John Gooch
About me
John isn’t quite what some would think of when thinking of a minister. Entering the ministry later in life, John accepted Jesus into his life in 1990 at the age of 39 at Kentwood Christian Church where he served in several capacities. During that time frame, his love for the motorcycle community and Jesus led him into taking the Word into the local motorcycle clubs. That evangelistic desire became his passion resulting in his accepting his call to ministry in 2000, graduating from Great Lakes Christian College with a Bachelors of Religious Education and starting Roadbed Ministries Inc., an outreach ministry to bikers and truckers. Keeping his close relationship with KCC, John also serves as the Adult Bible Education Minister.
One of the most notable points about John’s life is until age 37; he had never lived anywhere longer than three years. Born into a military family, John upon graduating from high school followed his father’s footsteps into the military life. He served in the U. S. Navy submarine forces for thirteen years attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer and earning several degrees and awards along the way. Marrying his high school sweetheart Amy in 1971, they have two sons, Scott and Seth, of whom they along with their families are very proud of.
John believes strongly in the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ as his own experiences in drugs, alcohol, the sometimes violent world of motorcycling and his subsequent redemption attests. No one is beyond the love of Christ and he believes it is the responsibility of Jesus’ followers to take that good news out to them. He couples relationship evangelism, a passion for preaching and teaching God’s Word and a love for people to reach out to a very difficult part of today’s society as well as serve at KCC. This all works together as John feels today’s church, more than ever, needs to strongly disciple those who come to Christ through sound biblical teaching and mentorship.
Whether John and Amy are riding their motorcycles with Roadbed, filling in at the pulpit or helping organize and equip teachers to disciple others, John sees Kentwood Christian Church as critical link in God’s plan for its community. His belief in that is summed up in the tattoo on his right arm, a cross with John 3:16 emblazoned beneath it.