Dr. John Allen Newman
Pastor John Allen Newman is a dynamic preacher, teacher, counselor and leader, whose focus in ministry is the integration of faith and life. Throughout his tenure as Senior Pastor of The Sanctuary@ Mt. Calvary in Jacksonville, Florida, his has been a ministry different from others. It is his desire to empower those with whom he has the opportunity to share, the importance of self examination on the path to becoming better.
Pastor Newman has been called upon to provide leadership to business organizations on a local and national scale. His communication skills and his ability to make listeners feel at ease in his presence have led others to seek him for direction and guidance. His warm and inviting spirit make it comfortable for persons from all walks of life feel at ease in conversation with him. From his church members to community leaders to executives in our national government, Pastor Newman prides himself on being a top-notch communicator.
The ministry of life enhancement and interpersonal skill development that Pastor Newman preaches and teaches are so astounding that he also has a presence in the continent of Africa. In a setting of hundreds of distinguished pastors and others at the Progressive National Convention, a nationwide gathering in Orlando, Florida, Bishop Japheth Omucheyi approached Pastor Newman, who had just delivered a powerful message to the audience, and asked that he accept the challenge of pastoring sixty (60) churches located in Kenya and Uganda. Humbled by the request, Pastor Newman after much prayer, thought and consideration, agreed to be the United States leader to these churches and pastors. He makes regular visits several times a year to provide medical, spiritual, emotional and economic support.
Pastor Newman, a well-rounded man has always had an interest in helping people become better and ensuring that they were treated fairly. As a political activist, while still a college Student, he advocated for migrant workers' protection. From 1984 - 1988, he worked with the Jesse Jackson presidential campaign as chairman for the Northeast Florida area. He was the initiator and organizer of the campaign for Nat Glover, the first African American sheriff in the State of Florida. He was additionally active in the Obama 2008 presidential campaign. Pastor Newman is frequently in contact with the White House staff and has attended briefings with Presidential Senior Staffers as well as with President Obama. He has also provided leadership in the election of the first African American Mayor of the City of Jacksonville.
Active in the community and a member of various organizations, Pastor Newman holds or has held memberships with various organizations:
- Education Board of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
- Social Justice Commission of The National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
- Board of Directors of Jacksonville Urban League
Duval County School Board Issue Task Force
The Mayor's Education Council
The Mayor's Council On Community Reconciliation
The Sheriff's Advisory Board
- Board of Directors of Cornerstone Jacksonville
Advisory Board of McKnight Center of Excellence
Jacksonville Together
The First Tee
- The Board of Directors of the Help Center.
He has participated on the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce on issues specifically related to quality of life issues for citizens in our community. He has also served as a political advisor and resource for past Sheriffs and Mayors of our city. Currently he serves as a Mayoral appointee to the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Port Authority.
While pastoring his congregation, Pastor Newman continually stresses the importance of involvement in the goings on of the community and political atmosphere. From attending meetings, writing letters and visiting the offices of the political representatives for the area, Pastor Newman not only involves himself but encourages his parishioners to become involved in the political and economic processes as well.