ABOUT PASTOR JOHN

Hi! I’m JOHN MARKUM. I’m a pastor, husband, father, and author. Here on my blog, I discuss ministry, leadership, and life in general. I offer resources, share my struggles, and overall just try to add some value to your story.

Tiffany has put up with me for nearly 20 years, given me four awesome kids, and relocated our lives to San Jose, CA 10 years ago, which we are happy to call “home”. We’re currently writing our first book, The Worthwhile Marriage, which we should have published early 2024.

In the meantime, check out my posts, podcasts, books and other stuff I like, mugs I’ve made, and devotionals I’ve written.

So welcome! I hope that what you find here both challenges and encourages you in your journey through life.

Leadership Podcast

6 Decisions BEFORE becoming a Lead Pastor

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6 Decisions BEFORE becoming a Lead Pastor

Jan 13, 2017 • 27:10

Most of being a first-time lead pastor is learning as you go. While this was (and is) definitely true of me, there were six decisions I had made prior to stepping into this role, that I think other pastors and leaders could benefit from.
Creating Church Culture

Jan 19, 2017 • 25:36

In this podcast, John talks about branding, values, language, and celebrating as pieces to creating a healthy church culture.
Separation of Church and State

Feb 10, 2017 • 29:52

In this podcast, I talk about the Immigration Ban, and how the church should be approaching such issues regarding our response to government, and proclamation of the gospel.
Advice to those in Bible College

Feb 24, 2017 • 22:45

Here I give advice on what students preparing for vocational ministry should be doing now to get the most of what is waiting for them after graduation.
Christian Boycotts???

Mar 3, 2017 • 26:45

There’s always something to be upset about. Should Christians exert the energy and outrage in protesting the world and it’s values? Or rather in living differently, and loving the world creatively and compassionately towards Jesus? Hear me out… this isn’t talked about enough!
Live the Word

Mar 8, 2017 • 15:48

Not going to lie. I smell fake from a mile away. My guess is, you probably do to. And people who know the Bible, but don’t actually want to live it cuts me the deepest. In this podcast, I talk about the difference between knowing God’s Word and actually living…
Preaching, episode 1: What is Preaching

Aug 28, 2017 • 31:33

In this podcast, Pastor John unpacks the first of a handful of episodes intended to coach you in your growth as a preacher. Download the Handout for this episode.
Preaching, episode 2: Writing a sermon

Sep 2, 2017 • 17:50

How does one go about writing a sermon? In this podcast episode, Pastor John gets into the cadence of a good sermon, and how to lead people toward a compelling application. Click here for the outline
Preaching, episode 3: Sermon Delivery

Nov 29, 2017 • 41:45

In episode three, we look at HOW we preach and deliver our sermons. A “must listen” for the new preacher, and a great fresh perspective for the seasoned preaching veterans.
Bivocational Ministry

Jun 3, 2019 • 26:49

Bivocational Ministry is becoming more valuable than ever. Enjoy this episode as we been to discuss the needs, challenges, and advantages of being in bivocational ministry. To support this podcast and other resources from Pastor John, visit www.patreon.com/johnmarkum – thank you for your support.