Annual Connect Conference

John has been preaching the Good News since he was licensed as a minister in 1973 at 15 years old. From an early age, he developed a love for the Lord and felt the call to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. His pastoral journey began in February 1987 as the senior pastor at Union Bethel Church in King George, VA. His nearly three years of pastoring proved to be the training ground for his upcoming assignment. In 1989, he returned to his home church to First Baptist Church of Glenarden to become the seventh shepherd. For two year, he served as vice president/executive director of National Ministries for Converge. He recently made history when he was appointed as president of Converge in September 2022, making him the first African American to lead the 170-year old organization.

Nate has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Amy, for 35 years, and together they have 6 children and 8 grandkids. He planted Cascade Community Church in Monroe, WA, in 1997 and led through many seasons of growth over 23 years. Cascade is known for generosity, faith, disciple-making, and church multiplication.

In January 2020, Nate became the Regional President for Converge Northwest overseeing over 100 churches in 5 Northwest states. He is passionate about multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, archery hunting, and hanging with family and friends.