Born to Nazmy and Salwa Joseph in 1980 in Cairo, Egypt, my journey began in a land rich with history and culture. Seeking better opportunities and religious freedom, Nazmy and Salwa immigrated to the United States in 1978. They left behind everything they knew, driven by the promise of a new life in a country founded on the principle of religious liberty. 

In my early years, growing up in Southern California, my mother and I attended worship at the local Coptic Orthodox Church where I was immersed in the rich Coptic tradition. It was a time of deep spiritual formation, and the seeds of faith were planted in my heart.  

The Coptic Orthodox Church serves as a beautiful part of the body of Christ. Through the church, at a young age, I was gifted with the doctrine of “God’s Sovereignty.”  God is known as wholly other while simultaneously Holy other. And, in the presence of the Almighty, I was (and am) a broken sinner in desperate need of God’s grace and mercy.  

As I reached middle school, many of my friends attended the local Baptist church, where my father attended and it was growing exponentially fast. Intrigued by the vibrant community, I began to explore this new tradition. Just as the Coptic Orthodox Church gifted my theological understanding, so did the Baptist Church. Having a high view of God, I needed a personal relationship with the Incarnate Word, Emmanuel “God with us” — Jesus. It was there that the Lord reached down, through Jesus and become my savior.  

With these two gifts taking root in my heart, I found myself wonderfully comfortable and at home in the Reformed Theological tradition. Little did I know the Lord was preparing me for pastoral leadership and ministry.  

It was in middle school I picked up the trumpet and discovered the joy of playing and practicing music. Playing the trumpet through middle school, high school, and into college, I received my call to ministry in the practice room.  

As clear as the sound of piano keys played, I heard God’s voice. In a room about 10 feet by 10 feet, I was sitting next to the piano with my trumpet in hand and heard, “This is not what I have for you.” God was speaking, and I was listening. In that moment, in the quiet of the room, the Lord revealed to me the preparation I already gained. Everything from teaching the third-grade Sunday school class, leading Vacation Bible School, learning how to “lead from the back” at the soundboard, joining the Student Leadership Team, and traveling to Chicago to compete nationally in the AWANA Olympics—then it hit me. How could I have missed it? It was as clear and tangible as the trumpet in my hands. 

All this training and experience was for God’s glory, and my pastoral call came totally by surprise. The joy I experienced in serving and leading God’s people flows deep in my DNA; one might say, “It’s the purpose God planted in my heart.” There is no greater joy than leading God’s people to see the good news of the Gospel, to experience and know God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. 

The trajectory of my career changed at that very moment in the practice room. I put my trumpet down, called my cousin Peter, who said, “I can’t believe it’s taken you this long to figure it out.” Peter, along with so many others, affirmed my call to pastoral ministry. I missed those affirmations because I was so focused on a career as a professional trumpet player. 

When I think about it, as I did in the practice room, I hear the voices of saints in the church saying, “John, you really ought to consider being a pastor. The Lord has gifted you.” It all became clear. 

Thus began the journey following the Holy Spirit to higher education—a BA in Philosophy and Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University where I met my wife, Kimberlee. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved onto a Master of Divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary—San Diego. 

In my last year of seminary, I accepted a position as a part-time youth director at a Presbyterian church. After graduation, I began the search for a full-time ministry position—when the Holy Spirit led us to Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. After serving for 15 years at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, where we witnessed the Lord transform lives, we were called to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  

Kimberlee and I were married in 2006 and now have 3 children: Isaac (14), Andrew (13), and Daniel (10). They keep life fresh, exciting, and energetic. Between Isaac’s love for the game of football (thanks to his mother’s loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers), Andrew’s growing love for the game of golf and Daniel testing the waters to see where he fits into this world, life is busy—but who’s life is not busy?