God, Integrity, Nurturing, Generosity. We were founded in 1889 in Una, TN by former slaves. We moved to Edgehill in 1956, and have been part of that community since that time. Each week, five generations gather in person and online to worship and then depart to serve. Every generation can find a place to connect to God and serve the world at The Grove.

We are best known for our community outreach. We take seriously the call to serve Christ through service to the community, city, and culture. We operate a food pantry that feeds our surrounding neighbors in need, giving away thousands of pounds of food every year. We are a regular host for COVID testing and vaccinations in partnership with Meharry Medical College. We give away thousands in scholarships to high school and college students each year.

Our CDC partners with community leaders and organizations in order to help provide funding to minority-owned businesses. We are a galvanizing place for activism and advocacy within Nashville and beyond, hosting community forums and catalytic conversations that move progress forward. We find needs in our community and meet them with the help of our partners and committed volunteers. This is not what we do. It is who we are. Our brand goes beyond our building. That is what I am most proud of.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I always felt a bit strange. I have always been considered an old soul. I was born in 1980, the golden era of the birth of hip hop. However, I have always felt more connected to old-school soul music. I grew up listening to my father’s records. The O’Jays, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Minnie Ripperton, and Roberta Flack were some of my favorites.

I was always into learning and reading. My grandmother took care of me and my siblings while my parents worked. She was our daycare until we started school. However, it was not just a babysitting operation. She taught us school lessons every day. And her efforts showed up when we started school. On my first day of Kindergarten, the teacher asked us to write our names. I wrote mine in cursive letters. The teacher stopped the class and asked me who taught me that. I answered, “My grandma.” I spent the rest of that year splitting my time: 1/2 day in KG, 1/2 day in 1st Grade. When the year ended, I was skipped to 2nd Grade. Grandma was responsible for that.

I enjoyed leading and galvanizing people around a collective purpose, even though I did not know what that meant at the time. My mother tells a story that in Kindergarten, I formed a breakfast club. My class expressed their dislike of the cafeteria breakfast. So I put together an effort to change it. We pooled our money together.

I collected it, then convinced my parents to buy breakfast in the morning. I would bring the orders to the school and we would have them instead of what the cafeteria provided. Eventually, my parents made me stop and return the remaining funds to my classmates. I loved sports, especially football, and basketball. I also loved the church. I wrote songs and sermons in my spare time.

I grew up in Southampton County, VA. This county is known for the site of Nat Turner’s 1831 slave insurrection. I was raised on the street where that insurrection started. It shaped my attention to and affection for justice in the world.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.johnfaison.org
• Instagram: @johnfaisonsr
• Facebook: @JohnFaisonSr
• Twitter: @johnfaisonsr