• Phone: (912) 764-5627
• Married to Cynthia
• Children: Trisha & Marquis Thomas, Bethany & Shane Gilliam
• Hometown: Warner Robins, GA

As pastor of First Baptist Church Statesboro, Dr. Waters regularly exhibits his unique ability to embrace and love the diverse families and people that comprise the congregation. His wholehearted love for God is shown daily through his winsome personality, his relevant and biblical preaching, and his commitment to lead First Baptist Church Statesboro. 
 
Raised in a military family, John grew up in various parts of the world and came to know Christ young in life while attending a mission church in Tachikawa, Japan. He enjoys reading novels by Ken Follet and Daniel Silva, and his hobbies are photography, fountain pens, and international travel. 
 
Before coming to FBC Statesboro, Dr. Waters served as vice president at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia. He began preaching at age 19 and has pastored churches in Dublin, GA; Patillo, TX; Bethune, SC; Perry, GA; and Sylvania, GA. John earned his Bachelor of Ministry in 1986 from Brewton-Parker College, his Master of Divinity in 1989 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry in 1997 from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. 
 
The life verse for John comes from the writings of Paul: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).