John was born and raised in the Bay Area, but was in Portland, Oregon for many years. He was the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church, a church built around the very simple idea of practicing the way of Jesus, together, in Portland. He is also the author of six books: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, God has a Name, Garden City, Loveology, My Name is Hope, and my newest: Live No Lies which is now a New York Times Best Seller.

John is starting a non-profit called Practicing the Way, with an aim to create resources for discipleship and formation in local churches in post-Christian contexts. John has a Masters Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary.