Today the popular Tuesday Spotlight returns to Zonegathering.com! And we kick it off with a very well-loved NCCer– John Purcell. John has invested his time and energy into many areas of service at NCC. You’ve probably seen him at all three locations playing guitar with the worship team. And for several semesters, he led a guitar small group. Now, John is bringing his administrative and hospitality gifts to Alpha where he serves as the administrator. Alpha is the launching pad for our discipleship strategy at NCC, and John leads that team with great energy and passion to see people come to Christ. Each week, he coordinates food teams, prayer teams, greeting teams, and small group leaders for Alpha, who in turn serve around 60-70 people who are asking questions about faith. I love John’s servant heart and his odd sense of humor, and I’m so thankful for his leadership.
Today, we talk to John about life, ministry, and VH-1.
How long have you attended NCC? What brought you to NCC?
I’ve been attending NCC for nearly five years. One of the first times I visited, Pastor Mark delivered a message about stepping out in faith. He said that God wouldn’t have parted the Red Sea if Moses hadn’t stepped into the water first. That’s when I knew that I had to take my own step of faith … to follow Christ and become a part of this church and community.
Tell us a little about the small groups and/or ministries that you lead and how that experience has impacted you.
I’m coordinating Alpha this semester, and that is a huge step of faith. My natural tendency has been to do everything on my own, but with Alpha, that’s impossible. Instead, I’ve trusted God to provide a team of smart, hard-working volunteers with great attitudes, and I’ve been blessed beyond anything I could have asked for.
Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
You can usually find me at Ballston as part of the worship team.
When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I decided to start following Christ as an adult after a very long battle with a terrible illness. I was fortunate to finally be cured through major surgery. I realized that God was giving me a second chance, and I knew I’d better make the most of it.
Tell us a little about your background.
I grew up in Falls Church, Virginia. My family still lives there, so it’s really easy to go home for the holidays. My sister, Mary, is an artist – both by training and temperament. I, however, couldn’t draw a good stick-figure to save my life. I graduated from George Mason University with a business degree.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
James 2:14-26
What are your favorite books?
Sun Also Rises
What are your favorite movies?
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
What is your favorite fast food?
I love Steak Fajita burritos from Chipotle.
What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?
I played center on my 8th grade basketball team. My nickname was “Sunday Silence†because I ran like a horse.
Tell us a little about your day job. What is your dream job?
I’m a computer/accounting geek for IBM in Fairfax. When I was younger, my dream was to be a guitar player in a heavy-metal band. I wanted to grow my hair long and move to LA. Looking back, I’m glad that didn’t happen because I would’ve ended up on an embarrassing VH-1 special.
Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)
Pastor Mark says that faith is a willingness to look foolish. I’m really bad at this (I can’t even play charades without getting angry), and I respect anyone who has figured it out … that includes pretty much everyone on the NCC Pastoral staff. So, yeah, if you can get up in front of a crowd and look silly for a while, you’re my hero.
What do you do in your free time?
I’ve been known to go to aerobics classes once in a while. I also love roller coasters.
In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?
Topher Grace would play me. Ashton Kutcher would play Pastor Mark.
What is your favorite Pastor Markism?
I like all his references to the Reticular Activating System.
In addition to all of that, John has coordinated Angel Tree, which has been a tremendous blessing to both the children and families, as well as the NCC community group leaders at Christmastime.
...Jana!
March 6th, 2007
I’m just hoping John doesn’t answer those calls to join a pentecostal ska band.
nathan.
March 7th, 2007