Dr. John McCartt Executive Pastor

Dr. McCartt joined the Lavon Drive Baptist Church staff in June of 1972 as Assistant Pastor in charge of the School ministry. After founding Garland Christian Academy, Dr. McCartt assumed more pastoral responsibilities and in 1992 the church called him as Co-Pastor. Presently he serves as the Executive Pastor. Prior to his service at Lavon Drive, Dr. McCartt served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pikeville, Tennessee and as administrator of Panama City Christian School in Panama City, Florida. Dr. McCartt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee Temple College, a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. McCartt was one of the founders of the American Association of Christian Schools (www.aacs.org) and presently serves as President of the Texas Organization of Christian Schools. He also serves on the board of the North American Christian School Accrediting Agency.

Pastor McCartt was saved on June 16, 1957 at the First Baptist Church of Whitesville, West Virginia. He entered Tennessee Temple College immediately after completing high school and subsequently entered the ministry through the influence of the college. A commitment to Christian education resulted in a redirection of his ministry in 1967 as he became actively involved in the growing Christian Day School movement. Since then, his ministry has been a dual one of pastoral responsibilities and educational leadership.

Dr. McCartt’s wife Helen is also a graduate of Tennessee Temple and has been involved in the church and school ministry as pastor’s wife, teacher and school Librarian. They have three children: Terri, Mark, and Michelle. Their children, along with their five grandchildren all live in the Dallas area. In their time away from pastoral and school duties, the McCartt’s like to travel and enjoy using their travel trailer.