Name: John (Lindy) Carnett
Graduation Year: 1991 Evangel; 2005 AGTS
Major: Biblical Studies
Current Position: Pastor, Restoration Church St. Peters, Missouri
City and State: O’Fallon, Missouri
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I graduated from Evangel University with a B.A. in Biblical Studies in 1991 and then went on to receive a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (2005).
I am a fourth-generation ordained minister (2003) with the Assemblies of God. For the last 20 years, I have pastored Restoration Church in St. Peters, Missouri.
Since graduating from Evangel and beginning in ministry thirty years ago, I started out as a summer chaplain in Sequoia – King’s Canyon National Park, California. I was the first person from Evangel to serve with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. I then went on to be a staff pastor for ten years.
I co-authored with Evangelist Dr. Sam Farina the book P50 – My 50 Day Journey to Empowered Living (now in its third printing), a book which brings people to the understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I served seven years as Presbyter in the Northern Missouri District and have been on numerous boards. I was involved in the Critical Thinker’s Group out of Miami, Florida and Acton University led by the think tank The Acton Institute, Grand Rapids, MI. I am currently an Executive Presbyter and District Secretary of the Northern Missouri District Council Assemblies of God. I have taught college level courses and have preached/lectured in churches and at conferences within the Midwest and overseas.
Above all of that, God has given me a compelling testimony of His wonderful grace and redemption after being involved in a motorcycle accident that nearly claimed my life four years after graduating from Evangel. Outside of church and family, my interests are snow-skiing, beekeeping, photography, Middle East archaeology, and travel.
I am married to my best friend and true love, Robin (Bornert). Our joy has been made complete with three sons, John Addison, Ethan, and Gavin.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
My two favorite memories are both from my senior year. In the fall, K3S The Neighborhood won the Football Intramurals Championship. More importantly, in the spring, I met my wife at the water fountain in Burgess Hall.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
My first day at Evangel my freshman year, I signed up as a Bible Major. I knew what God had called me to do, but it would take the shaping I received at Evangel to see it come to fruition. Having teachers like Gary Liddle, both Dr. Edwards, Dr. McLean, and Dr. Berg shaped me. Having Campus Pastor Dwight Colbaugh as my advisor challenged me. He asked me tough questions that made really think about my call and made me work through how I was going trust God to see it realized. I went to Evangel a young, energetic, foolish young man. I left there having matured greatly because of the influence of these great men and women of God. Later, at AGTS, my favorite teacher, now Evangel President Dr. Mike Rakes, focused my pursuit in ministry and planted me firmly on the discipline of practicing God’s presence.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
Being born into a Christian family and being surrounded by the church my entire upbringing, I didn’t have much reference of a wider worldview than the church. Evangel opened me up to that wider worldview. Not an un-Christian one, but rather one that helped me to understand the fundamental role Jesus must play in our lives daily. The greatest thing I learned at Evangel that prepared me, even for pastoring, is the fact that we have to integrate our faith, learning, and life. We have to let Jesus be present and active in all areas, not just on Sundays.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Get wisdom and understanding. Knowledge is helpful, but knowledge alone is all you are going to obtain from reading a book or listening to a lecture. The trick is to take all of those books and lectures and transform them into wisdom and understanding by asking the tough questions and forcing the difficult answers. Wisdom and understanding are more valuable in the workplace because it encompasses working the job, working with people, understanding the true purpose, and being the best representative of Christ you can be as a light in the darkness.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Self-starter with a pleasant personality, but more importantly, a life-long learner. Someone who knows they will never know it all and is willing to keep digging and learning. I have hired a lot of people over the years. The ones who make it are the ones who continue to learn.
