Ministry Leaders

Richard Haas

Written by David Ray |

Richard Haas
Ministry of Worship and Celebration

“I come from the Pentecostal/Holiness background. I grew up in very spirit-filled churches where the Holy Spirit manifests itself in many ways during service. My family was always involved. My grandfather was usually the assistant pastor, my grandmother taught Sunday school, my mother was the featured singer in most of the churches we went to and even I taught Sunday school after I turned 18.”

Richard also says: “I could sum up what St. John’s means to me in one word. Freedom. True freedom to worship God as I live my life in the way that God intended for me. A life that is open and honest. St. John’s is a non-judgmental space where people from all different backgrounds and walks of life can feel free to be who they are in their walk with Jesus.”

Contact Richard here.

Will Robinson

Written by St. John's MCC |

Will Robinson
Worship and Celebration Ministry Division & Deacon

Will Robinson has been a member of St. John's MCC since December 2005. He currently serves as a Deacon, is the co-leader of the Worship Ministry, is a member of one of the church's AIDS Care Teams, and is one of the facilitators of the HIV Ministry. Will is a native of Salisbury, NC, and has lived in Raleigh since 1980.

Will says: “I attend St. John’s because I am being fed here. I continue to come to St John’s because I feel God has called me here, and I can feel God’s presence here.”

Contact Will here.

Sandra Whittington

Written by St. John's MCC |

Sandra Whittington
Discipleship Ministry Division & BAM

Sandra says: “As a four-year member and an openly-gay Marriott Manager with 18 years of experience, my determination is to positively communicate strategic ideas for leadership and business management to improve overall congregation engagement at St. John’s. My aspiration is to work with the leaders of St. John’s in building strong disciples through sharing God’s message of love for oneself and our neighbors while glorifying our Savior. I am dedicated to utilizing my God given talents and spiritual gifts in the growth and development of our leaders and congregation.”

Contact Sandra here.

David Ray

Written by St. John's MCC |

David Ray
Outreach Ministry Division & Church Administrator

David Ray, originally from Kernersville, NC, was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition. He moved to Raleigh in 1985 to attend N.C. State. After graduating in 1990, he had extensive experience as a bookseller at both Addam’s University Bookstore and Quail Ridge Books. He started attending St. John’s MCC in February 2000 and became a member in November 2001. He returned to N.C. State in 2001 and graduated from N.C. State in May 2002 with a Masters of Accounting. He went to work in the Public Accounting Field and became a licensed CPA in the fall of 2003. He was hired as St. John’s Church Administrator, beginning as part-time, in July 2003 and moved to ¾ time in January 2004.

David says, “I attend and keep coming back to St. John’s because I know that God is still doing great things through the church and that I still have a part to play within God’s plans.”

Contact David here.

Scott Driver

Written by St. John's MCC |

Scott Driver
Fellowship Ministry Division & Board of Directors

Scott Driver came to St. John’s MCC on February 25, 2004. Before serving as the co-ministry leader of the Fellowship Ministry Division, he became actively involved with the Joyful Morning Choir, served on two different St. John’s AIDS Care Teams and is currently serving his 4th Year on the Board of Directors as the Church Treasurer. Scott has given of his time with different special events that St. John’s has participated (Dinner with Friends, AIDS Walk/Ride, Habitat for Humanity, NC Pride and others). He grew up in rural Johnston County, where he attributes his religious foundation to his grandmother.

Professionally he is the Accounting Manager for Jones Insurance Agency in Garner, NC.

Scott says: “I attend St. John’s mainly because of the call that God has placed on my heart. I feel that as being part of the body of Christ, I can share how God has blessed me and brought me through my own dark cave. I feel that my past and my testimony is a part of the God’s big picture, that if someone can hear that God does not give up and continues to love all of us – there is no reason to give up on life. This is part of my passion. I continue to come back, because I feel that there are still others that have yet to come through the doors of St. John’s that need to hear the good news – that God loves each of us regardless of who and what we are – God will continue to love us all UNCONDITIONALLY.”

Contact Scott here.

Fred Cannady

Written by St. John's MCC |

Fred Cannady
Service Ministry Division & Board of Directors

Fred Cannady was raised in the Baptist and Pentecostal traditions in Franklinton, NC. He joined St. John’s in February 2006 and eventually made the move to the “big city” of Raleigh. Since being at St. John’s, he’s been active in many ministry capacities including Fellowship and Hospitality. Currently he is the Vice-Moderator of the Board of Directors and Co-Director of the Service Ministry.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry from Hope International. His plan after graduation is to work in the social justice field as an advocate for the LGBT community and the less fortunate.

When asked ‘What is it about St. John's that drew you to us?’ Fred replied, “The love that I received when I first walked through the door. Instead of feeling like a visitor, I felt like I was being reunited with family that I hadn't seen in a while.”

Contact Fred here.

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