John was born to Chuck and Mary Sweatte, missionaries on the island of Numfor in New Guinea. After John’s father contracted a tropical disease, the family returned to the States, where his dad pastored for a season while they hoped to return to the field.

John was saved on April 23, 1977 and soon felt God’s call to ministry. As a teen he began serving in children’s church and preaching in a nursing home with his best friend, Jimmy Morris.

Under Pastor Ed Taylor, John served for over twelve years as Youth Pastor, Music Director, and later Assistant Pastor. In 1988 he married Pastor Taylor’s daughter, Shelley, and together they were blessed with two sons, Paul and Charley.

After years in camp ministry and continued service in local churches, John returned to Griffin Bible Church in 2014 as Co-Pastor with Pastor Taylor. Following Pastor Taylor’s retirement in February 2015, the church unanimously called John to serve as Senior Pastor.