Rev. Dr. 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. A native of Boykins, Virginia, Dr. Faison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia State University, a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Payne Theological Seminary.Dr. Faison is a highly sought-after communicator of the Gospel. Dr. Faison's dexterity with different audiences stems from his broad spectrum of leadership and learning experiences. In addition to 27 years of ministerial experience, he is also a decorated veteran, having served as an US Army officer for eight years. Dr. 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.Dr. Faison is blessed with influence that extends beyond the local church. He is a passionate community advocate, 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. His work has been featured in several publications including The Tennessean, TheGrio.com, The Associated Press, USA Today, and Christianity Today. In Nashville, he served as Co-Chair of Imagine Nashville, a community-led envisioning effort to help shape the future of the city. Additionally, he serves on the Boards of Trustees at Belmont University and Leadership Nashville, and on the Community Health Impact Council for Genentech, a biotechnology research company. Committed to theological formation, Pastor Faison currently serves as a doctoral mentor and adjunct professor at United Theological Seminary. Previously, he has served at Payne Theological Seminary and New York Theological Seminary. Dedicated to leadership development, Pastor Faison is an executive coach to pastors and a consultant to several organizations. Fraternally, he is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule).Dr. Faison is married to Dr. Maya M. Faison (Bugg). He is the proud father of three biological children (John, Jr., Ajah, Jaden), and three bonus daughters (Adderley, Ellington, & Morgan).