This breakout offers a practical roadmap for residents or new college directors, covering key areas like vision, strategy, campus presence, and small groups. This session is extremely practical and is full of lessons learned the hard way. You’ll learn what’s worth your time, what’s not, and how to avoid common early mistakes.
This session was recorded live at Roundup 2026, a gathering of college ministry leaders hosted by the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention.
John is the college pastor at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. He serves at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Business degree in 2015 and from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2025. John is married to Meleena James, and they have two sons, Owen and Oliver. John is a longtime member of the Round Up Network and is passionate about coaching new leaders to build evangelistic momentum on their campuses. John has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2014.