John Mccallum

John McCallum has been writing things since elementary school. From his 5th-grade theme entitled "What I Would Do with A Million Dollars," to his 7th-grade term paper on the Olympics, to his speech at 8th-grade graduation, to numerous book reports in English classes, to writing "I will not pull Susie's hair" 100 times on the chalkboard, to countless papers to earn his philosophy degree from the University of Arkansas, John has been writing for years. Most of the writing in his adult years have been Sunday sermons and innumerable Bible studies and personal notes to his congregations for 37 years. In 2009, he started a blog, "Life at the Altar," [www.johnmccallum.blogspot.com] in which he writes about all kinds of stuff.

How the Lord Sent Christmas, John's first book, was published in 2015. It's a Dr. Seuss-ical retelling of the Christmas story (with a little sanctified imagination thrown in). This book is out of print at this time, but used copies may be available. Or contact the author if you would like to purchase this book.

McCallum's second book, published in 2018, is The 23rd Pastor: Shepherding in the Spirit of Our Shepherd Lord. This is a book for pastors who want to reengage their call to shepherd God's people. The 23rd Pastor is more a soul-book than just another how-to handbook for pastors. It explores the pastoral life using the rich images of Psalm 23 as a guide.

In January 2021, McCallum published a new book titled Revealed: The Sweeping Story of Revelation. The book traces the large story of Revelation from the Jesus you may not know to the New Jerusalem. Meet the hero, the villains, and God's cosmic battle to destroy evil and save, seal, and deliver his children.

John has been married to Dayna for 41 years. They enjoy their two children and seven grandchildren. His children and grandchildren have supplied much grist for the mill in his preaching and writing.

John received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and his M.Div. and D. Min. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Having served in church staff positions from 1975-1981, John has served as a Senior Pastor since 1982 and has been pastor of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas for more than 23 years. While John loves the title "Pastor," he most treasures the titles "child of God" and "follower of Jesus."