October 3, 2026
MARIETTA, Ga. — John Hull, pastor of Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta has a rich and distinguished biography. He is the son of a Baptist pastor, grew up in Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia, where he met Sharon Brown, who became his wife after he received his master’s degree from Liberty University. John and Sharon began their married life at First Baptist Church in Atlanta.
This month Eastside Baptist Church is honoring the Hulls for two significant anniversaries – 40 years of marriage and 40 years in the Gospel ministry. Frontline Response is also recognizing Hull for his leadership with their Christian/humanitarian ministry designed to help get people out of circumstances or situations that they are unable to get out of on their own.
Forty years ago, John Hull planted Mountain View Church in West Cobb County. For more than a decade he poured his life into that fellowship. Current Mountain View Pastor Bryon Morgan testified, “God used John Hull to establish a strong, healthy church through his verse-by-verse exposition of the Word of God and his commitment to missions.”
In 1993 Hull was called to be the lead pastor of Canada’s largest church, the People’s Church in Toronto and had a nationally syndicated television ministry.
Brett McBride, who now serves as the lead pastor of the Toronto church, commented, “John Hull is known by our people for his integrity, leadership, prayer, and teaching ministry. Much love to you and Sharon from all of us at People’s Church. You will always have a welcome home here.” It was during Hull’s ministry in Toronto that he received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
After seven years at People’s Church, John Hull was asked by John Maxwell to become the president and CEO of EQUIP, a nonprofit organization that develops effective international Christian leaders. EQUIP is the largest and most comprehensive grass-roots leadership/personal growth and development organization in the world. Hull was convinced that all leadership principles EQUIP taught needed to have an authentic biblical foundation.
While Hull was CEO of EQUIP, Maxwell complimented him by saying, “John Hull is a remarkably gifted man who is making a difference in countless lives worldwide. Most of all, I appreciate his heart for people. I’ve always been proud to have him represent me, so much so that if you want a picture of how I would personally lead, I’d tell you to look at him.”
Under Hull’s leadership, EQUIP trained over 6 million leaders in 177 countries with the curriculum in 67 languages. In 2008 Maxwell asked Hull to become the interim president of INJOY Stewardship Services While leading both INJOY and EQUIP, Hull was responsible for over 20 million in revenue.
In 2013 Hull became the CEO of CrossPoint TV and the host of 100 Huntley Street, Canada’s longest running daily television show, highlighting amazing stories of people – some famous and some just everyday people – who have had life-changing encounters with God.
In 2015 Hull became one of the interim preachers at Eastside Baptist Church during a time of pastoral transition, but on December 15 the church called him to be their lead pastor. Through his vast experience in leadership, he has helped the church develop a 20-year vision for Eastside that will provide a multifaceted ministry for the congregation and help the church claim the next generation for Christ.
John is also invested in Frontline Response, a much-needed ministry that addresses some of the most challenging concerns of the present day. Since the advent of the new millennium our nation has far too many people trapped in the darkness of sex-trafficking and homelessness. In 2003 Frontline Response was founded to meet some of these great needs. John Hull became the chairman of the board for this ministry in the greater Atlanta area. Their stated purpose is: “To be ambassadors for Jesus Christ, with God making His appeal through us for the world to be reconciled to Him.”
Frontline Response has now assisted nearly 1,500 out of sex trafficking and transitioned over 1,000 men, women, and children out of homelessness and has provided prevention programming to more than 600 youth facing adversity in overlooked communities throughout Metro Atlanta. This month representatives from Frontline Response come to Eastside to participate in honoring Pastor Hull for his leadership in their strategic ministry.
This month Eastside will join thousands of other Southern Baptist Churches to show appreciation to their pastor. The members are urged to give a love offering to their pastor during the Sundays of October.
The members of Eastside love their pastor and his wife as evidenced in the following remarks.
Ray Farmer commented, “John and Sharon are great examples of being called by the Lord in ministry and marriage together. They are role models for all married couples to serve the lord as a team.
John’s longevity as a pastor is inspiring in this day where Christian leaders remain under attack as they preach the gospel. His passion for the Word of God provides a positive influence for Christ followers. We are fortunate to have pastors like him in our denomination. Those that continue in their work while others suffer from burnout are to be commended.”
Johnnie Orton explained, “John is one of the most effective spiritual leaders in Christian ministry today. He provides challenging and fulfilling opportunities for his team to grow and develop their own ministry skills. He's such a loving man of God with such a natural sense of humor! To know John is to love him.”
Clyde Upchurch added, “John Hull preaches the Word of God with no exceptions. He has the heart of a servant leader. He helps his staff, leaders, and members in their own walk with God. He seeks God in establishing a vision for our church. He presents the Gospel at every service. He is available to all people. He has a great sense of humor; and he loves people.”
Many have said, “John Hull saw in me something in my life I did not see myself and thereby helped me reach my potential.”
Eastside proves that a church doesn’t have to wait until its pastor retires to recognize his life-changing work.
Share with others
