OUR PASTOR
John R. Faison, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Watson Grove Baptist Church (The Grove), a growing, multigenerational, multisite church with campuses in Nashville, TN and Franklin, TN. The Grove endeavors to be “A GROWING church for GROWING people whom Christ will use in GROWING His Kingdom.”
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A native of Boykins, Virginia, Pastor Faison holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a Doctor of Ministry from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
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Pastor Faison is a highly sought-after communicator of the Gospel. Young and seasoned alike have been blessed by his message of allegiance and authenticity, as well as his willingness to deal with relevant issues. Pastor Faison's dexterity with different audiences stems from his broad spectrum of experiences. In addition to his 26 years of ministerial experience, he is also a decorated veteran, having served as an US Army officer for eight years.
Pastor Faison is a recognized voice at events throughout the country, including the Clinton Global Initiative, the Samuel D. Proctor Conference, NAACP Leadership 500, the Word Network, and universities throughout the nation. In 2023, he was inducted into the prestigious Morehouse College MLK Chapel Board of Preachers and selected to serve as the Noonday Preacher for the Hampton University Ministers Conference.
Pastor Faison is blessed with influence that extends beyond the local church. He is a passionate advocate for community transformation and development, as seen in his work as an HIV/AIDS National Ambassador with the NAACP (theblackchurchandhiv.org), mentor in public school districts, and advisor to several community organizations. In denominational life, he serves as the Assistant to the Bishop of Social Action for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. In Nashville, he serves as President of The Grove Community Development Corporation and a member of the Boards of Trustees at Belmont University and Leadership Nashville. Committed to theological formation, Pastor Faison is an adjunct professor and doctoral mentor at Payne Theological Seminary. Fraternally, he is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule).
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Pastor Faison is the proud father of three amazing children: John (Jr), Ajah, and Jaden.