J.John
J.John | |
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Born | John Ioannou John 2 June 1958 |
Nationality | British |
Education | Lambeth MA |
Alma mater | Hendon College St. John's Theological College, Nottingham |
Occupation(s) | Speaker, christian minister, author, social activist |
Years active | 1975–present |
Organization | Philo Trust |
Title | Reverend Canon |
Spouse | Killadeas (Killy) Ann (née Rees) (1983–present) |
Children | 3 |
Website | canonjjohn |
John Ioannou John (born 2 June 1958), best known as J.John, is an international evangelist and author based in the United Kingdom.[1]
Early life
J.John was born on 2 June 1958 in London, England to his parents, George and Helen Ioannou. J.John's Greek name is Iouannes Iouannon; which translates as John John. His parents were owners and managers of a local restaurant in London.[2] He studied psychology[3] at Hendon College London from 1974 – 1976, where in 1975 he was introduced to Christianity by a friend, the Reverend Andy Economides.[4]
Career
Before working in Christian ministry, J.John started his career in 1976 as a psychiatric nurse at Napsbury Hospital in St Albans, England.
Early ministry
In 1978, J.John studied theology at St John's Theological College, Nottingham, England. In 1980, while studying theology at St John's, J.John worked at the Christian Renewal Centre in Northern Ireland.[5] During this time he took part in reconciliation work as a member of the community, including volunteering at a local prison.[6]
Later, J.John became Director of Evangelism at St Nicholas' Church in Nottingham, England, under the leadership of David and Joyce Huggett. While spearheading evangelism work within the church, he also began his work as an itinerant evangelist. During these years, his time was spent traveling the country and speaking at universities, churches and other venues.
Philo Trust
J.John established Philo Trust as a charity in 1980 in Nottingham, but moved to Chorleywood, England in 1997.[7] The purpose of Philo Trust is to support J.John in his ministry. 'Philo' is the Greek word for brotherly love. Philo Trust has a number of associates, including Christine Caine and Andrew White. Philo Trust supports their associates in improving the livelihood of the international community.
Public speaking
To date, J.John has completed thousands of speaking engagements at conferences, towns, cities and universities in 69 countries on six continents. Some of these include the United States of America, Australia, Singapore, and numerous countries across Africa and Europe.
J.John has spoken at churches such as Hillsong Church Australia, Prestonwood Baptist Church,[8] Gateway,[9][10] C3 Oxford Falls,[11] City Harvest Church, International Christian Fellowship,[12][13] Holy Trinity Brompton, and Hillsong Church London. J.John has also spoken at several Christian conferences throughout the world including; Hillsong Colour Conference,[14] Presence Conference,[15] Joyce Meyer Conference, Soul Survivor,[16][17] New Wine and others. He has completed 102 university/college engagements.[18]
Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury said "J.John is a speaker of national and international repute. I regard the work of J.John as being of primary importance."[19] Sir Cliff Richard said "It's really hard to communicate if people don't like you. I've heard J.John speak. He appealed to everyone. He was funny and he made us think – instant communication."
J.John is also a speaker and advocate for Compassion International.[20]
just10
In January 1998 J.John began teaching the Ten Commandments. just10, his ten-week course teaches why he believes following the 10 laws given to Moses by God are a way to a better life. The ten sections of just10 are presented to appeal to people of any faith or non-faith background. just10 is divided into 10 segments, with each segment focusing on a different commandment.
