Through ventures like Portrait Coffee and The Crete Collective, John has been instrumental in endeavors that establish new narratives, particularly for Black and Brown folks. Tying all these plot lines together is John’s desire to see both individuals and communities thrive.

A native of Houston, TX, John was born into a Nigerian home where the gospel was cherished deeply and modeled excellently. After graduating from college, he studied at Dallas Theological Seminary. He’s served at churches in both Texas and Georgia and in 2015 moved into the Historic West End to help plant Cornerstone Church with his best friends. He and his wife, Shawndra, have been married since 2007. They welcomed their daughter, Ava, in 2017. They are eager to see the hope of the gospel restore a sense of family, dignity, and hope to their neighborhood through their local church of ordinary people.