Pastor John A. Jackson is a native of Marion, N.C. He was educated in the McDowell County public schools. Upon graduation, he relocated to Winston-Salem, N.C. to further study at Winston-Salem State University, Forsyth Technical Institute, and Winston-Salem Bible College. He received an Honorary Doctorate from St. Augustine De Leon Bible Institute and Seminary and the Adam Clayton Powell "Award of Excellence in Ministry".

He has been ministering for 22 years. He has served for the past 15 years as Senior Pastor of the Goodwill First Baptist Church in Madison, N.C.

Pastor Jackson is committed to serving God's people, regardless of ethnic background or status. His desire is that the people of the Goodwill community and surrounding communities, become knowledgeable of the Word of God, and serve him in spirit and in truth. His focus is to meet the total needs of individuals. Pastor Jackson has proven himself to be a minister of God and a servant of the people.

His "Vision 2000" is for a new sanctuary that will seat 1200 and a family outreach center that will be accessible to the entire community. This vision will be an asset to the work of the ministry. "To God be the glory for what He has done and is doing and will do in the future for the Goodwill First Baptist Church and community."

He is married to Hazel McGill Jackson and they are the parents of Lolita, John II and Eric. They have a daughter-in-law, Kyhana, who is the wife of John II. They are also the grandparents of John III and Chelsea Melia.