John Tekautz

Born where and when: Devil's Lake, North Dakota When: September 11, 1957

Family stats: Married to Tereasa for 27 years. Two Daughters, both college students.

How I met my spouse: I was visiting my parents who were the Pastors at the Salvation Army in Muskegon while on a holiday break from college. There was some event at the church (neither of us remember what the event was) where I first laid eyes on my sweetie.

Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Arts Ministry, Discernment

Education: Graduated from Topeka High School, Associates of Practical Ministry from Olivet Nazarene College, Commissioned from The Salvation Army School For Officers' Training. Other continuing college course work.

How I ended up at Kainay: We were part of a new church start up in Holland, Michigan for seven years. We had attended Kainay a few times before that church started regular Sunday services. I even subbed for Kainay's keyboard player a couple of times. For a number of reasons, God released us from that church and after visiting a number of Muskegon area churches we landed at Kainay.

FAVORITE:
Music: All kinds, depends on the mood. Mostly Contemporary Christian Music though I also enjoy listening to Jazz, Country, R&B Gospel, Classical, Classic Rock and the occasional Polka.
Album: Too many to list here: Keith Green So You Want To Go Back to Egypt, Third Day Offerings: A Worship Album.
Artist: Tie between Keith Green & Steven Curtis Chapman
Movie or movies: Groundhog Day because the moral of that story is that only a life lived for others is a life worth living.
Food: Anything except bugs. Really! Home cooked preferred to restaurant cooking.
Cartoon Character: Charlie Brown
Book of the Bible: Romans -- everything we need to live the Christian life is there.

How I spend my days off: Dating my wife, riding my motorcycle, preferably with Tereasa with me.

My very first jobs were: Working in the mail room at the Veterans' Hospital in Topeka, KS, Selling pianos & organs and giving music lessons.

The most powerful book that I've read: After the Bible, M. Scott Peck's People of the Lie. And Emerson Eggerichs' Love & Respect.

Best childhood memory: One Christmas my Grandmother Finnell visited my family when I was 12.

Nobody knows that: I can wiggle my nose

Best way to make me laugh: Tell me a really good joke.

Favorite word or phrase: Groovy

Best gift that I ever received: A Bible from my Grandmother Finnell

IF ONLY:
I could meet: Joseph -- I'd like to know how he maintained his faithfulness during years of unjust slavery and imprisonment.

One thing I can't stand: Inconsiderate people.

How I became a Christian: I grew up a pastor's kid. Somewhere in my very young youth I believed in Jesus for my salvation but I do not have a clear memory of the exact moment. I have had several major recommitments to Christ during my adult life.

I'd describe my faith as: very much alive and growing. I'm still discovering many areas that God isn't finished with me yet.

I can't wait to ask Jesus face-to-face: I believe that at our resurrection we will understand everything perfectly and clearly. I expect to be so in awe to be in the perfect presence of God that it will be tens of thousands of years before a question even occurs to me!

I'd like prayer for: God's direction for our church family.

What I would like to say to the people of Kainay: There are very few great churches and I believe Kainay is absolutely one of them. Kainay has a real heart for the people Jesus cared for most: lost, hurting and broken people. What an incredible calling we have as a church body, worthy of giving every effort and resource we are able. You are among the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege of knowing much less doing ministry with.