Rev. Johnny Ross
A Sunday School teacher led me to faith in Christ as a twelve year old boy. In my senior year in high school I first felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to volunteer for Christian service. I put that call on hold while in the military, but it never left my inner soul, and no sooner had I left the military the call became so overwhelming that I could fight it no longer. I surrendered to preach the gospel in 1967 and was called to my first church in April 1968. I love Jesus with all my heart and have served Him faithfully for over forty years.
I joined the Navy out of high school and served as an enlisted man for ten years, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. I was then selected for and served as a Warrant Officer/Chief Warrant Officer for six years before receiving a regular commission. I served on various ships and stations during my twenty-two-year military career, retiring from the Navy in September 1976 as a Lieutenant (0-3). I received the BA degree in International Relations in 1973 from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and the MA degree in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University in 2011.
After a short period of transition to civilian life, as a project coordinator for a Rural Health Initiative in South Arkansas, I answered the call to the gospel ministry, was ordained, and served as pastor and interim pastor of thirteen churches (all in the State of Arkansas) over the next forty-five years. I am certified as an Interim Ministry Specialist (Center for Congregational Health) and Transitional Pastor (LifeWay). I planted a new church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in November 2005 (Coronado Baptist Church) and continue as a member of this church. I also served as a volunteer at Garland County Detention Center in Hot Springs where I led Bible studies and conducted worship services for inmates.
My wife, Cherie, and I both enjoyed singing with the Arkansas Master Singers for several years.
We have three children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.