John is from Dundee and came to faith while at school. He went on to study History at Dundee University, where he did a PhD and lectured for three years. He was called to the pastorate of Carnoustie Baptist Church, at that time a recent plant from Dundee Central Baptist, initially studying concurrently at the Scottish Baptist College in Paisley. He has served in Carnoustie since 2012, and is also involved as chaplain to the local football club. John is married to Jemma and they have three children.