John D. Pierce

Biography

Dr. John D. Pierce is the Director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative. Retiring at the end of 2023, he served as the Executive Editor of Nurturing Faith Journal (formerly Baptists Today) for an impressive 24 years. Under his editorship the journal expanded to include a lectionary-based, weekly Bible study curriculum, in-person educational experiences, and book publishing.

A native of Ringgold, Georgia, Dr. Pierce is a graduate of Berry College, Southeastern Seminary, and Columbia Theological Seminary. 

Dr. Pierce's previous service includes roles such as the Managing Editor of the Atlanta-based Christian Index as well as Baptist Campus Minister at Kennesaw State University and later at Georgia Tech.

In addition to his editorial and ministerial contributions, Dr. Pierce frequently speaks at churches and other organizations. His interim pastorates have included First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, TN and Vineville Baptist Church in Macon, GA.

PERSONAL

• Ordained to ministry by Boynton Baptist Church, Ringgold, Ga.
• Married to Teresa Long Pierce of Pelham, Ga.
• Two daughters: Meredith and Abigail

EDUCATIONAL

• Doctor of Ministry—Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga.
• Master of Divinity—Southeastern Baptist Theo. Seminary, Wake Forest, NC
• Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy—Berry College, Rome, Ga.

VOCATIONAL

• Editor of Nurturing Faith Journal (formerly Baptists Today) since February 2000, and publisher of Nurturing Faith Books — now part of Good Faith Media
• Managing Editor, The Christian Index, Atlanta, Ga. (1994-2000)
• Baptist Campus Minister at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga. (1992-94)
• Campus Minister at Kennesaw State University, Marietta, Ga. (1981-1992)
• Campus Minister Intern at Berry, Floyd and Dalton colleges (1980-81)
• Student positions: First Baptist Church, Yanceyville, NC; Homestead Heights Baptist Church, Durham, NC; First Baptist Church, Roswell, Ga.; Silvertown Baptist Church, Thomaston, Ga.

PROFESSIONAL

• Wilmer C. Fields Award for editorial writing and first-place awards for best news magazine and best redesign from Baptist Communicators Association
• DeRose/Hinkhouse Award of Excellence for newspaper feature series and magazine writing from Religious Communicators Council
• Chaplain to Athletes Village, World University Games, Buffalo, NY (1993)
• Editor of the Religious Services Guide for the1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta
• President, Georgia Baptist Historical Society (1998-1999)
• President, William H. Whitsitt Baptist Heritage Society (2004-05)
• Director, Baptist History & Heritage Society

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Founding Board Member, Cobb County (Ga.) Habitat for Humanity (1983-1988)
• Frequent speaker to community and church-related organizations
• Pulpit supply and communications consultant for churches
• Interim pastorates include First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Vineville Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. (twice); and Mount Zion Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. (twice).