On May 9, 1964, a man was born who has become a significant voice in the Body of Christ in the 21st century.  John E. Guns, born to Dr. Frank and Reverend Quincey, is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia where he a ttended and graduated from Frederick Military Academy in 1982 and Norfolk State University in 1988 with honors.  With a desire to effectively minister to his generation, he followed family footsteps and attended the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University.  In 1991 he completed the Masters of Divinity program and now he continues his pursuit of knowledge as a Doctoral of Ministry candidate at Virginia Union University.

Dr. Guns in understanding the importance of relationships and partnership met in 1984 and eventually married in 1986, the former Melissa Ann Spellman.  Throughout the course of their marriage together they experience ministry at the Union Bethel Baptist church, Chesapeake, Virginia and now the Saint Paul Church of Jacksonville, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida. 

As his partner, First Lady Melissa Guns has worked diligently with children, which is her personal passion.  At the present she leads the Ministers’ Wives of Saint Paul, nurturing and guiding them in becoming helpful to their spouses.  Coupled with this, she leads her own business as a Sales Director in Mary Kay and she provides loving support to her husband and motherly nurture to their daughter, Alexis Michelle. 

Dr. Guns has been privileged to preach not only in some of the leading churches in America but as well to stand and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to thousands in some of the more significant Christian gatherings.  He has served as the morning preacher, Hampton Ministers’ Conference in 2000, the C.A.W. Clark Preaching Hour for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the National Winter Meeting for the AME Zion Church.  A long with such preaching honors he has received several local, state and national awards.  

And though he now leads a thriving congregation in the urban core of Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Guns continues to seek God personally as well as professionally. He passionately seeks to grow through reading and reflection. He's authored several books that are still in demand.

Dr. Guns is a strong confident leader who courageously lives out vision.  We are grateful for the leadership of our Pastor and deeply value him for the Man of God that he is.