just10 was originally named TEN and the original series was filmed in front of a live audience at Capitol Studios – home of The Weakest Link. Over the years, just10 has developed into a just10 Toolkit, two separate DVD courses for Churches and for Small Groups (2010),[21] and just10 for Kids, an online resource and book (2013). The DVD course alone has reached an audience of over one million people[22] and the book has been sold or given away to over 7,500 people including Pope Francis.[23][24]
To date, J.John has completed 36 just10 engagements. Most of these missions have taken place in the UK, but they have also run in New York City and Sydney. The most recent engagement took place in Peterborough and was broadcast live on UCB TV. Current attendances at just10 missions have exceeded one million people. Following the final evening of just10 in Coventry Cathedral, the vast majority of the audience (3000 people) moved into the cathedral ruins to take part in what is believed be the largest mass anointing to have been held in England.[25] With the release of the DVD course, the message of just10 has been taught in more than 136 prisons in the UK,[26] to more than 600 churches in the UK, and around the world.[27]
One feature of the just10 engagements are the amnesty bins. During the 'Prosper with a Clear Conscience' session, J.John asks the audience to return stolen goods to their original owners, or if this is not possible to bring them to bins at the venue where the goods can be donated to local charities. The amnesty bins are frequently filled with library books, hotel towels, and even checks for hundreds of thousands of pounds.[28] To date, this has resulted in more than $500,000 being raised for hospitals, hospices and homeless shelters. After one 'Manage Your Anger' session, so much ammunition was handed in that police had to send two armored vehicles to collect it.[29]
JustOne
On Saturday 8 July 2017, J.John hosted the first JustOne event at Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club in London. The event was attended by 23,733 people and was watched by about 250,000 online.[30] Regarding the reasoning for hosting JustOne, J.John said "When I was speaking at Winchester Cathedral to a full house the Lord spoke to me saying, 'Now is the time to step up and use the football stadiums for evangelism again'".[31] The name is derived from J.John's just10 course but highlights that event focuses on 'Just One Day, Just One Message, and Just One Invitation'.[32] The event was supported by nearly 200 church and ministry partners from across the denominational spectrum.[33] J.John was joined on stage by a number of guests including Matt Redman, Hillsong London, Noel Robinson, Canon Andrew White, Julia Immonen, Lord Michael Hastings and Linvoy Primus.[34]
The second JustOne event took place at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday 9 June 2018. Over 100 churches partnered to make the event possible.[35]
Other JustOne events have included JustOne at CS Lewis Square, Belfast on Sunday 2 June 2019[36] and JustOne at Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 8 June 2019.[37]
Television
J.John can frequently be seen speaking on television channels across the world including GOD TV,[38] Daystar,[39] TBN,[40][41] UCB TV, and The BBC.[42] One section of an interview on TBN UK went viral on social media with over 9.7 million views.
His Facing the Canon series of programs is filmed in partnership with UCB TV. J.John interviews a collection of guests including theologians, politicians, activists and musicians. The series is also broadcast by TBN UK. Notable guests have included Justin Welby,[43] Alister McGrath, Jackie Pullinger, Lord Michael Hastings, Michael Ramsden, Mandy Smith, N.T. Wright, George Verwer, Canon Andrew White, Nicky Gumbel, Phillip Yancey, Mike Pilavachi, William Paul Young, Matt Redman, Archbishop John Sentamu, David Pytches, and R.T. Kendall.
Publications
J.John has authored over 60 books since 1988. There are over one million copies of his books in print worldwide.[44] By June 2009, The Life had sold over 100,000 copies.
He has also written articles for several news journals and media outlets including The Huffington Post,[45] The Daily Mirror,[46] BBC News,[47] Sorted Magazine,[48] Christianity Today,[49] and Church Times.[50]
Select publications include:
- A Christmas Compendium (2005)
- 26 Steps to Heaven (2007)
- The Happiness Secret: Finding True Contentment (2011)
- The Return: Grace and the Prodigal (2011)
- just10 (2013)
- The Natural Evangelism Course (2014)
- The Life: A Portrait of Jesus (2015 edition)
- Knowing God (2017)
- The Christmas Story (2018)
- The Easter Story (2018)
- Jesus Christ - The Truth (2019)
- That's a Good Question! (2019)
Awards and recognition
J.John has been recognized by several industry leaders because of his 30+ years working around the world. In 1998, J.John received a Lambeth MA from Archbishop George Carey, in recognition of Church Growth and Evangelism.
J.John was appointed an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral on 22 February 2003.[51] On 4 March 2012 J.John was ordained Presbyter and Canon Missioner by Bishop David Carr OSL.[52]
Personal life
J.John married his wife Killy (Killadeas) on 23 July 1983. Together they have three children, Michael, Simeon, and Ben.[53] Their eldest, Michael, is married to Emma.
Today J.John and his family reside in Chorleywood, England.
References
- ^ What is J John's Real Name? at Eden; by Les Elison; published 31 March 2013; retrieved 12 August 2015
- ^ J.John: makes you laugh, then the challenge of the Gospel at Sternfield Thoughts; by Tom Hawksley; published 17 January 2014; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Evangelist J John at Idea.com; by Richard Woodall; published 4 July 2014; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ "Cornerstone the Church : Friends of Cornerstone". Cornerstonethechurch.com. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
- ^ Guest Speaker J. John at Christian Renewal Centre; published 9 March 2012; retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ Funding crisis threatens work of prison ministry at Christian Media Corporation; published 10 June 2010; retrieved 23 October 2015
- ^ "The Philo Trust – Humanitarian, Mutual Aid, Social Action Associations, Abbots Langley – Infobel United Kingdom, (Id: 86869141001) – Phone directory". infobel.com.
