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Pastor prepares public prayers

‘I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want me to pray for them. They may not even believe in God, but they won’t refuse.’

John Goss, known as Pastor Jack, has been pastor of Faith Community Church in Liberty Twp. since 2001. Goss has been invited by many area organizations, such as the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, to say a prayer at various functions. Staff photo by Samantha Grier

Samantha Grier/Staff photo John Goss, known as Pastor Jack, has been pastor of Faith Community Church in Liberty Twp. since 2001. Goss has been invited by many area organizations, such as the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, to say a prayer at various functions. Staff photo by Samantha Grier

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 6:27 PM Friday, November 6, 2009

LIBERTY TWP. — After 23 years teaching physical education in the East Noble School District in northeast Indiana, John Goss changed careers.

“It wasn’t until I was back in college that I felt that I was on the right path,” said the 58-year-old pastor.

Goss grew up in a Roman Catholic household in Dayton. He had a passion for the church, but knew the Catholic priesthood wasn’t for him. Later in life, he went back to school at Taylor University in Indiana.

On July 1, 2001 — which is also Goss’ birthday and wedding anniversary — he became the pastor of Faith Community Church in Liberty Twp. and the director of the Children’s Center at the church. In 2001, the average number of those attending Sunday service was eight.

Today, the average is 26, with about 40 members.

Known as Pastor Jack, Goss isn’t limited to his church to spreading the word of God.

He’s been invited by many area organizations — such as the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce — to say a prayer at various functions.

Goss said he believes the Christian faith needs to be “practical, logical and reasonable,” which explains his down-to-Earth, engaging approach.

“I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want me to pray for them. They may not even believe in God, but they won’t refuse prayer. All prayer is is talking to God,” Goss said.

“If you’re going to have this relationship with God, it ought to make sense, and that’s where public prayer comes in. It’s making sense out of everyday existence,” he said.

Goss usually starts a public prayer with an ice breaker.

“If you want people to feel anything, you got to get them to tune in,” he said. “If you’re interested in making a sensitive point with them, and you’re going to in prayer, you better have their attention.”

“God’s got a sense of humor, I mean he put me in charge of Faith Community Church,” Goss said.

“He’s the god that created skunks.”

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