Our Team

John grew up in Jackson, Tennessee with deep roots in Arkansas.  While at Lambuth College, where John majored in Religion, he met Susie.  The two have been married since 1993 and have welcomed two daughters, Annie Grace Groves (Garret) and Julie. Susie has been a school teacher for many years.  Following graduation from Lambuth, John went on to get his Masters of Divinity from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.  John has served churches of all sizes, from small churches to very large ones, and in the towns of Camden, Little Rock, Sheridan, Paragould, and Springdale. John also served as the District Superintendent for the Northeast District from 2019-2022.  John enjoys running and has been an Atlanta Braves baseball fan since childhood.  

When it comes to the ministry, John is passionate about worship, preaching, discipleship, and missions.  He also brings the gifts of healing and helping churches realize their potential.  John is excited about serving First United Methodist Church and the community of Mountain Home.