- ^ God Owns All The Donuts at Prestonwood; published 2014; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ J. John at Gateway Church at Gateway People; published 13 July 2013; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ The Great Invitation at GatewayChurch.tv; published 19 June 2013; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ How To Take God Seriously at C3 Church Sidney; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ J. John am BIG 15! at ICF Zurich; published 23 March 2011; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ J. John Live At Hillsong London at Cross Rhythms; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Hillsong Colour Conference at RadioTimes; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Presence Conference at God.tv; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Soul Survivor's Momentum Conference Closes with 4,000 at Christian Today;published 4 September 2006; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Soul Survivor to Gather Thousands of Young People this Summer at Christian Today; published 9 August 2006; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ J. John – Liberty University Convocation at Liberty University; published 13 April 2012; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ "Love Southend Profiles". lovesouthend.org.
- ^ Ambassadors and Partners at Compassion UK; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Hundreds of Churches Using 'New' Ten Commandments Rewritten by Popular Pastor at The Christian Post; by Michael Gryboski; published 22 June 2015; retrieved 29 June 2015
- ^ The Ten Commandments: Are they still relevant? at Christian Today; published 16 August 2010; retrieved 29 June 2015
- ^ "J.John on Instagram: "Praying together with Pope Francis this morning."". Instagram. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
- ^ "J.John on Instagram: "Here is Pope Francis with a copy of Just10. Order your copy www.canonjjohn.com"". Instagram. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
- ^ "J John bows out in record style; MASS ANOINTING WILL FOLLOW EVANGELIST'S FINAL SERMON". thefreelibrary.com.
- ^ Just10 – Transform Your World at Lausanne Movement; by Chris Moffat; published 1 December 2006; retrieved 29 June 2015
- ^ Churches adopt new Ten Commandments at The Telegraph; by Hannah Furness; published 5 March 2012; retrieved 29 June 2015
- ^ J John to bring Just 10 to the North East at Inspire; retrieved 29 June 2015
- ^ Amnesty Bins, Canvas Cathedrals, and Just Ten Commandments: How one evangelist in Britain is bringing new meaning to Thou Shalt Not at Identity Network; by Michael Ireland; retrieved 29 June 2015
- ^ "Who's steering, Emirates Stadium mission crowd is asked". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ Premier (26 May 2017). "J.John: Why I want to fill the Emirates stadium with 40,000 people on July 8". Premier Christianity. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ Premier (26 May 2017). "J.John: Why I want to fill the Emirates stadium with 40,000 people on July 8". Premier Christianity. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ Premier (26 May 2017). "J.John: Why I want to fill the Emirates stadium with 40,000 people on July 8". Premier Christianity. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ "Thousands respond at JustOne outreach event in London - Inspire Magazine". www.inspiremagazine.org.uk. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ justonedev. "Priestfield". JustOne. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ "JustOne Belfast". Willowfield Church. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ "Just One with J John". 3choirs.org. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ J John, Hillsong, Delirious? and more on GOD TV this Christmas at Christian Today; published 22 December 2009; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ "J. John". Daystar Television.
- ^ Christian TV Set to Blanket United Kingdom with January 5th Launch of TBN UK at Trinity Broadcasting Network; by Colby May; published 29 December 2014; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Behind The Scenes at iTBN; published 6 January 2015; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Preacher attracts thousands at BBC; published 23 April 2008; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Interview with Archbishop Justin Welby at The Diocese of Canterbury; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ The Ten Commandments: Are they still relevant? at Christian Today;published 16 August 2010; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Canon J.John at Huffington Post UK; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Six reasons why I believe Halloween is far from harmless at Mirror; published 30 October 2014; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Will Christians swing the 2010 UK election? at The BBC; by Justin Parkinson; published 21 April 2010; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Sorted's Regular Columnists at Sorted Magazine; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ J John: Culture in Britain has changed, now opposes Christians at Christian Today; by Ruth Gledhill; published 7 November 2014; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ Thousands flock to J. John's tent at Church Times; published 2 November 2006; retrieved 7 July 2015
- ^ J John hopes to pack 'em in again at Coventry Telegraph; published 5 November 2003; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ Revd Canon J.John at The Order of St Leonard; retrieved 23 June 2015
- ^ J.John: The Family Man at Live! An Evening with J.John and Friends; by Saul Waldram; published 3 September 2009; retrieved 12 August 2015
External links
- English evangelicals
- Writers from London
- 1958 births
- English self-help writers
- English people of Greek descent
- Living people
- Television evangelists
- Alumni of Middlesex University
- Alumni of St John's College, Nottingham
- English theologians
- English Christians
- English evangelists
- 21st-century English writers
- Christian writers
- Nurses from London
- Holders of a Lambeth degree
- Clergy from London