Others. That singular focus summarizes the 35 years of contagious passion that “Pastor Johnny” imparted to First Baptist Church Woodstock and the countless lives across the globe his preaching and shepherding have touched. While the church experienced significant growth under his leadership, it is growth of the person, not the platform, that makes an eternal difference.

 Foremost among the “others” he lives for are his wife of over 50 years, Janet; his two daughters, Deanna and Hollie; his four grandchildren, Katie, Carson, Hope and Addie and the newest addition to the family, his great-grandson and namesake, Hank Marshall.

Pastor Johnny served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Woodstock for 33 years. He also served at Lavonia Baptist Church in Mooresboro, North Carolina, Falls Baptist Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and his home church, Longleaf Baptist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Pastor Johnny’s educational credits include a BA in Religion from Gardner-Webb College where he was voted “Ministerial Student of the Year” in 1979. He continued onto Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1982. He has also received several honorary Doctorates over the years for his work in ministry.