John: Your Servant for the Journey
I am simply John—your servant for the journey– A Christian mystic, not in the sense of chasing the esoteric outside of the guardrails set by scripture, but as one devoted to seeking the presence of God beyond the walls of tradition. I walk outside the denominations and structures of institutional Christianity, drawn instead to the quiet voice within, the living Word written on the heart. My path has been one of faith, of wrestling, of wandering—and, ultimately, of return. leaning on the promises of Matthew 7:7:
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
The Story So Far
For more than 20 years, I served as a minister in an Apostolic Pentecostal church, pioneering in the use of the internet for spreading the Gospel through web pages and the backend technology of streaming video.
During that time, I also managed The Good News Café, a thriving online forum where believers gathered for fellowship and study, but also there was a few who only wanted to argue, and debate and often hurl insults, use the scriptures to manipulate and degrade one another. That was heartbreaking to me because I had a concept of what a "Christian" was, and I encountered many who didn't even measure up to the basics while quoting whole passages of bible that they then 'splained.
I have no intention of ever doing anything like that again. I am an INFP, one of the rare personality types and one well suited to the Christian ideal. I detest conflict. And there was enough of that as to be a toxin to me. If some community evolves here it won't be because I am in charge of it.
This is also where I began to encounter the growing heresy that is Christian Nationalism/Dominion Theology. And it effected me deeply and not in a good way. As a veteran I was drawn to the God-Country connection, then I realized what it was really all about.
Leaving the System, Entering the Desert
After decades of influence by traditional religion, I stepped away. I had a whole set of my own issues and I had seen way too much of:
- The flaws of religious systems
- The dangers of hierarchy
- The ways human institutions distort what is meant to be a simple, personal relationship with Christ
That journey led me into a desert of learning—a place of self-examination, repentance, and rediscovery. Yeah, that would be the whole "mystic" bit. Yes, I am aware that this is not a "Bible" word. Well, I have encountered far to many folks styling themselves by Bible words like "Pastor", "Bishop", and even "Apostle", who really shouldn't have.
I don't think of myself as any kind of minister. I don't need any kind of title or position within a hierarchy. I'm just a guy out here with words to say and a prayer that they reach hearts for change. And to be a voice apart from the noise of factions and the angry church. I am simply The Beleaguered Believer. And I am here for wherever this ride takes us.
Mistakes, Redemption, and Grace
Getting here has been a long and weird journey. I'm not a hero in my own story. I made mistakes. I hurt people. I was pretty awful, actually. I did things I regret. And I am sorry.
I am in no way worthy to do this but here’s the truth: God is merciful. His grace calls us home, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
That’s why I’m here, creating this ministry for those like me:
- For the ones who walk the path alone—who don’t fit into a church structure but still long for Christ.
- For the ones who fell away—who feel they’ve strayed too far but need to know they can come back - without the approval, consent or participation of any human authority.
- For those who just want to grow—who seek practical, Bible-based wisdom to become better followers of Christ.
Walking This Journey Together
I don’t claim to be perfect or to have all the answers. I'm not here to lecture to anyone about their sins, you and God see to all of that together. I'm not here to preach about this that and the other thing. That voice is out there abundantly. Nor am I here to argue theology. My theology starts with trying to be what Jesus would have me to be. How can I get closer to that role model using the Bible as my guide. I am here to be a voice against injustice and to provide scripturally sound resources for growth for believers in Jesus who are struggling on the apth, alone or in a group.
I walk this journey alongside you, and here I will share what I’ve learned, learning as I go, and striving daily to be a better representative of the Kingdom of Heaven.
So Invite you to join me on social media. There is more coming as I intend to put myself out there on video and have some interesting ideas for community groups and possibly a weekly interactive devotional time online. The social media follow links are down below, so please, keep in touch!
