He thought he wanted to teach. It sounded like a good opportunity. But the first time John Darrow was standing in the front of a classroom, he wasn't quite sure what to say. Five sentences came out-- and there was still an hour left in the class.

Today, John is a teacher. It is his heart and his passion.

If you walk into the junior high room on Sunday morning, you cant help but notice a group of bright, involved teens riveted by their leader, who is barely distinguishable from his students. John Darrow works with the junior high students on Sunday mornings. Listening, laughing and helping them learn about Christ.

He says it's his passion to lead young people to the Lord and equip them with the tools necessary to make the right decisions during what could be a difficult time in their lives.

John Darrow's passion is to lead young people to the Lord and equip them with the tools necessary to make the right decisions during what could be a difficult time in their lives.

John believes that the behaviors kids learn in middle school helps shape them for the rest of their lives.

John admits junior high was a challenging time for him. His experiences during those challenging teen years give him a unique understanding of what the students are going through. John believes that the behaviors kids learn in middle school helps shape them for the rest of their lives.

For his students, junior high camp is a pivotal time in their lives. Students are away from their parents, their friends and their normal environments. They are in the Word of God through a variety of activities for an entire week. He says after the week, the young people are on fire for the Lord. Often, when they return from camp, their lives are changed and their hearts transformed.

At the age of 28, John is very busy. He works a full-time job that often requires more than 40-hours per week. In addition to working full time, John teaches the Christian Essentials class in the evening at the Rock Church. Christian Essentials is the first step toward completion of the periodic table of discipleship. He loves the questions from new believers. He says there have been very few he couldn't answer. "All of the answers are in the Bible," he says.

A full-time job, junior high ministry on Sunday and Christian Essentials during the week... how does he do it all? John says he is motivated by seeing people grow in their relationship with Christ.

"I look forward to it. The desire to see people grow in Christ motivates me. It is refreshing to help equip others to grow in their walk. I also enjoy challenging people to take other classes."

And through his work ethic, he is inspiring others who are watching him.

"One of the tools that John used in his class helped equip me to lead high school students. I now use the curriculum to challenge the young men in my Bible study to go deeper in their faith." says Senior High Pastor-in-Training, Stephen Land.

John says he is just doing what God has called him to do.