Joining the SoCal Network of the Assemblies of God in 2022, John feels honored to serve as an Assistant Superintendent in Leadership Development and Church Ministries under Pastor Rich Guerra, SoCal Network District Superintendent.
Previously, John was the Lead Pastor at First Assembly of God in Victorville, California for fifteen years. During his tenure, the church grew into a multi-site ministry expanding to fifteen geographic campuses and five language groups. Under his leadership, the church launched the High Desert CityServe HUB, the Feed My Sheep Food Bank, a marriage and family counseling center, and a ministry training cohort with Vanguard University. While in Victorville, John served as the Superintendent of Schools for Victor Valley Christian School (K-12) and Preschool, which combined for two of the largest ministries of the church.
Prior to serving in California, John and his wife, Ronda, have pastored two other churches: one in rural eastern Washington and one in Seattle. John understands pastoring in a small town, in the suburbs, and in the city. He has also served on the leadership team of the Northwest Ministry Network working for the Superintendent and leading the ministry departments. John began his ministry as an Associate Pastor serving in Christian education and youth ministry.
In 2001, focusing on church leadership, John received his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. In 1987, John earned his Master of Religious Education from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. In 1985, John received his Bachelor of Arts from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington.
In addition to his full-time ministries, John has served as the Board Chair at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. He has also served as both a general presbyter and an executive presbyter for the SoCal Network of the Assemblies of God. In his spare time, John teaches as adjunct faculty, serves on a few national missions and ministry boards, loves to play golf, enjoys landscaping, and likes to make great memories with his family. John has been happily married to his wife, Ronda, for nearly thirty-five years. They have two amazing children, Rachel and Joshua, and a favorite son-in-law, Billy.
Portfolio
General Responsibilities
- Serve on the SoCal Network Leadership Team (NLT)
- Serve on the SoCal Network Executive Presbytery (EP)
- Serve as a General Council Presbytery Auditor
- Serve as a liaison for the Superintendent as requested
- Serve on various boards and committees as appropriate
- Participate in a preaching and speaking ministry as requested or assigned
Leadership Development
- Equipping credentialed ministers with leadership resources
- Oversight of the Leadership Summits
- Oversight of the Activate Conference
- Creating connections for people to pursue ministry credentials
- Leading the Midweek Leadership Minute
Church Ministry Departments
- Oversight of Church Ministry Departments (Women of SoCal, Men’s Ministries, Student Ministries, Kids Ministries, Second Half Ministries, Pastoral Care, School of Ministry, and Multi-Media)
- Leading Church Ministry Team meetings
General Council Churches in Pastoral Transition
- Guiding General Council Churches through the pastoral transition process
- Resourcing General Council Churches in their pastoral search
Contact Information
John C. Martin, Assistant Superintendent - Leadership Development and Church Ministries
Phone: 949.252.8400
Email: jmartin@socalnetwork.org
Jenny Martinez, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 949.252.8400
Email: jmartinez@socalnetwork.org