John Riner
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR
Who are you?
I enjoy good friendships, good music, and good coffee. I am most passionate about being God’s son. Two of my greatest joys are seeing lost sheep “get found” by Jesus and for those sheep to become shepherds. I love watching OLCC become a community of people intimate with You, connected to one another, and pursuing redemptive relationships with people who need Jesus.
Family? I am married to an amazing woman, Darcy. I love no human being like I love her. She and my two boys, Alec and Joel, are the joys of my life. We love hanging out, building stuff, and playing sports.
Ministry experience/passion?
I have been discipling young guys for 20+ years. I am continually drawn to pour into their lives so they will find and follow Jesus. In college, I was involved in Campus Crusade, in graduate school I helped to lead a coffee house called the Areopagus - an outreach on the North Shore of Chicago to high school students. I moved to Oklahoma City in 1995 and was on staff at Bridgeway Church, leading a network of college House Churches. I now serve as the Adult Discipleship Pastor at OLCC where I lead the network of Adult Community Groups and D-Groups.
Favorite music?
Some of these are heroes, some inspire me; some open my heart to the deep things of God. U2, Rich Mullins, The Who, Passion worship, Brad Kilman, Don Chaffer, and on occasion a little Mozart or Beethoven is needed.
Favorite books?
Anything by John Grisham, C.S. Lewis, Larry Crabb, John Piper
Desiring God
Ragamuffin Gospel
Shattered Dreams
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Favorite food?
Steak (you can't beat a good steak!)
My Mom's macaroni and cheese (from scratch)
An occasional #2 Value Meal from McD's hits the spot
Chocolate
Favorite hobby?
Playing golf, basketball, soccer ... really anything with a ball where you can score and beat somebody else
Following Ohio State football
Hanging with good friends
Hero?
My Mom - she just does not stop praying. I think that's a good life.
Random facts about you:
I have a deep love for Oreo cookies and milk before going to bed. It's a good bet that I've consumed 10,000 Oreos in my lifetime. That's wild to think about.