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John, age 38, from Centralia, MO and is an outdoors type that loves biking with his family, and playing baseball. Lisa is from Hallsville, MO and loves to read, teach, and learn about history. John and Lisa have been married for 15 years and have three children, Joy, Matthew and Grace. John and Lisa were raised attending a Southern Baptist Church. John previously served as the youth and associate pastor of Hallsville Baptist Church for 11 years, and he is also a recent graduate of Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City with a Master’s in Divinity. While in seminary, John received training in starting a church, a desire God had given him many years ago specifically for Columbia, MO.   John also works at Sam’s Club where he enjoys the interaction with lots of people. 
 
John loves to lead a new church as he sees it as a wonderful opportunity to reach people for Christ as well as see Christians use their spiritual gifts. A new church is full of ministry opportunities, and John loves to motivate people to serve the Lord and advance His kingdom. The mission of Heritage, “bringing a message of Truth and Hope to Columbia and beyond,” truly exemplifies John and HeritageBaptistChurch. John is leading the church to “bring” the good news of Jesus Christ to a spiritually dark world in order to transform lives.

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The Carruthers:

John, Alysia, Jace, and Jonas joined Heritage Baptist in the Spring of 2007. John is a native of St. Louis and Alysia is a native of Pittsfield, IL. They met at a summer youth camp called Camp Inlow. "I didn't like him at first, but then after the 2nd week he started to grow on me," Alysia says. He grew on her alright, 3 years of marriage, 2 kids, 6 moves, 3 cars later, she still stays with him.

They have served in many different roles and churches across the state and have now found their new home in Columbia, MO and Heritage Baptist Church. "God brought us to Columbia for a reason that we did not know, but we were faithful and now God has blessed us for our faithfullness," says John.

"We are excited about what God is doing here at Heritage and am proud to be part of it. Heritage is a church that truely wants to follow God and be a great commission church. They are inviting and geniunely care about you and want to help you grow to become a passionate follower of Christ in every part of your life."

"If you are looking for something different. If you are looking for a group of people that are passionate about the Lord, than look no further than Heritage Baptist Church. Please come and join us this Sunday for worship."